La Réserve de Beaulieu

May 16th, 2012

After completing my reservation for La Réserve de Beaulieu, travel arrangements to La Réserve from Nice were in order.  This is where the fun begins and my palate for refinement was teased.  I knew this was going to be one of those “experiences of a lifetime”  when the transport of choice from the concierge at La Réserve came in the form of: a Rolls Royce Ghost, a Bentley Flying Spur or a Mercedes Benz S Class.  Wanting to stay somewhat close to home, I chose the latter and all was right with the world.  One must be careful not to have all their dreams come true at once.  Although the Ghost and Flying Spur were quite tempting – - next time for sure.

This landmark hotel known for its opulence, luxury, Michelin starred restaurant, amazing view and impeccable staff, turned out to be everything one could possibly hope for in the Côte d’Azur.  Having  spent my last two stays in the Côte d’Azur at La Chèvre d’Or and Vista Palace,  this little slice of heaven on the water was ideal as the next seven days would be spent at sea.

April 14th

Arriving at La Réserve was worth the wait.  Greeted with refined formality in the most relaxed atmosphere, the mood was set for what turned out to be one of the  most memorable stays I’ve experienced in luxury lodging.  Mr. Patrick DEBUIRE – - AWESOME & FLAWLESS, thank you.  My three night stay was enhanced by another Michelin starred event, thanks to chef Dimitri Droisneau, whose flawless gastronomic skills require repeat performances, as once is never enough.   I must put in writing a very special thank you to Diego and Catherine – - can you two be cloned?  Your impeccable service is how I wish to spend every dining experience.  Thank you for your well appointed service.    What I found to be most enjoyable was what appeared to be my own personal “genie in a bottle”.  I never encountered the genie but, whenever I returned to the room it was if I was arriving for the first time over and over again.  Everything was perfect and in place.  Meticulously clean and refreshing with soft, relaxing and inviting music in the air to accompany the priceless private ocean view.  I also had a splendid view of the  courtyard which never lacked inspiration and fascination.  I shall call it “3rd floor paradise” as nothing seemed to interrupt La Réserve’s natural beauty.  This view also included a picturesque partial showing of Cap Ferrat – - lunch at Sloop is why I love sea bass the way I do.

The following photos of this Côte d’Azur jewel has enticed a future visit.  I do hope they inspire you to do the same and experience several days and nights wrapped in awe.  If it is elegance, opulence and romance you seek, make time for La Réserve de Beaulieu.  Be it a long and relaxing stay, an incredible dinner or a cocktail with live jazz in the bar, I promise you’ll never regret the encounter and your desire to live it again and again will linger.  Meet me at the bar!!!!!

La Reserve de Beaulieu

 

La Reserve

 

La Reserve - Entrance

 

La Reserve - Mr. Patrick DEBUIRE

 

La Reserve

 

La Reserve

 

La Reserve

 

 

La Reserve de Beaulieu

 

La Reserve Beaulieu - The ocean view

 

La Reserve Beaulieu - Courtyard view

 

View of St Jean Cap Ferrat

 

La Reserve Beaulieu - The Pool

 

La Reserve Beaulieu - The Pool

 

La Reserve Beaulieu - The Pool & Wine

 

 Now, the two treats that kept on giving – - Gordon Bennett Bar and Restaurant des Rois.

 

La Reserve - The Bar

 

La Reserve - Dining

 

La Reserve - Dining

 

Here’s the divine menu chef Dimitri Droisneau wowed us with.  I must apologize for not capturing these dishes digitally.  The magic of the anticipated moment got me and I forgot the camera.

 

Gourmet Escape

 

“La Réserve’s” Appetizer

Foie Gras from the South West

Marbled terrine with dried red wine grapes,

Zesty cherry and radish, toasted brioche bread

Loctudy Lagoustine,

Roasted, sautéed forest mushrooms, aniseed shellfish foam,

Tartar tartlet with dill mousse

Turbot from our coast,

Steamed with seaweed, abalone and new potatoes,

<<Monsieur Gillardeau>> oysters in sea spray broth

Suckling Veal Noix,

Sautéed and draped in a viennoise of roasted sweetbreads,

Green asparagus from Vaucluse calabrese style, velvety Menton sauce

Mouthful of sweetness

Cuban Trinitario Cocoa bean 75%

Silky heart of Jivara, delicate floral honey nougatine,

Meadowseet ice-cream

Petits Fours

La Reserve Beaulieu - The last sunrise

 

 

For a more information please click here: La Réserve de Beaulieu to visit the website.

British Airways – The Flight

May 8th, 2012

May 13th – 14th, The Flight

Club World on British Airways – - a must when crossing the pond.

The Boarding Pass - BA

 

All signs lead to First & Club World

 

The window seat - 18K

 

BA - Dinner - Salad

 

BA - Dinner - Steak

 

Aperitif & Nightcap - Kir Royale


I must say, being able to fully recline and sleep for hours makes all the difference when it comes to arriving relaxed and refreshed.  And little did I know it would only last as long as the walk to “Oh my god – - Heathrow’s security” and I’ll leave it at that.

After barely making the connection at Heathrow for Nice, we arrived in tact but, our luggage wasn’t so fortunate as it remained in London for several more hours.  But all was not lost, our driver was a wealth of knowledge when it came to exploring the Côte d’Azur.  During the drive to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, one particular recommendation for dining and sightseeing would prove to be something orchestrated by forces beyond the verbal and anything all the planning in the world could produce.  It would be in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a little village slightly Northwest of Nice where the artistic community thrives and to my surprise wonderful cuisine abound, where this orchestration would unfold.  More on Saint-Paul-de-Vence later but, I needed to mention the impending encounter because it ties back to a Lake Garda experience that changed my love and respect for food.  You’ll have to wait for the Saint-Paul-de-Veance posting to find out what happened.

On to La Réserve de Beaulieu

My Little Silver Box – Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams

May 1st, 2012

Now that I’ve dated myself with the “Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams” title, I must thank Mr. Leach for introducing me to Monte Carlo and the finer things in life.   My quest to maintain and nurture that introduction has come full circle with my travels and career in the wine industry.

As the Director of Marketing and Special Events at MacArthur Beverages, my relationship and approach to wine is that of a living work of art.  This qualitative and character base assessment of wine dances quite well with my philosophy of life and tastes – - give your best and accept only the best.  This is where my encounter with Silversea, my little silver box began four years ago.

Silversea & Gonet-Medeville

Friday, May 13th finally arrived and I was all set to embark on another Silversea cruise in the Mediterranean with food, wine and opulence as the priority.  Before the appointed day of embarkation, I relied on my past travel experiences to lead the way by arriving several days ahead of the actual departure date, something you must consider to avoid any mishaps with luggage, flights and missing the ship.  I did and the choice of lodging was the incredible La Réserve de Beaulieu.

The following series of postings will began with day 1 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer and end with day 11 at the port of Civitavecchia.

Please sit back, relax and allow this unhurried voyage to unfold through my unhurried posts.

Ciao

Silversea, Château D’Esclans & The Mediterranean

April 26th, 2012

I just made my way back from cruising the Mediterranean where wining and dining was priority #1.  Before I left I had to prepare myself for spring in the Mediterranean and the amazing rosé I keep reminiscing over during my last voyage – - Château D’Esclans rosé .

 

Silversea & Ch D'Esclan Rosé

 

For those of you who have cruised the Mediterranean and done it on Silversea, my preferred mode of touring the Mediterranean, you know Silversea’s standards and its world class atmosphere which is why I continue to cruise this line every chance I get.  I remember discovering this elegant and charming rosé while at sea and felt as if someone had gone out of their way to make a rosé specifically for me. Well, to my surprise this rosé was the ideal pairing for the Mediterranean diet I’ve come to cherish and which keeps me intact – - mentally and physically.  Now finding Château d’Esclans rosé may be a challenge but once you find it, buy it.  Hmmm….the wait.  If you’re like me and waiting is an issue, you can quench your thirst with their Whispering Angel rosé.  That’s exactly what I did before I left and am doing now that I’m back .  Yes, I’m still waiting to get my hands on a bottle of the Château d’Esclans rosé.

 

Whispering Angel

Well, with rosé season upon us not only did I indulge with the Whispering Angel before setting sail, I also pulled a few additional bottles to delight in the wait and here are two among many that you should seek out as well.  The 2009 Rosé de Chevalier  and the 2010 Ch de Pibarnon.  These two are great expression of rosé from opposite ends of the spectrum.

2009 Rosé de Chevalier & 2010 Ch de Pibarnon

Now that I’m back and the wait continues, it is time to uncork a few more bottles of rosé to make sure they keep getting it right.

In the meantime, happy hunting and enjoy as much rosé as your thirst for life will allow.

 

Annie Favia & Andy Erickson at Plume – Favia Wine Dinner

April 1st, 2012

Andy Erickson & Annie Favia at The Jefferson, Washington DC - Favia Wine Dinner

At last – - Thursday, 3/29 arrived.  All week I’d been anticipating this wine dinner.  To have Annie Favia and Andy Erickson of Favia in town for an evening at Plume was a treat that surpassed all expectations.

The evening started with barrel samples of  2011 Sauvingnon Blanc, which was absolutely stunning and paired nicely with an assortment of canapés.  The perfect start to spring.

Sauvignon Blanc "Freckled Farm" Napa County 2011

After meeting Annie & Andy it was time to get down to some serious wine and food consumption.  Nestled in our intimate and cozy wine room with seating for nineteen, you could definitely feel the emotional and intellectual connection these two amazing winegrowers have with nature and the wines they produce.

The Wine Room

 The wines of Favia

The wines of Favia

 

Le Menu & Pairings:

Butter-poach Lobster with Carrot & Vanilla Puree, Ginger Cardamom Emulsion

(Viognier “Suize” Amador County 2006)

Roasted Guinea Hen with Savoy Cabbage, Bacon Lardons

(Plenty of Room, Pinot Noir, Marin County 2010)

Medallion of Colorado Lamb with Pearl Onions, Artichokes, English Peas, Acai Jus

(Favia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2006 & Favia, “Cerro Sur” Napa Valley 2005)

Blueberry Crepes with Blueberry Marmalade, Vermont Maple Syrup Ice Cream

(Rompecabezas – Grenache, Mourvedre & Syrah, Amador County 2009)

As I tasted and ponder the wines all evening, I went in search of the perfect descriptors, ones that draw you into multiple layers of  deep, rich and concentrated fruit and earth, sweet tannins, as well as scents and places you’ll have to research to make a connection.  Well, none of those were necessary as I turned to their philosophy expressed below which summed up the wines perfectly.

“Our philosophy is simple: create soulful wines that express the true nature of the vineyards from which they come. We focus on finding unique vineyard sites with soils, climate and aspects ideal for growing exquisite wine grapes, and develop strong relationships with our winegrowers to perfect viticultural practices. In the winery, we carefully coax the grapes into wine. Gentle handling, minimal intervention, and strict monitoring of the wine allow our grapes to speak for themselves.

Ultimately, we unite science, art and nature to produce unparalleled wines, each with its own distinct character.”

I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again, Plume is my Paris in DC and tonight reinforced this conviction and left me completed satisfied!!!!

The culmination of Favia and Plume proved to be divine harmony.