ISA is a Sustainably Designed Brooklyn Eatery with a Primitive Modern Twist by Taavo Somer

Take a stroll down Wythe Avenue in Brooklyn and you might notice a cozy, rustic, rather inconspicuous eatery with a simple wood sign announcing <a href="http://isa.gg/isa/">ISA</a>. Designer and restaurateur <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/01/fashion/taavo-somer-moves-on-from-life-downtown.html?pagewanted=all">Taavo Somer</a>, the man behind <a href="http://freemansrestaurant.com/">Freemans</a> and <a href="http://peelsnyc.com/">Peels</a> in Manhattan, has slowly been piecing together the unique atmosphere which he describes as "primitive modernism." Together with chef Ignacio Mattos of <a href="http://www.ilbuco.com/">il Buco</a>, ISA offers a unique dining experience in a sustainably designed space.

Somer was inspired by his family's Estonian background and DIY mentality. He contacted friends who are woodworkers, ceramicists and builders to contribute their skills and slowly, the space began to evolve.

Crafted by skilled artisans, the furniture is custom made from reclaimed wood.

The combination of unique furniture design, geometry and lighting have transformed the reclaimed materials into elegant designs that create a highly refined aesthetic.

Drawing on observations from his former experience in the restaurant industry, Somer made a bold move and decided not to include heating or AC systems in the building. In the photo above, Somer sits with friends by a wood stove that provides heat in the colder months.

The wood-fired oven provides warmth while also churning out a delicious array of specialty breads.

Breads vary on a daily basis and come straight from the wood-fired oven.

All breads and sweet delights are made on site by a talented pastry chef.

Somer explained, "The food is an extension of the interior. My concept was primitive modernism. [Mattos] provides his interpretation of primitive modernism through the food."

Guests can observe Mattos and his crew at work as the kitchen is an open extension of the dining room separated only by a large workspace where final compilation takes place.

The idea of using basic ingredients while also taking the liberty to have fun and experiment, breaking from preconceived notions of what food should be, define the limited menu.

While a little pricier than other area eateries, the rare combination of ingredients combined with the atmosphere make for a unique experience.

If not in the mood to eat but wanting to experience the atmosphere, enjoy a drink at the sleek, 18 foot long bar made from a single piece of reclaimed English Elm.

ISA is located at 348 Wythe Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.