Gone are the days when hotel guests only dined at in-house restaurants out of convenience rather than choice. Design Hotels carefully selected member hotels are a joy and an adventure to stay at. Dinner at one of their fine hotel restaurants is regarded as a culinary adventure rather than just a necessity. Design Hotels visits 6 of its members to appraise their culinary triumphs.
Modern elegance in rural Germany
Among the rolling hills and picturesque vineyards of the Mosel region, in the heart of the valley of Trier, in the rural Olewig district, where you would expect to find rustic charm and traditional venues, contemporary elegant Becker’s Hotel & Restaurant catches you by surprise.
That surprise turns into delight as you discover not only that the decor and architecture of the place are refreshing and tasteful but also that the food is beyond compare.
A restaurant awarded two Michelin stars and 18 points in Gault Millau for its unique blend and contrast of flavours.
Diners are offered 5 or 8-course menus consisting of exquisite culinary delights that include pink roasted duck breast with creamy savoy cabbage and potato patties, and expertly guided through the extensive selection of wine, most of it coming directly from the hotel’s own vineyard, to pick the best bouquet to complement the meal.
Italian dining with a view
Another outstanding find – Il Comandante at Romeo Hotel in Naples comes with a warning. Beware of your senses going into overdrive. The hotel is an exciting balance of contrasts – its location between the sea and the city is a combination of modern and traditional and a mixture of Eastern and Western influences.
Il Comandante restaurant on the 10th floor of the building is an exceptional experience of Modern Italian Cuisine, following in the footsteps of the rich culinary traditions of this gourmet-celebrated country. It didn’t go unnoticed, as since the new executive chef, Salvatore Bianco, joined the restaurant, it has been awarded a Michelin star.
The mouth-watering delicacies on the menu include lamb parmesan with grilled tomatoes and mozzarella with sweet-sour garlic, almonds and onion cream, reflecting the best flavours of the region. And to complete your enjoyment, the stylish restaurant boasts panoramic views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
The best of both worlds in Greece
If you stay at one of the most extravagantly luxurious hotels in Greece – The Met at Thessaloniki, you may find it difficult to choose between two outstanding dining establishments on offer.
Each is different from the others as they are brilliant. Chan restaurant serves an Asian-inspired menu put together by Oliver Peyton – a famous British food critic and restaurateur.
The restaurant offers the best of Asian culinary innovation within the elegant surroundings designed by renowned London architects. Andy Martin. The other choice is
Avenue 48, which offers modern Greek cuisine by Executive Chef Dimitrios Tsananas in a beautiful and elegant setting. This winter the hotel management have saved you the trouble of choosing.
How? Just ask about the “Double your pleasure and double your fun” initiative that gives you a chance to choose from either menu at both restaurants.
The best of French cuisine in Portugal
In Portugal, in the heart of Funchal, Madeira’s colourful capital, The Vine, a fabulous new hotel named after the grape vines used for making Madeira’s world-famous wine, stands proudly in the town’s historic centre.
The restaurant UVA – “grape” in Portuguese – has been taken over by a world-renowned 3-star Michelin chef, Antoine Westermann, a master of French cuisine who brings up the best flavours by combining French savoir-faire with the finest regional produce.
The restaurant serves 3 or 4-course menus and offers spectacular panoramic views over Funchal and the harbour from the rooftop of the hotel for all diners. And for those seeking a bit of privacy or celebrating a special occasion with a small circle of friends, there is an option to reserve a private room comfortably sitting up to 12 people.
A little bit of Rome in the heart of Manhattan
The Gramercy Park Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in the world. Everything about it is fabulous, unique and inspirational. The Guests Register boasts the names of many world-famous artists, designers and even Presidents.
Its location – in the heart of Manhattan, overlooking the private Gramercy Park is minutes away from the attractions. The renowned furnishings and decorations feature original masterpieces by Damien Hirst, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Andy Warhol. The Gramercy Park Hotel is a true historical property, and when it comes to dining, creativity follows suit.
The award-winning restaurateur Danny Meyer’s “Dream-come True”, Maialino restaurant with its charming and stylish interior features oak tables, tiled floors, and wide windows overlooking the park, recreating the feel and atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria.
The executive chef, Nick Anderer serves classic Roman dishes cooked with fresh seasonal ingredients and best local produce.
The menu opens up with popular appetizers like ham, cheese and antipasti, followed by a mouth-watering selection of Southern Italian favourites like classic pasta and spaghetti dishes, carpaccio, garganelli and many more, and let’s not forget the great selection of Italian wine to complete the experience.
Grand Cuisine on Grand Canal
Palazzina G hotel, set right on the Grand Canal, is a dream place to stay in Venice. This 16th-century, 5-star luxury establishment, situated on the waterfront, provides privacy, exclusivity and tailor-made service for every guest.
The elegant décor of sophisticated modern romanticism features exclusive furnishings, art and glasswork by noted artists, as well as unique pieces of furniture and restored original features. The hotel’s PG’s Club, Restaurant and Bar are considered to be among the best in the whole of Venice.
The celebrated chef Paolo Businaro serves the best Italian Cuisine has to offer, but there is more, he prepares the meals in the show-kitchen in plain view of the diners, so guests can follow the preparation by the counter and interact with the master, as well as personalize their orders.
For the most inquisitive, there is a “Culinary Experience” option, where you can follow the whole process from start to finish, from choosing the ingredients at the market to transforming them into gourmet dishes and, of course, tasting the delicious results.
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