Quiet
and Discreet
Opulent
Accoutrements
in an Intimate Atmosphere
By André Gayot
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Former Duke of Westminster's Paris home |
The
charming, mid-sized Hôtel
Westminster is advantageously situated between
the Opera and the Place Vendome. Its pink and beige
marble lobby is splendid and luxurious, and the
bar, with a piano, is more than comfortable. Conference
rooms are superbly equipped. As for the guestrooms,
they are handsomely decorated with attractive fabrics,
chandeliers and Louis XV-style furnishings, and
are fitted with mini bars, safes, satellite TV and
marble bathrooms.
Don't
leave the hotel before visiting Le
Céladon, for a meal to remember. Chef
Christophe Moisand is in charge of a jewel box that
glitters much like the windows that line the streets
of this jewelry district. Surrounded by Louis XV
décor accented with Chinese objets d'art,
you will feel as if you are eating in a friend's
luxurious mansion rather than in a restaurant. The
mood is set by the shades of green, which is appropriate
since céladon denotes a certain
shade of green in French. The menu changes with
the times, but always remains well balanced, light
and definitively innovative.
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| Suite
opulence |
The
Duke's Bar |
On
our visit, we enjoyed
the sea scallops in a peanut vinaigrette as an appetizer,
followed by veal cheek and dorade royale. Moisand
is also an expert at desserts, so save room for
the chocolate souffle or roasted pear with a caramelized
millefeuille. The extensive wine list is presented
by the ever-smiling sommelier, Richard Rahard.
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Going to France? Check our guide.
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(Updated
04/29/08 MG) |
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