- Project: Toca Madera
- Architect: Davis Ink
- Location: United States, West Hollywood, California
- Year: 2015
- Area: 418 m2
An Architectural Nod to Cultural Superstition
The phrase “Toca Madera” — meaning “knock on wood” in Spanish — is more than just a colloquialism to ward off bad luck. It evokes ancient traditions, where civilizations like the Celts believed that spirits dwelled within trees and could offer protection when touched. This deep-rooted superstition becomes a subtle conceptual thread woven through the interior narrative of Toca Madera by DavisInk, where old beliefs are transformed into modern design language.
DavisInk’s Signature: Immersive, Provocative Dining Spaces
DavisInk, a cutting-edge design studio renowned for high-impact hospitality interiors, reimagines what it means to dine out at Toca Madera. Originally opened in Los Angeles in 2015 and now operating in Scottsdale, Las Vegas, and Houston, Toca Madera’s expansion is matched by an evolution in experiential design.
Each location offers a rich, multi-sensory experience with:
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Atmospheric Ambiance: DavisInk crafts a visually captivating environment featuring fire dancers, lush greenery, moody lighting, and organic textures that stimulate curiosity and comfort.
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Sustainable Dining: Toca Madera’s menu champions sustainability, offering bold Mexican flavors across vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free dishes. Every dish is as visually stunning as the environment in which it is served.
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Crafted Cocktails: A standout feature is the farm-to-glass bar program, showcasing premium tequilas, mezcals, and curated global wines — all served within visually arresting surroundings that DavisInk meticulously tailors to enhance the brand’s identity.
A Harmonious Fusion of Music and Meaning
The spirit of “Toca Madera” also lives in the world of music. Spanish singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat famously captured this sentiment in his 1992 track Toca Madera from the album Utopía. Using lyrics like “Cruza los dedos, toca madera” (“Cross your fingers, touch wood”), the song explores the universal human impulse to invoke fortune through ritual.
The track has inspired numerous reinterpretations, including a tribute by Cuban singer Vania in Cuba le canta a Serrat, reinforcing the phrase’s emotional and cultural resonance.
Conclusion: Toca Madera by DavisInk is More Than a Restaurant
Toca Madera by DavisInk is a masterclass in transforming space into emotion. With each location, DavisInk reinvents the concept of dining by intertwining superstition, sensory stimulation, and style into a single, unforgettable experience.
