Named for the beloved character Ratty from the classic children’s storybook The Wind in the Willows, Rat’s Restaurant in Hamilton, NJ will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time into a cozy French countryside café—offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience you will not soon forget. Whether you start your day with coffee in the café—or pop in for lunch, brunch, happy hour, dinner, or a picnic in the park—Rat’s is a can’t-miss destination for your next visit to Grounds for Sculpture. Learn more at Rat's Restaurant HERE.
I had the pleasure of crafting various elements for Rat's Restaurant and the Epicurean Wine Tasting Events. From the menus and marketing materials to the signage, booklets, and even custom wine labels, I meticulously designed and created everything. Drawing inspiration from whimsical storybook elements, I sought to blend them seamlessly with an air of elegance and sophistication. My goal was to honor the original concept of the story while also elevating the design to match the refined ambiance of a 4-star restaurant.
For the menus, papers, and envelopes, I carefully selected premium materials to enhance the overall experience. I opted for luxurious Mohawk ultra-felt paper, known for its thick and textured feel, as well as its raw edges. To add a touch of sophistication, we employed a screen printing technique using raised metallic gold and black inks. Additionally, we incorporated light gold weathering around the edges, creating a beautiful patina effect. The desired outcome was to achieve a rustic and warm aesthetic that exudes excellence and charm while maintaining its unique shine.
Custom wine box design and wine labels for various Rat's Restaurants wines. Each wine label featured photography of the unique statues located on the Grounds for Sculpture.
Event postcards, brochures and direct mailers.
Each month we created different direct mailers, postcards, and booklets. I also created the booklet for the Epicurean Palette events, which featured local restaurants and wineries. the booklet featured illustrations, maps, vendor descriptions, and advertisements.
