With your New Year's Eve hangover in the rear view mirror, along with some of your more stringent resolutions (buh-bye #DryJanuary), it’s time to start planning for the future! To help with the vinous portion of your plan, I’ve got 5 Fabulous New Year’s Wine Resolutions to guide you into the New Year:
MIX IT UP: Because the world of wine can be confusing it's often easier to just stick with the same wine day in and day out - but how boring is that?!? To break out of your rut, why not vow here and now to sample a different wine every week or at least every month? We make it easy at Highlands Wine Shoppe where you can stop by and sample any of the wines on our tasting machines. We always have 16 selections available by the glass (or taste!) and our amazing staff can help guide you towards your new favorite for 2023.
START A WINE COLLECTION: If you've been drinking wine long enough to have a favorite wine region and/or producer it might be time to sock a few bottles away for a later date. Aged wine can be such an enjoyable experience but collecting wine does NOT mean you have to have a custom built, 5,000 bottle cellar. In fact, far from it! From an 18 bottle, under the counter wine fridge to a 150+ bottle, free-standing unit roll with whatever suits YOUR needs. This piece of equipment is VERY important since varying temperatures, mechanical vibration and light exposure are arch-enemies of wine. And stay tuned for more information on our upcoming Collector’s Series of wine tastings that can guide you towards some great selections!
HONE YOUR TASTING SKILLS: Whether you’re a budding wine enthusiast or an aspiring Somm to really learn about wine you need to use a consistent tasting approach that utilizes ALL five senses. This sensory information provides valuable insight into a wine's place of origin, grape variety and "terroir” which are all critical factors when learning about and understanding wine. So if becoming a better taster is something you’re interested in achieving this year, please click here to be notified of our upcoming events and classes - or - we’d be happy to schedule a private class for you and your friends.
DRINK MORE SPARKLING WINES: The focus on sparkling wine/Champagne consumption around special occasions like New Year's Eve leaves the majority of the year unbearably bubbly-free. While Champagne's price tag may limit it to more of a special occasion wine, there are many sparklers from around the globe that are priced for everyday consumption. Wines like Prosecco, Cava and Crémant are perfect for enjoying on a Tuesday night or sipping over lunch with a friend. As an added bonus, sparkling wines also have less calories and alcohol than a glass of Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon - affordable, delicious AND figure-friendly - what's not to love about that?
FOOD + WINE INSPIRED TRAVEL: Our post-pandemic world, in between variants at least, is the perfect time to visit that wine region you’ve been dreaming about. Whether it’s an overnight trip that’s closer to home or a long haul flight to an Old World wine region, put your planning hat on, do your research + get ready to explore. For some food and wine-inspired travel inspo from our travels to wine regions near and far, please check out my post 5 Glamorous Getaways for Food and Wine Lovers.
I hope these suggestions inspire you to further embrace the world of wine in 2023! If you have any other wine-related resolutions I'd love to hear about them, please let me know in the Comment section below.
With your New Year's Eve hangover in the rear view mirror, not to mention a disastrous pandemic-ridden 2020, it’s time to start planning for the future with a proverbial clean slate. To help with the vinous portion of your plans, here are 5 Fabulous New Year’s Wine Resolutions to guide your exploration in the New Year.
From becoming a better taster to planning a trip to your favorite wine region, here are some great ideas that will truly enhance your enjoyment of and proficiency in wine:
MIX IT UP: Because the world of wine can be confusing it's often easier to just stick with the same wine day in and day out - but how boring is that? To break out of your rut, why not vow here and now to sample a different wine every week or at very least every month. Come on by the wine shop where we always have 16 wines available on the machines to sample by the glass. Not in the area? I’ll also have plenty of great recommendations here on the blog and in our weekly newsletter so please stay tuned.
START A WINE COLLECTION: If you've been drinking wine long enough to have a favorite wine region and/or producer it might be time to sock a few bottles away for a later date. Aged wine can be such a truly enjoyable experience but collecting wine does NOT mean you need to have a custom built, 1,000 bottle cellar, in fact, far from it! From an 18 bottle, under the counter wine fridge to 150+ bottle, free-standing unit go with whatever suits YOUR needs. Having a temperature-controlled place to stash your bottles is VERY important since varying temperatures and humidity levels as well as mechanical vibration and light exposure are arch-enemies of wine. If your budget allows, purchase a unit with a little room to grow, wine lovers have a habit of outgrowing them faster then they think!
HONE YOUR TASTING SKILLS: Whether you’re a budding wine enthusiast or an aspiring Somm to really learn about wine you need to taste it in a particular way, utilizing ALL of your senses. This sensory information provides valuable insight into a wine's place of origin, grape variety and "terroir” which are all critical factors when learning about and understanding wine. So if becoming a better taster is something you’re interested in achieving this year, please click here to be notified of our upcoming wine tastings.
DRINK MORE SPARKLING WINES: The focus on sparkling wine/Champagne consumption around special occasions like New Year's Eve leaves the majority of the year unbearably bubbly-free. While Champagne's price tag may limit it to more of a special occasion wine, there are many sparklers from around the globe that are priced for everyday consumption. Wines like Prosecco, Cava and Crémant are perfect for enjoying on a Tuesday night or sipping over lunch with a friend. As an added bonus, sparkling wines also have less calories and alcohol than a glass of Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon - affordable, delicious AND figure-friendly - what's not to love about that?
FOOD + WINE TRAVEL: Take advantage of our post-pandemic global status + book that trip you dreamed about during lockdown! Whether it’s an overnight trip to enjoy a favorite restaurant or a long haul flight to an Old World wine region, start planning now and as soon as we get the green light to travel - you’ll be ready to go! For some food and wine-inspired travel inspo check out my post 5 Glamorous Getaways for Food and Wine Lovers.
I hope these suggestions inspire you to further embrace the world of wine in 2023! If you have any other wine-related resolutions I'd love to hear about them, please let me know in the Comments section below.
A good Sazerac, a good poboy, a good crawfish boil—you have to wait until you can have a good one.
Although Fall doesn’t officially start until next week, for some reason I've been obsessed with it for the past month. From drinking (way too many) Pumpkin Spice Lattes to coming up with a list of 5 Fabulous Things to Do this Fall - for some reason I can't get this season off my mind. I recently came across a cocktail that's further perpetuating my fascination with the savor-worthy season: the Smoked Sazerac!
The traditional Sazerac originated in New Orleans in the 19th century and, with its pre-Civil War origins, it is largely considered to be America's oldest cocktail. Named for the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac that served as its original main ingredient, the Sazerac is a variation of a classic cognac or whiskey cocktail. Traditionally, it’s a combination of cognac or rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychaud's Bitters, and sugar, although bourbon whiskey is sometimes substituted for the rye, and Herbsaint is sometimes substituted for the absinthe.
We discovered this particular riff on the traditional Sazerac during a visit to The Cloister at Sea Island in Southeast Georgia, one of our favorite vacation spots. Every time we visit, we have dinner at the wonderfully warm and inviting River Bar the night we arrive. Inspired by a French brasserie, the River Bar overlooks the Black Banks River on the west side of Sea Island and makes a wonderful spot for watching the sunset...generally with cocktail in hand. This time the Smoked Sazerac caught Steve's eye and underneath the list of ingredients was an asterisk that warned, "This cocktail requires extended time for production"...but the foreplay was well worth the wait!
Our bartender Kelly kindly took us through each step of making this fabulous cocktail in which the traditional Sazerac ingredients of rye, absinthe, and Peychaud's bitters are enhanced by the Fall-inspired flavors of ginger-cinnamon syrup and smoke from cherry wood chips. The wood chips are ignited at the bar by flaming absinthe and the resulting smoke is captured in a chilled old-fashioned glass that the drink is ultimately served from.
If you're entertaining this season or just feel like spoiling yourself, the Smoked Sazerac is well worth the effort and will surely put you and/or your guests in the Fall spirit(s)! I sincerely hope you enjoy our latest edition of Cocktail Couture, to see past installments of this segment, please click here.
So what's your favorite cocktail to enjoy in the Fall?
And if you’d like to receive a decadent morsel of deliciousness in your inbox every Saturday, please sign up to receive my free, weekly newsletter, “The GG Guide to Wine + Food” by clicking here. It’s a treasure trove of seasonally-inspired, Sommelier-selected wines, recipes, pairings + travel tips. xo
PRINT RECIPE"THE SMOKED SAZERAC"
Makes one drink
INGREDIENTS
3 ounces Bulleit Rye
1 ounce ginger syrup*
1/2 ounce of Vieux Carré Absinthe
A couple dashes of Peychaud's bitters or to taste
Cherry wood smoker chips ($5.99 on Amazon)
Orange peel for garnish
Chill an old-fashioned glass by filling it with ice and setting is aside while you prepare the rest of the drink.
In another glass add the ginger syrup and a few dashes of the Peychaud's bitters and stir to combine. Then add the rye and a few ice cubes to the glass with the bitters and ginger syrup, stir to combine.
Place the cherry wood chips in a fire-safe bowl. Fill a jigger with approximately 1/2 ounce of absinthe and using a match or kitchen torch, ignite the absinthe. Pour the flaming absinthe over the cherry wood chips to ignite. Empty the ice from the first glass and invert it over the burning wood chips, filling the glass with smoke.
Once it's filled with smoke, carefully turn it right side up and very slowly, strain the rye, ginger syrup and bitters mixture into it. Place the orange peel on the burning cherry wood chips for a few seconds until the edges are lightly charred, garnish the drink with it and serve.
*”GINGER SYRUP”
INGREDIENTS
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 - 2" piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 cinnamon stick
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and stir until sugar is dissolved.
Add the chopped ginger and cinnamon stick to the sugar mixture and bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and let steep for 30 minutes.
Strain mixture through a sieve into an airtight container and discard ginger and cinnamon. Syrup will keep for up to one month.
Labor Day has come and gone and those lazy Summer days have magically transformed into the pre-holiday countdown. In many parts of the country the arrival of Fall is heralded by the beautiful changing of leaves and a refreshing dip in the temperature, but in other parts of the country, like here in sunny South Florida, the change of season is not as discernible.
In these warmer climes it helps to usher in this oh so savor-worthy season with certain distinct rituals. Here are my 5 fabulous things that are sure to put you in the Fall frame of mind:
Butternut Squash Bisque, Porcini Mushroom & Barley Soup, Quick Coq au Vin and Pumpkin Pie Trifle are just a few recipes that beautifully showcase some of the favorite flavors of Fall. Simply pick a recipe based on one of your favorite flavors and practice up. By the time the holidays roll around you'll be ready to bring a delicious side dish or dessert and who knows, you might even feel like hosting the holiday meal yourself!
Rosé is the quintessential Summer wine and since 99% of rosé produced is best consumed upon release, NOW is the time to drink up! Maybe an "End of Summer Rosé Soirée" (yes, I used to have pink hair!) is the way to go depending on how many bottles you have left. But, in addition to drinking that rosé while it's fresh and delicious you also need to make room for those wines best suited for Fall such as Viognier and Pinot Noir, and let’s not forget those deeper, full-bodied rosés.
There's nothing like witnessing the changing of the leaves from vibrant green to magnificent shades of red, gold and brown to put you in the mood for Fall. And while we’re all a little reticent to hop on a place right now given the Coronavirus crisis, a great region for leaf peeping might be a quick road trip away! So pack your cozy sweater and comfy boots and head to one of the many U.S. regions known for fabulous Fall foliage. Some of our favorites include Boston, Massachusetts; Cashiers, North Carolina; and Boulder, Colorado (for more information, please click here).
Do you like to dress up for Halloween but usually end up throwing together a makeshift costume at the very last minute? Well forget that ratty old witch's hat and plan to host your own Halloween Costume party this year! With COVID still looming, keep things small and intimate but even planning something small will still get you in the spooky spirit. Put the word out now using these super fun, stylish invitations and have fun planning your costume in addition to all the party details. And NO Halloween party is complete without this deliciously gruesome recipe for Savory Severed Arm in Marinara Sauce!
Perhaps one of my favorite things about this time of year is the music. Whether you're driving in the car, making dinner in the kitchen, or taking a brisk walk be sure to keep your favorite Fall playlist on the ready. Some of our favorite songs for the season include Lady Gaga's "Orange Colored Sky"; Vince Guaraldi's "Great Pumpkin Waltz"; and "Autumn in New York" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.
I hope these suggestions help make your transition into Fall more enjoyable. What are some of your favorite things that put you in an Autumn state of mind?
And if you’d like to receive a decadent morsel of deliciousness in your inbox every Saturday, please sign up to receive my free, weekly newsletter, “The GG Guide to Wine + Food” by clicking here. It’s a treasure trove of seasonally-inspired, Sommelier-selected wines, recipes, pairings + travel tips. xo
You must forgive me, if I’m up + gone to Carolina in my mind.
For those of you who enjoy traveling with your dogs, have I got a find for you! This edition of Glamorous Getaways features The Park On Main in Highlands, North Carolina, a hotel that not only allows guests to bring their dogs but was designed with man's best friend in mind. Our two dachshunds, Louis and Coco, joined us on this adventure which entailed a twelve-hour drive from South Florida, but it was well worth the trek to discover this wonderfully stylish respite from the sweltering South Florida Summer heat!
But first and foremost, if you’re not familiar with Highlands, let me introduce you! This gem of a town is located in western North Carolina, a mere 2 hours drive from Atlanta. It’s perched atop a plateau at approximately 4,000 feet elevation and surrounded by the lush, verdant Nantahala National Rain Forest. In addition to being immersed in breathtaking natural beauty, this quaint, country town also offers some seriously sophisticated retail and fine dining opportunities, most of which are located along Main Street, the town’s charming main drag.
The Park on Main is located at the western end of Highland's tony Main Street and was originally built in the 1980's. The hotel operated as the Highlands Suites Hotel until it was purchased in 2013 and closed for a year long renovation. Luckily, it was purchased and renovated by animal lovers so when it reopened in July 2014 as The Park on Main, the end result was a casually elegant, 24-suite hotel that was completely pet-centric with rooms surrounding a beautifully landscaped garden terrace, inspired by New York City's Central Park.
The hotel entrance is flanked by Mackenzie-Childs Courtly Check water bowls and stone statues of a dachshund and the hotel's mascot, Mr. Pickles, a spunky black Scottish terrier, which made our pups feel right at home! The beautiful black and white lobby features a gorgeous crystal chandelier, sumptuous drapery, and beadboard paneling adorned with floor to ceiling canine oil paintings. The hotel staff was also extremely helpful and welcoming and General Manager, John Woods joined the hotel’s team in 2017.
The Park on Main is the second hotel in the nation to join forces with a rescue organization to help shelter animals get adopted. The hotel has partnered up with the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society for the past six years and features a dog on-site every month that's available for adoption. It's nice to know a hotel that caters to pets also goes the extra mile to help shelter pets in their community find loving, forever homes.
Having visited Park on Main for many years now, Louis and Coco bound into the beautifully appointed room as soon as we open the door - they are so excited! They love to check out their amenities which include glamorous Mackenzie-Childs dog bowls, a cozy, oversize Orvis dog bed and a special puppy welcome pack complete with a note from the manager, treats and a toy.
The Hubs and I get a little more excited about other things, like the lovely white marble bathroom, cozy couches, stylish decor and gas fireplace. Steve also loves to read the paper on the bedroom balcony and every room we’ve stayed in has an extremely comfortable bed which Lou has to personally approve by performing his rigorous quality check (click here to see him in action). In every hotel suite at Park on Main are a refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker and generously sized flat screen TVs in both the living area and bedroom.
Our Superior King Suite had plenty of room for the pups to run around and fit all of our "gear" comfortably. While the hotel does not have an onsite restaurant, they do offer a selection of breakfast items in the morning (yogurt, croissants, English muffins, milk and cereal etc) and there are plenty of dining options available on Main Street literally just steps outside the front door. And if you do decide to go and bring your pups, below are five things you might want to do during your stay:
1.) Stroll down Main Street: A daily, afternoon stroll down Main Street with your pups is a must - there's so much for them to sniff and savor + you’ll really enjoy it as well! There’s plenty of boutiques + specialty shops to peruse at your leisure + virtually every one is dog friendly as well. You’ll notice many water dishes out + every store has a stash of treats to spoil your pup. Some of our favorite shops on Main street include C. Orrico, Spartina, TJ Bailey for Men, Dutchmans Designs + Highlands Mountain Paws.
2.) Ice Cream at Kilwin's: An afternoon scoop of ice cream at Kilwin's is always part of our daily routine during our stay in Highlands where the most difficult decision you’ll make is “cake” or “waffle” cone. The courtyard out front is a gathering place for people and their pets to socialize and enjoy the day - not to mention the ice cream! In addition to their delicious “Original Recipe” ice cream, Kilwin’s chocolates, fudge, caramels + other sweet treats are definitely worth exploring as well.
3.) Dine al fresco…ANYWHERE: Especially with the advent of COVID-19, being able to enjoy meals outside is a real plus! Summer daytime temps seldom break 75 degrees and evenings are in the low 60's, making the conditions perfect for relaxing and enjoying a perspiration-free meal. Some of our favorite places include Wild Thyme Gourmet, The Wine Garden at Old Edwards Inn, Bistro on Main, Highlands Smokehouse, Wolfgang’s Restaurant + Wine Bistro + On the Verandah. Most places are also delightfully dog friendly so you enjoy your lunch or dinner outside with your pup(s) as well.
4.) Do a Waterfall Tour: Highlands is home to quite a few beautiful waterfalls so if you want to immerse yourself in nature this is a fabulous option. Many of the waterfalls are visible from the comfort of your car but you can also hike the surrounding area as well. You can also see multiple falls in one day so do your research according to your desired level of physical activity + make a fun plan. Some of our favorites waterfalls include Bridal Veil Falls (pictured above), Dry Falls, Satulah Falls, Secret Falls + Bust your Butt Falls.
5.) Enjoy a glass of wine at the Mountaintop Wine Shoppe: And last but not least…WINE! We absolutely fell in love with this adorable wine shop located directly across the street from The Park on Main in one of the oldest historical buildings in Highlands. They offer over 50 wines by the glass in addition to a well-curated selection of bottles from around the globe. To pair with your wine, they also offer a delicious selection of cheeses, crackers + meats so leash up your hounds and trot them over for a delicious glass of wine on the front terrace under the oak trees. Be sure to check their fun calendar of events + wine tastings as well!
The Park on Main | 205 Main Street | Highlands, NC 28741 | 800.221.5078 | www.theparkonmain.com
‘Cause a little bit of Summer is what the whole year is all about.
Summer cooking is equal parts fun and fresh ingredients and if you do it right, you’re never more than ten minutes away from an exceptional Summer-inspired meal. And if you want to satisfy your appetite in style this Summer, here are my Top 6 Summer Foodie Phrases and recipes you definitely need to know about. Whether you prefer to order them off a menu (NO judgment!) or want to recreate them in your own kitchen, I’ve got ya covered:
1.) Salade Niçoise [SAL-ad nee-SWAZ]: Niçoise literally means "in the style of Nice" which is where this super chic salad originated (pictured above). While it typically consists of fresh, traditional flavors such as tomatoes, oil-packed tuna, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives and anchovies dressed with a simple vinaigrette, this delicious salad's global appeal has led to many variations. Today, a piece of seared rare tuna is often used instead of canned, oil-packed tuna. Other accoutrements are also added including potatoes, haricorts verts, capers and/or roasted red peppers.
This delicious flavor combination is also frequently used to top meat or fish and one of our all-time favorite Summer recipes is my recipe for Swordfish Niçoise. And for wine lovers, nothing pairs more perfectly with this lovely salade than a glass of Provençal rosé - Sante!
2.) Ceviche [seh-VEE-chay]: This classic Latin American dish which originated in Peru is a MUST for all seafood lovers! Ceviche is a combination of fresh, raw seafood (i.e. shrimp, sea bass, mahi-mahi, etc.) which is chopped and then "cooked" in citrus juices. The citric acid found in lemons and limes "denatures" the proteins in the fish, much like the application of heat, although the two processes are somewhat different.
The high acid of the citrus also creates an environment that is inhospitable to many pathogens, making the fish safe to eat as well. In addition to the citrus juice, ceviche is also given delicious flavor by adding garlic, onion and/or cilantro and is usually spiced with red chili peppers as well.
3.) Gazpacho [gaz-PAH-cho]: This quintessential, tomato-based Summer soup originated in Andalusia, Spain hundreds of years ago. In addition to tomatoes, gazpacho also includes raw vegetables such as onion, garlic, bell pepper, cucumbers and parsley which are chopped and blended together using either a traditional mortar and pestle or blender. Some older variations of this ancient dish also include bread although this is not commonly seen today.
The soup is then seasoned using vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper and is always served chilled - making it even MORE perfect for a hot Summer day. I absolutely love this gazpacho recipe from the legendary Ina Garten that incorporates all the necessary key ingredients + delivers the most amazing flavor!
4.) Aïoli [ay-O-lee]: This sumptuous sauce's name literally means, "oil and garlic" in the Catalan and Provençal languages. Aïoli is a mayonnaise-like mixture of olive oil and garlic that’s particularly popular in the coastal Mediterranean towns of France, Italy and Spain. It is traditionally served alongside dishes such as steamed vegetables, poached seafood, shellfish and hard-boiled eggs. It beautifully enhances a dish's flavor with its garlicky goodness!
While the Spanish maintain aïoli should not include eggs which results in a more paste-like consistency, Provençal versions often do which gives the sauce a richer, creamier texture. To make aïoli from scratch, this is a fabulous recipe, and I also love this Provencal-inspired recipe for Grilled Swordfish with Rosé Aïoli and Fennel + Olive Salad that involves a little short cut.
5.) Semifreddo [se-mee-FRAY-doe]: This Italian, semi-frozen dessert will quickly become a staple in your kitchen this Summer! Semifreddo, which literally means "half-cold" in Italian, is a heavenly mixture of sugar, cream and eggs. The texture is somewhere between ice cream and decadent frozen mousse, however, semifreddo is not churned like ice cream which is where the main difference lies.
Semifreddo is made with whipped cream that is then frozen into a pan or mold and then sliced prior to serving. This deliciously divine Strawberry Pistachio Semifreddo is our Summer favorite!
6.) Elote [eh-LO-tay]: I don't know about you, but if there's one thing I CRAVE all Summer long...its corn. And the epitome of corny deliciousness can be found in Elote, aka Mexican street corn. In this dish, ears of corn are typically either boiled or cooked on the grill and then slathered with a combination of mayonnaise, crema (sour cream), lemon or lime juice, salt, pepper, butter, cheese (such as Cotija) and either chili powder or smoked paprika depending on how you roll.
We especially like Chef Michelle Bernstein's recipe for Mexican-style Corn with Lime, Ancho and Queso Fresco but feel free to use your artistic license and make it your own for a savory Summer treat!
I hope you enjoy these Top 6 Summer Foodie Phrases and that they help guide your enjoyment of the Summer season. I'd also love to hear about your favorite Summer dishes in the "Comments" section below.
And if you’d like to receive a little morsel of deliciousness in your inbox every week, please sign up to receive my free weekly newsletter, “The GG Guide to Wine + Food” by clicking here. It’s a treasure trove of Sommelier-selected, seasonally-inspired wine selections, recipes, pairings + travel tips. Thank you in advance and I look forward to joining you on your journey towards vinous + culinary enlightenment! xo
It's amazing how time flies.
It seems like yesterday I was excitedly announcing our first food and wine group trip to Provence and before you know it, we've been back and six months have passed!
If you've been reading my blog over the past few years, you may know we've been spending more time in the South of France. Specifically, cooking at Julia Child's former Summer home, La Pitchoune; tasting our way through Provençal wine country; and exploring nearby towns like Cannes, which has become a real favorite.
And after a busy week of hosting cooking classes, wine tastings and excursions during our aforementioned group trip (if you'd like to learn more about our bespoke trips, please click here), we decided Cannes would be the perfect place to relax for a few days. And since our dear friends we usually stay with were not in town, we decided on the InterContinental Carlton Hotel.
The storied, century-old Intercontinental Carlton Hotel is truly an icon of old Hollywood glamour. And its majestic facade is essentially the crowned jewel of La Croisette, the famed stretch of road that hugs the Mediterranean coastline and features haute couture shops including Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. On our first trip to Cannes years ago, our dear friends Kaki and Phil picked us up from the Nice airport and whisked us off to a decadent lunch at the Carlton Beach Club. We savored succulent lobster rolls and oodles of rosé as we enjoyed the magnificent view complete with mega yachts bobbing about in the glistening Mediterranean.
Halfway through my lobster roll, I was smitten!
The Carlton Hotel, as it was first known, was originally the dream of Londoner Henry Ruhl. He partnered with architect and Nice native Charles Dalmas on its design and construction which commenced in 1911. Since its opening in 1913, the hotel has been a magnet for glamorous celebrity guests and political figures alike including Beyoncé, Eva Longoria, Clint Eastwood and Sharon Stone. It has also played a starring role in the famed Cannes Film Festival which launched in 1939. Soon after word of its grandeur spread, it quickly became a coveted location for shooting films as well.
Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, filmed portions of his classic "To Catch a Thief" at The Carlton. The film featured two of Hollywood's brightest stars of the time, Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. One of the film's most memorable scenes features Kelly in a magnificent blue evening gown in the hotel's Grand Salon.
During the 1955 Cannes Film Festival, Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco had an arranged meeting and photo shoot at the hotel which is believed to have inspired their marriage a year later. Kelly's time spent at the Carlton will forever link her to the hotel and one of its most prestigious suites bears her name to this day.
After bidding adieu to our last guest at La Pitchoune, we packed up the car and headed South towards Cannes. As we pulled down the Croisette about twenty minutes later, the InterContinental Carlton Hotel beckoned in the distance as the gorgeous afternoon sun glistened and danced across its regal facade.
We were greeted warmly at the hotel and thankfully, our room was ready and waiting. As we rode up in the elevator I couldn't wait to get settled and tuck into a big, comfy bed for a looong nap after our busy week. As the Concierge opened the door, the room was illuminated by a beautiful, golden glow. As she proceeded to swing open the balcony doors and step back, we were met with the most glorious view!
The sun was setting on the azure Mediterranean as palm trees swayed gently in the breeze. There were two chairs situated on either side of the balcony doors and a table in between set with snacks and a bottle of Henriot Champagne! Our oceanfront room was absolutely dreamy and every bit as glamorous as I had hoped. After a few sips of Champagne and a couple lemony Madeleines I dozed off into a blissful sleep.
We spent the next 72 hours relaxing in the hotel, strolling La Croisette and savoring our remaining days in the South of France. We visited some of our favorite shops in Cannes including LaDurée, Chanel, Harmont & Blaine and our favorite wine shop, 1862 Wine & Spirits. We also enjoyed a leisurely dinner at the nearby French bistro, Pastis (thanks, Kaki & Phil!).
The hotel's Carlton Bar with its fabulous Belle Epoque atmosphere was also a favorite for enjoying Cocktails on the Croisette. I thoroughly enjoyed the Lady Carlton Cocktail (26 €) featuring Champagne and fresh strawberry coulis while Steve opted for the deliciously classic Negroni (25 €). Our drinks were the perfect accompaniment for the delicious dishes such as Steak Tartare (32 €) and decadent Foie Gras Crostini (28 €). In addition to the delightful cocktails and food, the Carlton Bar is a wonderful place for people watching as well!
Our stay at the InterContinental Carlton Cannes was truly the perfect ending to an amazing trip and I couldn't recommend the hotel highly enough. While a true icon of glamour, we thoroughly enjoyed the hotel's sense of relaxed elegance that kept it from feeling too stuffy and formal.
And while the hotel is a wonderful place to stay all year round, it's a hot spot for national conferences. Of course, the best known is the Cannes Film Festival which takes place in mid-May, but here is a calendar of others to keep in mind when making your plans. Rooms tend to book up quickly and the town is really busy during these times.
Even if you're not a guest of the hotel, if you ever find yourself in Cannes you should definitely pop into The Carlton Bar for Cocktails by the Croisette or lunch at the Carlton Beach Club. In addition to the delicious food and drinks and decadent atmosphere, you never know who you'll run into!
InterContinental Carlton Cannes | 58 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06414 | Cannes, France | +33 4 93 06 40 06
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