The decor at this posh semi-casual lunch spot is extremely comfortable yet regal. Even my purse had a stool -- although it felt wholly inadequate surrounded by literally 3 Hermes Birkin bags at neighboring tables. The 18th century tapestries are colorful and magical (were restored in 1997).
The service, of course, was impeccable.
The food -- just okay. My NY Hamburger with cheese came with a hefty dose of undisclosed bbq sauce, which I only really like on ribs ... and I didn't order ribs. For me, it ruined the burger. I did ask for fries instead of potato wedges and got ... potato wedges ... thankfully, husband's gourmet burger (different hamburger meat and topped with foie gras) came with plenty of thin fries.
My burger and my husband's were cooked perfect to order. The flavor and texture of my husband's French Charolais beef was much better than my American corn-fed Black Angus. Next time, I'll order the gourmet burger sans the foie! Or, foie on the side for my husband ...
We enjoyed nice wines by the glass - a sturdy Bollinger Brut Rose champagne, a nice Chablis, and a meaty Chateau Le Gay from Pomerol.
We shared a Williamine pear brandy poached pear, vanilla mille feuille and caramel sea salt ice cream ... the ice cream was the best, next the pear and then the mille feuille (which had nice pastry but the custard was a little rubbery for my liking).
Finished with not so good cappuccinos.
We did find out that they will serve much simpler items (such as pasta and soups, etc.) from the room service menu in this restaurant. I noticed 2 hipster guys at a neighboring table scarfing what looked to be killer pasta and inquired what menu they ordered from.
A lovely spot for an exceedingly expensive, lingering lunch. read more