At the risk of writing a message that offers an opinion that is contrary to Didier’s highly gratifying dinner experience (https://www.sbhonline.com/forums/showthread.php/99853-Carl-Gustaf-opening-night?highlight=Fouquet), I’ll offer a bit of commentary on my luncheon experience there. The difference in experience may be attributable to lunch vs. dinner.
The setting can be said to be breathtaking . . . exactly as so many of us recall from the Hotel’s past years of “glory.”
The time with my companion, however, was prominently marked by the fact that we were the O-N-L-Y guests. From 12:15 to 2:30. Sunday afternoon.
(This photo, BTW, was taken as we were leaving, when tables had been set for dinner with tablecloths . . . not part of the luncheon setting.)
Nonetheless, elegant table appointments — fine leather cases for the menu & wine list, highly refined placemats, elegant (perhaps Murano) glassware, & exquisitely woven napkins. Service also was impeccable (apparently because of the absence of guests, the bartender — a very refined young guy, “Antoine “ — also served as our waiter). I would say, however, that the “deuce” tables / chairs on the terrace are uncomfortably crammed into small spaces between columns of the balcony.
The food was excellent . . . but, to be very honest — not better, IMO, than at other top-of-the-line SBH restaurants. And at least as expensive as you’ll find elsewhere at other gourmet venues.
If I’m sounding negative, I’m very sorry to be perceived that way — the meal was delicious. Stunning view . . . an elegant, albeit lonely, dining venue . . . and elegantly understated re-do of the Hotel. Give it a “go” . . . and I clearly should re-visit for dinner.
The setting can be said to be breathtaking . . . exactly as so many of us recall from the Hotel’s past years of “glory.”
The time with my companion, however, was prominently marked by the fact that we were the O-N-L-Y guests. From 12:15 to 2:30. Sunday afternoon.
(This photo, BTW, was taken as we were leaving, when tables had been set for dinner with tablecloths . . . not part of the luncheon setting.)
Nonetheless, elegant table appointments — fine leather cases for the menu & wine list, highly refined placemats, elegant (perhaps Murano) glassware, & exquisitely woven napkins. Service also was impeccable (apparently because of the absence of guests, the bartender — a very refined young guy, “Antoine “ — also served as our waiter). I would say, however, that the “deuce” tables / chairs on the terrace are uncomfortably crammed into small spaces between columns of the balcony.
The food was excellent . . . but, to be very honest — not better, IMO, than at other top-of-the-line SBH restaurants. And at least as expensive as you’ll find elsewhere at other gourmet venues.
If I’m sounding negative, I’m very sorry to be perceived that way — the meal was delicious. Stunning view . . . an elegant, albeit lonely, dining venue . . . and elegantly understated re-do of the Hotel. Give it a “go” . . . and I clearly should re-visit for dinner.
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