Where the stars dine during the Cannes Film Festival | Eden-Roc Grill, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes, France

When you feel you have arrived at the end of the world

• GAYOT’s Rating: 14/20
• Cuisine:  Mediterranean / Provençal
• Open daily from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

You have to show “patte-blanche” to pass the cast-iron gates of this iconic hotel. Even though Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is world-wide famous, its philosophy is to be a secret gem. After all, the building was originally erected as a retirement home for actors. For decades now, it has been the place to see and be seen for active members of the showbusiness community around the globe.

After a tortuous drive in the streets of Antibes, the arrival in front of the hotel sign is comforting as you know you are about to step in eden — don’t worry, I did not see any apple trees.

The Eden-Roc Grill is the hotel’s casual dining venue, opened from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Therefore, at any time of the day, you can come and sit on the terrace overlooking “La Grande Bleue.” The waves are right underneath creating their incessant ballet, licking the rocks. The show is such that a lunch can last forever — mine actually went on for five hours. It was cut short, if I might say so, to tour the magnificent grounds of the property (see photos below).

Executive chef Arnaud Poette has been at the helm of the stoves for many years. He knows the upscale clientele that want to dine well but relaxed. It is not an easy combination. With Le Bristol’s chef Eric Frechon consulting for the hotel, Poette has composed a Mediterranean and Provençal menu with a contemporary approach. It is well done.

The extreme proximity of the sea calls for fish, so I started with a large sample of the crudos from the Fish Bar, and had to order a “Cabillaud cuisiné comme un aïoli provençal, plat tradition” (cod cooked in the style of a classic Provençal aïoli). There are, bien-sûr, other options that include vegetarian dishes, a salad bar, a Black Angus beef rib steak or a lamb shoulder from the local Alpilles. Ask the professional staff to describe the beautiful desserts so you can make an agonizing choice.

Photos & Videos © GAYOT.com

Eden-Roc Grill – GAYOT’s Rating: 14/20
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
165-167, boulevard J.-F. Kennedy
06605 Antibes, France
+33 4 93 61 39 01
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