OVERVIEW
With only about 125 restaurants worldwide attaining three stars from
the Michelin and over 50 in France and Japan, in this issue we
look at 10 of the triple twinkle variety that are also
located in luxury hotels, giving you the best of both worlds.
1. Monaco - Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris
Michelin writes, “It is here that Alain Ducasse forged his
style, imposing his new exacting and masterful culinary classicism, always
guided by the true character of the ingredients. The Mediterranean makes the
odd appearance in the dishes and at every turn, the simplicity becomes an
emotion and submerges us.”
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is one of Monaco’s top hotels,
and while in the midst of a renovation, Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel
de Paris continues as a temple of gourmet cuisine with a wine cellar of almost
350,000 bottles. Chefs Dominique
Lory and Alain Ducasse have
created a modern, authentic menu. The fresh juices and sauces, intense and
aromatic broths, and fresh condiments and spices reveal the precise flavors and
seasoning of their culinary style. During the renovation of the Hôtel de Paris,
Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse restaurant is located on the garden floor of the new
Rotunda wing. Click here for the menu. Michelin writes, “Time-honored traditions of Korean cuisine
are prepared with a contemporary approach at La Yeon. Located on the 23rd floor
of Shilla Hotel, this refined dining space offers stunning vistas over Namsan
Park. Detail to comfort and elegance are noteworthy, from the fine tableware to
attentive service. Hansik and wine pairing elevates the dining experience here
to another level.”
Named after the ancient Shilla Dynasty (57 BC-935 AD), a
golden age of prosperity, art and culture, The Shilla Seoul is one of the
city’s top hotels, and despite competition from outside groups, remains the
grand dame. Popular with dignitaries, heads of state, CEOs and celebrities,
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants reports on the fine dining, “Favorites at La Yeon
include the seafood Naengchae, where different seasonal ingredients are used
and Korean gochujang flavors are applied with sophistication; plus top-notch Korean
beef dishes such as Galbijjim or short beef ribs braised in soy sauce. Also
popular is the royal-cuisine Hot Pot dish, which uses various quality
ingredients in beef stock.” What’s the dining space like? La Yeon offers skyscraper
views of the city. Traditional Korean art and design pieces give an elegant
interior accent to the modern dining space, and the serene atmosphere makes for
a perfect place to experience the sophistication of Hansik dining. Menu here.
3. Munich - Atelier
Michelin writes, “With its artistic interior designed by
Axel Vervoordt, this restaurant more than lives up to its name. You will find
the cuisine of young and talented chef Jan Hartwig equally modern and
individual in style. His tasty culinary creations are a masterpiece of balance
and intensity.”
Head chef Jan Hartwig, restaurant manager Jochen Benz and
their teams turn culinary perfection into a fine art, critics say. The design, which is the
brainchild of Belgian art dealer Axel Vervoordt, exudes the flair of an
artist’s atelier combined with an intimate atmosphere. Jan Hartwig has been
awarded as “Cook of the Year 2016“ by the magazine Der Feinschmecker. Behind a
mobile wall designed Dirk Vander Eecken, you will discover a small private room
and a terrace nested in Amur maple, known as the silent garden. Originally
conceived by King Ludwig I, the Bayerischer Hof is one of Munich's most
legendary hotels and you can read our full report on top suites here. Menu here.
4. Basel - Cheval Blanc
Michelin writes, “Cheval Blanc boasts high, stuccoed
ceilings and striking chandeliers, a lovely old parquet floor, stylish
paintings, classy furniture and exclusive place settings, not to mention
excellent service. Fortunately the food - classic yet modern, perfectly
balanced, exquisitely presented and using the very best ingredients - is more
than a match for the wonderful setting.”
The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois lies at the very heart of the
city of Basel and according to the hotel it is believed that Napoléon held the venue’s
first business lunch there in 1798. On the exact spot where, in the Middle
Ages, ships docked at the salt tower in order to transport that much
sought-after product down the Rhine and out into the wide world, the hotel’s history
stretches back over three centuries. Chef de Cuisine Peter Knogl at Cheval
Blanc advocates say creates “a symphony of aromas, colors and harmonious
tastes.” French haute cuisine is enriched with Mediterranean and Asian
influences. Full and seasonal menus are linked.
5. Cologne - Vendôme
Michelin writes, “It is no exaggeration to call Joachim
Wissler one of the most creative chefs in Germany. His mastery is apparent in
every single dish he makes, each one a perfectly judged, multi-facetted
composition full of intense tastes and, of course, using the very highest quality
produce. As you would expect when faced with such fine food, the service is
also of the very highest quality and comes complete with excellent wine
suggestions.”
Situated on the eastern city outskirts, Grandhotel Schloss
Bensberg’s is a Baroque castle built 300 years ago on with views of the Cologne
skyline. Suites feature high ceilings and elegant furnishings. There are exposed
wood-beam ceilings in some top-floor accommodations.
Joachim Wissler serves a blend of classical cuisine,
creativity and modernity. In 2005 and 2013, the magazine "Der
Feinschmecker" voted Wissler "Chef of the Year" and in 2009 he
was deemed "The Best Chef in Germany." Apart from three Michelin
stars, the restaurant Vendôme has also been decorated with 19.5 Gault Millau
points as well as 5 Feinschmecker F's, and is ranked Germany's best restaurant
in the “San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants" list. Menu here.
6. London - Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
Michelin writes, “Elegance, luxury and attention to detail
are the hallmarks of Alain Ducasse's London outpost, where the atmosphere is
warm and relaxed. The kitchen uses the best seasonal produce, whether British
or French, to create visually striking, refined modern dishes. The Table
Lumière with its shimmering curtain affords an opulent, semi-private dining
experience.”
At The Dorchester located across from London’s Hyde Park, Executive
Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet interprets Alain Ducasse's Michelin star cuisine
with a modern and refined approach, consistently championing and enhancing
current seasonal produce, much of which is sourced from British and French
suppliers. A new collection of fine dining menus is introduced every season and
the set lunch menu ‘The Lunch Hour’ changes every Wednesday. Menu here.
7. Paris - Epicure
Michelin writes, “The Bristol's restaurant underwent a
transformation in 2011. The bright dining room overlooking the garden boasts a
restrained, distinguished elegance in which the glamour of the 18C shines
forth. The virtuosity of Éric Fréchon's classic cuisine bears witness to his
freedom of expression with regard to great tradition. He creates dishes that
are fresh and endowed with the finest flavors.”
Paris has multiple Michelin 3-star locations in luxury
hotels, and Le Bristol's superstar chef Eric Frechon in fact made his name at
Hotel de Crillon, where he was awarded ‘Meilleur Ouvrier de France’ in 1993. In
1996, he opened his first restaurant "La Verriere" (in the 19th
arrondissement of Paris) to much critical acclaim after which he was appointed
Head Chef of Le Bristol Paris in 1999.
He won a second Michelin star for the hotel in 2001 and was
awarded the ‘3 star-espoir’ in 2008 (a preliminary honor to the coveted third
Michelin star). In the same year, he was decorated as a Knight of the Order of
the “Légion d’Honneur” by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, which firmly
cemented his status as a national treasure. In March 2009, Eric was awarded a third Michelin star, and
in 2014, Epicure was awarded "Best Restaurant in the World" by The
Daily Meal, Saveur US magazine and the World Luxury Hotel Awards.
Le Bristol has welcomed guests since 1925. It features
renovated rooms and suites that are decorated in 18th century French-style. Before
or after dinner, Le Bar du Bristol is the place to run into other titans of the
universe. The swimming pool features panoramic views of Paris’ rooftops and
monuments. Menu here.
8. Singapore - Joël Robuchon Restaurant
Michelin writes, “Art deco styling, Lalique vases, huge
armchairs – once comfortably ensconced in this luxurious room, the world
outside will be quickly forgotten. The choice of menus is dazzling and the
cooking is ultra-refined, innovative and rich yet adroitly balanced. Dishes
like ‘Le Caviar Imperial’ and Châteaubriand ‘Rossini’ show the full talent of
the kitchen. Add in a wine list with over 1000 labels and you have the ultimate
in lavish dining experiences.”
At Joël Robuchon Restaurant at Sentosa Island you can
look forward to French classics as executive chef Kim Joinié-Maurin performs
with panache Joël Robuchon's dishes. The restaurant is an extension of
Robuchon’s dream family dining room in an art décor style hotel. Dressed in
mainly beige tones, the interior design creates a warm, luxurious and
comfortable atmosphere. Adjoined to the main dining area, Robuchon’s indoor
winter garden good for hosting private parties. Gourmands can enjoy the
16-course degustation menu or make selections from the ala carte menu, and be
awed by Robuchon’s famous bread, cheese, dessert, ice-cream and tea trolleys. The
wine cellar features more than 1,200 wine labels. A la carte and tasting menus are linked.
9. Rome - Le Pergola
Michelin writes, “This superb restaurant is suspended above
the Eternal City in the magnificent setting of a panoramic roof garden.
Mediterranean cuisine (chef Heinz Beck's constant passion), a systematic search
for the best quality ingredients, and an added dose of creativity all come
together in La Pergola. The restaurant's success speaks for itself.”
Le Pergola at Rome Cavalieri, The Waldorf Astoria combines a
breathtaking views of the Eternal City with Rome’s only three-star Michelin. Menu here.
10. Hong Kong - T’ang Court
Michelin writes, “Sautéed prawns with asparagus, deep-fried
taro puffs with shrimps, and lobster with spring onions are just some of the
delicate and refined Cantonese classics you can expect at this discreet and
professionally run restaurant. It comes divided into two: upstairs has a more
subdued, intimate feel, while the traditional style of the more appealing first
floor room is broken up by contemporary artwork; tables 23 & 25 are best.”
T’ang Court at The Langham, Hong Kong hotel recognized by
Michelin Guide since 2009. Only one of four Cantonese restaurants in the world
to receive this accolade, T’ang Court reflects the classic timelessness of the
Tang Dynasty, China’s golden age. Amid lavish furnishings, dine on authentic Cantonese
culinary masterpieces.
T'ang Court has won numerous international culinary acclaim
over the years. In 2016, it was listed as one of the “Recommended Rated
Restaurants” by Forbes Travel Guide, and “Top 100 Restaurants” by Elite
Traveler and “Top 10 Wine Pairing Restaurants Award (Asian Cuisine)” by Wine
Luxe Magazine. US Hotels Magazine named T'ang Court one of the world's Top Ten
Hotel Restaurants. This legendary Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong is also a
three-time Gold Medal winner in the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s “Best of the Best
Culinary Awards” in 2013, 2002 and 2001. Menu here.
Michelins Stars In Bangkok:
Michelin writes, “Perched on the 65th floor of the Lebua
Hotel, Mezzaluna offers sky-high and breathtaking views. Toast to the high life
at Sky Bar before settling in for a gastronomic journey. The accomplished chef
and his team deliver European delights with Japanese precision in five- and
seven-course set menus, along with some surprises. The flavours are balanced
and sophisticated, and the food is creative and technically precise. A wine
list of substantial proportions and prices accompanies.”
(Sponsored) Mezzaluna announces St Hugo winery has created a special
wine blend, the ST HUGO Shiraz 2016 Exclusive lebua Release, to celebrate lebua
Mezzaluna’s achievement of two Michelin stars, the highest accord of any
establishment in Thailand. Offering European fine dining overlooking a cityscape
and the river, the new wine is a result of Deepak Ohri, CEO of lebua Hotels and
Resorts, himself a known ST HUGO fan, who flew to Australia in January in
search of an exclusive wine blend fitting for his newly awarded restaurant. The
ST HUGO winery invited Mr. Deepak to meet with Ben Bryant, Chief Winemaker for
Pernod Ricard Winemakers. There, a unique blend was crafted for Mezzaluna, and
ST HUGO Shiraz 2016 exclusive lebua release was born.
In regard to tasting notes, ST HUGO Shiraz 2016 Exclusive
lebua Release is a full-bodied wine with intense ripe fruit supported by softly
textured tannins, which will continue to develop over the next ten years. To
the eyes, a deep purple with vibrant crimson hues, then rich blackberry, plum
and spice aromas lift to the nose. Beautifully balanced, the ripe berry flavors
are interspersed with chocolate, spice and savory notes and the subtle
influence of vanilla, cedar, and cherry oak. Due to its depth, ST HUGO Shiraz
2016 Exclusive lebua Release is best suited to flavorsome meat dishes such as
slow cooked beef ribs or pork belly.