THE RITZ

Evening Star, Issue 19128, 21 December 1925, Page 4

THE RITZ

(Published by Arrangement.)

LARGE EXTEHSIOHS COMPLETED

AN AUSPICIOUS OPENING.

Bright eyes, merry laughter, excellent music, good food daintily served amid lovely surroundings—what more could the 'heart of man (or woman either) crave for. Such was the happy experience of the huge crowds who attended the reopening of the Ritz Soda Fountain on Friday night. Not only was every seat occupied by relays the whole evening, but large 'numbers kept arriving and had to wait their turn. It reminded one of the opening night of a popular theatrical performance. At the invitation of Mr F. Carr, the managing director, a representative of this journal was courteously shown the alterations and improvements before the rush set in.

The Ritz, as the name implies, is earned out in the Continental stylo, and, judging by the support it has received, evidently meets with the approval of the public. Messrs F. Carr and E. Cash (the proprietors) commenced business here only six months ago, when accommodation was provided lor sixty guests, but the restaurant quickly gained in popularity, and it was soon evident that more room was required. The management, therefore, has extended the promises right through to the old King’s Theatre, there now being seating *oenmmndation for 200 people. A short- description of the preirnnsa may not. he out of place hero. First, let it he said that no expense has been spared to add to the’comfort and pleasure of patrons. There is a double entrance, with a Continental shop-front, and the first thing that catches the visitor’s eye is a fine assortment, of; high-class confectionery in fancy receptacles—a. now feature in response to many requests hy people wanting sweets. One then passes through swing glass doors into the restaurant proper. The room is high ami well ventilated, the color scheme being black and gold, the smart, pretty waitresses being in neat Early Victorian uniforms of the same colors, the whole effect being very charming; whilst the waiters wear the orthodox spotless while coats. The pretty dark oali tables, with sanitary plate-glass tops are, arranged along each side, and the oak chairs to match arc upholstered in beautiful Rexina leather. The wallpaper lias a rich tapestry design, and it is surmounted by a grape vine frieze.

There arc loadlight windows along the sides of the room with original designs—one representing “our own" Tomahawk, another an old English scene, and yet another an Australian voiw. The floor is covered with a thick super-inlaid marble granite linoleum, which contrasts delightfully with the other furnishings. This linoleum was imported irom Scotland. The first lot ordered was burnt in the fire ■on the k.k. Kent, and this second loti just arrived in time. The illumination in excellent, there being no fewer than fifty lights. They are an ornament in themselves, small round electric globes being attached to brass candelabra, and each has a pretty fancy shade. Palms in handsome bronze bowls are here and there, and statuettes give a finishing touch, the whole effect being rich, but not gaudy. At the rear of the restaurant there is a handsomely draped stage, with a lovely loadlight window at the hack representing three parakeets. This stage is for the oreneetra.

The management has been fortunate in securing the services of the Octagon Picture Theatre Orchestra, and this will give selections every afternoor from 3 to ff o’clock. The performer! are Messrs J. Yule (violin), J. MfCaw (saxophone and clarinet), J. Law (banjo and ’cello), E. Andrews (marimba and drums), whilst Miss I. Bell presides at the piano. The Ritz management possesses a fine set of instruments—marimba, drums, and effects. They were specially imported from America. The drums have a black obony case, and are beautifully handpainted. An orchestra will also he in attendance on Friday and Saturday nights.

There are well-appointed retiring rooms for patrons, and a rest room is provided for members of the staff. Mr Carr has had Australian experience of restaurants, and was latterly director of the Majestic, Ltd.. Napier. He is an expert ice-cream manufacturer, and had the honor of supplying the ice cream used when the L’nitre of Y'ales was entertained at Government House and the Town Hall, ’Wellington, and on H.M.S. Renown. Mr Cash has been with Mr Carr for eight years. The Ritz has been very popular with visitors who are here for the Exhibition and have taken furnished rooms. Often they do not require a high dinner, and find everything they require at this restaurant, it is open from 9.90 a.m. to 11 ~90 p.m. week days, and from d p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Besides morning teas, lunches, altornoon teas, and suppers, iee creams, all kinds of refreshing soft drinks, strawberries and cream, fruit salads, and frozen dainties are obtainable, not forgetting the famous and deservedly popular Hi I z coffee. Asked what he considered was chiefly responsible for the rapid growth in poonlarify of The Ritz, Mr Carr said: “6h, I suppose it. filled a public want. The patrons appreciate the rooms being on the ground floor with no stairs t-o climb. We insist on the stuff treating patrons with civility and courtesy. 1. supervise everything mysolt, and 1 am a groat stickler for cleanliness. What is more, wc sell at modest prices.”

It may be elated here ’that patrons can look into the pantry through bevelled glass swing doors, and <<.•<•> tor themselves that cleanliness prevails. The writer thinks ho might havo added that the handy position in Princes street, just a minute from where all the trams commence their journeys, contributed in no small degree to thoir success.

No visitor should leave Dunedin without, at least once visiting Hiifi tastefully-arranged and well-managed restaurant.

Mr W. H. Dunning was the architect for the alterations, the contractors being the Fletcher Construction Company. Messrs Smith and South supplied" the wallpapers, and the leadlights were earned out by Mr Brock, of the same firm. The Dunedin Plaster Company supplied the ceilings Messrs A. and J. Watt, the tables and chairs, Mr T. Wight window and stage drapings, Mr Alex. Moore the shop fittings, while the whole was under the persona! supervision _of Mr Carr, who deserves credit for the taste displayed. Yesterday and on Saturday largo crowds again were catered for, and the staff had a busy time.