Our meal at Michel Rostang, a family business centered on the latest chef in a line of five generations of kitchen professionals, was like having a delicious lunch at an affluent friend’s house. The food was well prepared and beautifully presented, the dining room was cozy and featured a number of noteworthy decorative touches, the wine cellar was ample and diverse, and the staff were friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and client centered.
We wore our Deluxe Waist Stash while en route to and during an extended African photo safari and plan to take it with us again in the future. Thanks to the light and moisture wicking fabric it felt comfortable against our garments and skin. The plastic clasps ensured it never triggered a security alarm. The two pockets allowed us to separate the contents by category such as documents and emergency credit cards and cash. Though we fortunately never had to resort to our emergency documents or money, it was good to know they were within easy reach if we ever needed them.
: We arrived at Aqua, located on the ground floor of a restored post 1906 earthquake building, early on a Sunday night anticipating we would have the restaurant to ourselves. To our surprise, the popular restaurant was buzzing with the sound of diners’ conversations and meals being served. It was already almost full and remained so the whole night. We floated effortlessly through our delicious multiple course meal while other diners completed their evening and new ones arrived. The large high ceiling dining room, was decorated in muted shades of sepia and gray which created an elegant yet casual ambiance. Two larger than life mirrors drew visitors’ eyes to the side wall and enhanced the feeling of spaciousness.
Located in the former café de Chartres , this historic restaurant still maintained much of the original style and famous mirror decorations. It was purported to be one of the “ideological centers” of the French Revolution. It was fun to think we dined where so many famous figures dined before including Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine, Victor Hugo, Colette (our seat) and Jean Cocteau, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir . Although we appreciate and enjoy the rarified ambiance, it is the extraordinary food and culinary growth that has attracted us there time and again.
: We cherished the Honor Mansion resort inn for a quiet, romantic or de-stressing get away. It offered delicious gourmet breakfasts, luxury amenities (including a private Jacuzzi, wet bar, and a modern fireplace) a sense of privacy and the comforts of home in a wine country setting. For those inclined to explore or be active there was a swimming pool, tennis, bocce, basketball and more. Nearby activities and attractions included fine dining, antiquing, golf, wine estate and bicycle tours and shopping.