le quartier français
Eating at D.O.M in BrazilJust under a month ago we were in Brazil, South America. We were there to experience their culture and cuisine and introducing them to Franschhoek, South Africa. One of the highlights of our trip was our meal at D.O.M. The unique cuisine offered at D.O.M is the brainchild of the incredible, Alex Atala. He’s a passionate man and, from the moment you set foot in D.O.M, you can feel his love for both Brazil and food.  Chef Alex Atala in his restaurant D.O.M. Photograph by Cristiano Madureira. – It is an exceptional restaurant and one that, if you find yourself in South America, you simply have to try.  Comments: 0  
What should top hotels realistically expect guests to pay for?I recently read a short article – you’ll find it here – and it got me thinking. As hoteliers I believe that we often forget what is really important and what adds real value to a guest’s experience. Somehow, and I think this happens in all industries (not just tourism), we believe that in the hallowed-halls of our own establishments the things that irritate us – when we are paying customers elsewhere – don’t apply.
When I’m a guest there are a few specific things that don’t work for me and I’ve worked hard to ensure that Le Quartier Français guests never have to experience them. Because, apart from the fact that they irritate me, I think that they have the ability to ruin a premium hotel experience. I’m very interested to find out what your pet hotel peeves are? What has the ability to ruin your entire stay at a luxury establishment? Comments: 0
Travel with PurposeThe Mrs. Ndaba programme has forever changed the way we look at travel.
We are now constantly looking for new experiences that enrich our lives but, at the same time, make a significant difference in the lives of others. In Buenos Aires we found another great Travel with Purpose Experience. A friend of mine, Milagros, has opened a wonderful restaurant. This restaurant offers diners great local food and at the same time it helps makes a difference in the lives of countless homeless children. Milagros is doing something phenomenal, she’s changing lives. Comments: 0
Dining at NomaEating at Noma, only fours days after it was awarded the title of 2010 S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurant was an incredible experience. It is impossible to describe the dinner in a few words, but what I loved the most is that it was so true to itself. We tasted Nordic cuisine, herbs, pickled vegetables, berries and more. I chose to pair my meal with wines while Susan had hers with a juice pairing – incredible, especially the apple and pine shoots! What stood out for me? The raw chestnuts sliced at different thicknesses for texture, served with a fishroe sauce, rye crumbs and cress. The whole crayfish tail, just cooked, served on a rock from the beach with a cream of oyster, and powder of seaweed which had to be eaten without cutlery – fabulous! Then there was the dehydrated scallop with grains, watercress and seaweed/squid ink oil. In fact every course, of our six hour long dinner, was amazing. From the six pre-dinner amuse – served with champagne – to the incredible 12 courses that followed. My inspiration has been completely re-charged. I only wish Copenhagen was a little closer to Franschhoek… Comments: 2»
We are dining at Noma tonightTonight the owner and I will be dining at Noma (number 1 in the S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2010 awards). Super excited! Comments: 0
Travel & Leisure 2010 World’s Best SurveyIf you’ve been meaning to, but haven’t yet had the chance, please pop on over to the Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards to vote for Le Quartier Français. Voting closes at 11:59 ET on the 31st of March 2010, so there is still time. If you’ve already voted but feel so strongly about us appearing in the World’s Best please feel free to vote again. If you need a little motivation … Travel & Leisure are running their own competition that sees one lucky voter winning a dream trip worth $10 000,00. If that’s not enough incentive to vote I don’t know what is! Remember, you can’t win if you don’t enter. Comments: 0
New addition to Margot Janse’s KLM Business Class MenuMargot’s very popular Business Class KLM menu has been updated. If you’re a frequent KLM Business Class passenger you’ll definitely appreciate the new addition to the menu. The new starter is a: Beech-smoked salmon offered with pickled fennel, crispy fried onions and dill If you’ve tried it please leave a comment and let us know what you think. Comments: 0
Dining in Paris at Le Chateaubriand – the World’s 40th Best RestaurantWhile I was in Paris I ate at the world’s 40th best restaurant – Le Chateaubriand – located in the 11th Arrondisment. It was intimate, there were no pictures on the wall, the tables were wooden and packed closely together. There was only one menu – 5 courses – and absolutely no choice! The only way to maybe have something changed or removed from the dish was for allergy reasons (and even this wasn’t guaranteed). Simple dislike of a food type i.e. tomatoes did not warrant it being removed from the dish.  Le Chateaubriand - image courtesy of Meg Zimback (http://www.flickr.com/photos/megzimbeck) – Diner-proof menus are something I’ve noticed are appearing in a number of the top restaurants world-wide. Are they a trend or are they here to stay? My personal opinion is that they’ll be around for a while. The customers that visit the top restaurants in the world all lead exceptionally busy lives and, when you’re that busy, it’s nice to have a few hours where you’re not required to made decisions. Plus when the menu has been diner-proofed the emphasis is placed on enjoying spectacular dishes the way they were meant to be enjoyed.
Posted by: Sue Huxter
Posted in: Cuisine, Experience, Inspiration, Le Quartier Français, Travel, Trends, Comments: 0
Hotel Daniel in ParisWhile I was in Paris I stayed at the always excellent Hotel Daniel – a Relais & Châteaux property. Hotel Daniel is located just off the Champs Elysee which, if you’ve ever visited or are planning on visiting Paris, is a great position. Nice, central and authentically Parisian.
Whenever I visit the Hotel Daniel it feels like coming home! The wonderful host – Madame Cecile – is always there to make me, and any of her other guests, feel incredibly welcome. If you’re planning on visiting Paris you simply have to stay at the Hotel Daniel.
Le Quartier Français at Maison & ObjetA little over a month ago I went to Paris, for four days, to attend Maison & Objet.  Image courtesy of Al Ianni (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ainet/869942883/) – Maison & Objet is a large show that takes place twice a year in Paris; seven halls packed full of gifts, furniture, linen, crockery and cutlery (all for the trade). It’s so huge that even the always-chic Parisians pack their walking shoes when attending a Maison & Objet show. I was amazed by the selection available but I was also a little sad that most of the gift section was produced in the East and available everywhere I visited last year. That being said there were some smaller stands where the producers had created beautiful limited-edition handmade items. This section fell under the ethnic chic area and included gorgeous felt bags from Germany, stunning twisted-fabric cushions and handbags from Italy and even a South African stand with spectacular individual artists. Paris, outside of the Maison & Objet show, was on sale. I couldn’t resist some of the fantastic bargains so I bought a few great pieces. Look out for our new spoons, slate plates and more when you next join us for a five or eight course dinner in the Tasting Room. Comments: 0
« Newer Posts — Older Posts » |
Bookings at LQF
|
