by Editor | Dec 20, 2008 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Since our last visit to this well known Parisian restaurant in the posh eighth arrondissement the property had been revamped and the meal service improved. We appreciated the warm and cordial service and tasty meal during our recent lunch there and were pleased with the changes. In the same way, the classic dishes and attentive service worked well with the subtle modern décor and historic setting, they had just enough
The redecorated interior was contemporary, in shades of brown and gray, contrasting with the historic building.
by Editor | Dec 20, 2008 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
From the outside this small restaurant on a quiet Paris street revealed little of the gourmet treasures and extraordinary service hidden inside. It was a brutally cold day when we last visited Guy Savoy’s main establishment. We arrived early and were waiting across the street for the restaurant to open when we observed other guests entering. We quickly followed them in to find welcoming staff just inside the doors at a reception desk. They whisked away our coats and guided us to a small dining area in the rear of the restaurant.
by Editor | Dec 20, 2008 | Simon and Baker Travel Review
In July 2008 Chef Eric Briffard, formerly at Les Elysees du Vernet and before that at the Plaza Athenée, took over the kitchens of Le Cinq as Chef des Cuisines. We had sampled and liked his cooking on several occasions when he was at Les Elysees du Vernet and were eager to see what changes he had made at the well known Parisian restaurant.
We recently had lunch at Le Cinq and reacquainted ourselves with this talented chef’s style and the famous restaurant. Although the dust of a new head chef was still settling in part, the dishes themselves were artfully prepared and delicious. We distinctly remembered his gift with seafood and were pleased to rediscover his marvelous dishes at the new venue. The whole meal evoked the ocean with its flavors and aromas. Chef Briffard’s skills were very much in evidence. And, as in the past, we enjoyed dining in the handsome dining room. Sommelier Thierry Hamon’s wine pairing enhanced our meal, bringing out the subtle seafood taste without ever overwhelming the dishes.
by Editor | Dec 20, 2008 | Simon and Baker Travel Review
Les Ambassadeurs at the Hotel de Crillon is ideally situated in a prime spot on the famed Place de la Concorde. Its central location makes it convenient as much for first time visitors to the City of Lights as for city dwellers. Although the restaurant’s location is appealing it was the food that drew us back to revisit the hotel restaurant. Once inside the pretty dining room we were in a gourmet cocoon. Tables were spaced conveniently to allow private conversations and the ambiance was serious and subdued with many of us concentrating on our multiple course meals.
by Editor | Dec 1, 2008 | Simon and Baker Travel Review
The new Jules Verne, 125 meters above the Paris skyline in the city’s most famous tourist attraction, was delightfully romantic. We were curious about the renovation and new chef and were looking forward especially to lunch. From beginning to end it was a pleasure. A private elevator whisked us directly from the base of the Eiffel Tower to the restaurant. Although the restaurant had seating for 120 guests, it was divided into several dining rooms. Our dining room was intimate and serene.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2008 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
During a recent visit to South Africa, my husband and I dedicated a couple of afternoons to spa pampering and relaxation in Cape Town. This helped us recover from the jet lag from the long international flights from the United States via Europe, and allowed us to spend quality time together. Our first stop was at Onewellness Dock House, a new facility and part of the Dock House Boutique Hotel, where we found secure parking.
