The Courtyard Café–an emerging eatery located on the sprawling banks of Lake Superior–has asked me to create a menu for their grand opening. Believing in both spontanuity and lighthearted-ness, the up and coming chefs/owners had decided to let me have complete creative freedom over the menu design. 

The routes I chose to follow had developed from many things, but functionality, production, and character were key to me. I felt that an outdoor café menu should be able to handle the clumbsiest of guests, as well as Superior's hazardous weather. The sturdy design shouldn't have to burn a hole in the owners pockets either. Lastly, both the clients and myslef agreed that this cafe shouldn't fall prey to the "hipster restauraunt" title. 

First, production materials work factored into the project. After exploring some options, we decided to build the menus manually out of some cheap wood found at the local hardware store. Then, we assembled the menus to the size of our indesign documents using the basic tools we had availble. As a result, each menu has a quirky individaul attitude of it's very own. Finally, we added some ebellishments such as the leather cord boundings and woodburned logo. 

 

P.S. Despite it's rough look, these menu's are 100% sliver free...trust me