Tag Archives: Alain Ducasse

Dazzling Dorchester London

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One of London’s most revered five-star hotels, opened in 1931, a Grande Dame in a list of London properties, the legendary Dorchester is still a glamorous destination. I’ve always loved the splendid entrance, gazing toward the vast corridor of the dazzling Promenade Restaurant. The lobby spells luxury from the moment you arrive! Towering leafy palms, tufted sumptuous banquettes, flowers designed by noted designer florist, Philip Hammond. The Dorchester ambience is timeless. And the Promenade is one of the best people watching locations in all of London, sip your tea, nosh on petite sandwiches or a sumptuous breakfast; gaze about, it’s an elegant playground of grand international sightseeing!

Promenade Restaurant at The Dorchester London

Did you know Prince Philip hosted his bachelor party at The Dorchester? History has been made here on many occasions. First impressions are important!

The Dorchester rooms and suites are old school elegant, everything is quite splendid and flawless! Steeped in history, many of the suites have views of Hyde Park, decorated in an opulent chintzy style as the period dictates. Many have been redecorated in restful prints and color tones, so there is the perfect room for every guest, whether you prefer old school flamboyance or a more modern look. Oh, the bathrooms, are quite divine, over-size soaking tubs, acres of marble and polished chrome, two sinks for sharing. I also had a small window that opened for fresh air. I felt like Royalty during my stay, granted, my gorgeous Dorchester suite was destined for a Queen! No matter the size of your room or suite, there are always comfy chairs or sofas, modern amenities include big screen televisions, wifi, everything you would expect for refined living!

Multiple distinctive restaurants for your pleasure. Of the highest culinary palates, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester offers three Michelin Star French cuisine in an elegant dining room. If you haven’t been cosseted in its centerpiece, the ‘Table Lumière’, you’ve squandered a glammy evening! Cocooned by a luminescent curtain of 4,500 shimmering fiber optics, guests can enjoy the ambience and buzz of the restaurant while being screened from view of other diners. Of course, there is a special Lumière’ menu, extraordinary experience on all fronts! The Grill is a traditional style restaurant featuring yummy local dishes ranging from grill favorites on the carving trolley to the restaurant’s signature blue lobster chowder. All topped off by an extensive sweet soufflé menu – a superb ending to a classic meal! The interiors were recently refurbished, the clubby space is a sparkling jewel of zinc, copper and glass. Do mosey downstairs to China Tang a space with beautiful décor evoking 1930’s Shanghai. Be transported back to the sumptuous, golden age of Art Deco splendor where a cocktail bar and traditional dim sum menu add to the ambience. China Tang bar is the perfect place to sit back and relax. The full Chinese and Cantonese restaurant menu is also available in the bar. Even if you don’t have time for dim sum, don’t leave the hotel without sipping a cocktail in the gorgeous bar. At China Tang, the menus don’t compromise on classical Chinese and Cantonese recipes. there are some delicious dishes, including the Peking duck. Presentation is an art, the roasted duck is presented whole and a glistening mahogany brown, long neck and head in place, tucked away gracefully under the breast. Be prepared for proficient server flair and a mini-theatrical experience as they slice and roll into delicate pancakes. Peking duck is served over three exquisite courses, each more imaginative and delicious than the last.

China Tang at The Dorchester London
China Tang at The Dorchester London

Spa – Everyone needs a different kind of spa treatment. Some want to pop in for a moment of luxury, to enjoy a treatment and get on with their day. Others long for a private, soothing space in which to find some therapeutic calm amid the roar. Here you are free to find your own way to take time for yourself, whatever that may be. Highly recommend Carol Joy London Caviar & Algae Detox. To cleanse the body and relax the mind, lymphatic drainage techniques, aromatherapy and meridian therapy are combined with precious Caviar Algae and Pink Himalayan Salts in this full body treatment. The body is detoxified, blood circulation improved, and skin texture refined using the mineral rich and revitalizing effects of Caviar Algae and Salts, leaving the body rejuvenated inside and out and the mind calm. Add on: the advanced treatment option includes the addition of Cellular Vacuum Massage to aid the detoxification of the body further. Facials, nail care, exotic body scrubs and massage and every day of the week, definitely make an appointment for a blow out or hair trim – this spa is totally full service. Gentleman’s barber, including a shave, steam room, professional trainers for a work out – this is one of the hotels you could call home!

Five-star accommodations, dining and oh, such exceptional service tops the multiple reasons to live like Royalty at The Dorchester in London!

Is this not the most elegant Royal bed you’ve ever seen? I stayed in this suite and didn’t want to depart! The Dorchester, London

Upgrade your life, our clients are exceptionally spoiled by my Dorchester peeps. Diamond Club Amenities as our guests.

Le Dalí Le Meurice Paris

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My first professional introduction to the Dorchester Collection Parisian properties was in the first months of my business. A dear client requested a few days of quiet at Plaza Athenee after a long Villa month in Italy. Almost 15 days later, she departed, apparently rested. As a child, she had stayed many times at Le Meurice in the dazzling penthouse suite. You can imagine after 15 days, the Plaza Athenee was very happy to have me as a new contact.

Le Meurice and Plaza Athenee to me, are the ultimate in all that is French – if you think luxurious Paris hotel, these two grand properties come to mind. They may be a bit larger in scale than a few others, and actually smaller in scale than some very lovely Parisian hotels. My mantra: there is a perfect hotel for every client. I’m fortunate to stay here every time I visit Paris. On some visits, I’ve been ensconced in suites that could host half a dozen guests, truly Madeline at the hotel experience! My most recent visit found me in a petite suite on the top floor with two Juliet balconies looking out to the Festive Ferris Wheel and the branches of the winter bare Tuileries Garden and the Palace.- it was awe-inspiring!

Frequently dining by myself, Le Dalí is a very comfortable restaurant to enjoy a magnificent dinner. Amazing people watching, especially if you dine traditionally late, as the Americans have gone to bed, they just aren’t as glamorous as the French! Dress up, people!

Alain Ducasse, world-renowned chef, oversees both Le Meurice restaurants. Le Dalí setting is a combination of chic high style and French elegance by Philippe Starck. Restaurant Le Dalí is a unique homage to Salvador Dalí’s unmistakable spirit and flair. Philippe Starck has recently updated his previous vision of the restaurant’s distinctive interior, enhancing Dalí ’s love of quirky design and distorting reality. Eye-catching additions include a new carpet designed by his daughter, Ara Starck, and chairs covered with her canvas drawings. It is truly a very glamorous setting, luxury with a twist of whimsy in the art.

Le Menu: traditional French brasserie specialties or a creative culinary journey of delicious Mediterranean cuisine. The dishes are designed to be shared or served in half portions for light apéritif dining. From the site: The journey upon which guests embark begins with the Catalan lands of Salvador Dalí, with specialties such as stuffed pimiento del piquillo with romesco sauce or black rice, baby squid and shellfish.The voyage then continues in Italy through some of that country’s finest foods, like black pork culatello from Massimo Spigaroli, straight from Emilia-Romagna. But also home-style cooking – slow-simmered and colorful – like aubergine caviar, a Provence-style vegetable caponata or minestrone broth and vegetables with garlic-basil condiment. Guests can also sample patatas bravas with an authentic tasca taste and enjoy down-to-earth specialties like salt cod, aioli and coco beans sourced from Valence up to the County of Nice, served here with Catalan accents.

In the “Timeless” selection, the restaurant is faithful to the Parisian brasserie cooking, dishes that have been the bedrock of Le Dalí’s popularity across several generations. These classics include Grenoble-style sole with croutons and cubed lemon and the light and creamy free-range chicken fricassee. Smaller appetites will succumb to the celebrated Hansen & Lydersen Norwegian smoked salmon for example.

I questioned the ripeness of a tomato & mozzarella di bufala dish and was assured: Madame, summer tomatoes were, of course, available in November. Summer somewhere, indeed…the dish was scrumptious!

The attention to detail and care in the chef selections is evident if you ask questions about the provenance of the entrees. A petite book has been created: Histories in Carnees, providing a complete description of the meats served in the restaurant. My question on menu item: Duck from Mrs. Burgaud House, citrus and red chicory. Le duck: Semi-freed raised in the damp swamp grass of Vendee, this little plump duck is fed with corn, wheat and all the small treasures found in the rich and fertile soils. It has a strong and yet subtle flesh. Are you not enticed?

Melt in your mouth flavor is assured; Le Dalí takes time to produce a small descriptive book on exceptional and seasonal offerings, their passion for perfection is evident in the devotion to details. Swoon!

Le Dalí…one must always make a pilgrimage!