Photo copyright Jason Connel

Easy Seafood originally targeted tourists as its downtown location is very close to several popular attractions. Over the years the Niels discovered that, while getting business from tourists was fairly simple, attracting locals was proving more difficult -- and much more important for the off-season. So they made a decision to shift from a seafood restaurant to a bistro and bar.

By moving to a traditional bistro menu, Erik could elevate the food quality and maintain a more seasonal approach to the restaurant's offerings. Not only that, but he would be able to explore recipes that excite him and draw upon his training in classical French (and New Orleans) cuisine. A traditional bistro has a simple appeal - familiar, warm, inviting and uncomplicated. And by adding an expanded bar area, customers could feel free to relax and enjoy a drink in the company of friends without the larger commitment of a full meal.

Along with this change in the menu, Amanda Niel redesigned the interior of the restaurant to feel more upscale, open and comfortable. Elegant and understated black and white treatments showcase the historic space - simple tables, settings and tiled floors, vintage green highlights and antique mirrors add to the atmosphere. An expanded bar area with sofa seating and more varieties of tables add more seating.

Widgets & Stone was commissioned to work with the Niels and Brian May of Maycreate Idea Group to create the new identity of Easy Bistro & Bar. The design team drew heavily from the designs of traditional French bistros and restaurants in New Orleans' French Quarter. The decorative wrought ironwork featured on many historic homes in New Orleans provided the underlying curvelinear forms of the logo. The dotted treatment brings to mind the bulbs of old fashioned marquee lights and hints at the bright lights of Paris' 18th arrondissment.

The entire visual identity is strategically designed to communicate the bistro atmosphere and traditional French cuisine of Easy through multiple applications. Along with thoughtful placements of the logo on elegant coasters and in the entryway floor tile, various sized menus were designed to printed onsite each day by the chef. The typography on the menus and napkin rings exhibits a 'decorative eclecticism' historically associated with bistros. Napkin rings feature a variety of popular menu items, each in its own typeface.

Love it.

As always, stunningly beautiful work.

Nice work on the new marketing materials. However, I would appreciate it if you would give appropriate credit for the photos you are using.

Just as your images and branding are protected by copyright law so are my images. The food shot above either needs to have a byline that gives credit where credit is due, or removed.

Amanda and Erik have permission to use the images in promotion of their business. That does not extend to promoting your services.

I appreciate you attention to this matter, and seriously I really do like the wonderful job you did for my friends. It is just amazing!

Thank you,
Jason Connel

@ Wigets & Stone: Super-nice work. The first time I saw the new logo and went to eat there, my first reaction was: "at last!"

@ Jason Connel: Don't sweat it too much, (this kind of thing happens all the time - which doesn't make it right). I am sure its an honest mistake. Nice images though!

Thanks for the kudos all -

Jason Connel: you are exactly right about usage rights and credits for photos, but ALL of these photos were taken by our own collaborator Grant Dotson (of www.dotson-studios.com) and he gave us permission to use them. Not sure what is wrong with that. Did you take photos for the Niels and therefore think these were yours? that would make the most sense.

Sorry for the omission of credit, it would have kept things straight.

Ah wait - the FOOD photo! Yes, that is yours... it all makes sense now. Proper credit will be noted!

@Jono: No one is sweating anything. It is not like I called up my lawyer, or sent a bill. You need take it easy.

@Wigets & Stone: I am sorry I was not clear on which photo. I thought you guys might have taken the shots of the materials and restaurant yourself. With your creativity I would have not been surprised if you had. Check out my blog soon. I will definitely make a post about your work. It is really amazing!