Fancy foodies aren't accustomed to traveling to 4-star boutique hotels in a city like Cannes that's ridden with fabled 5-star luxury palaces. But if you're looking for the top restaurants, then you'll have to head into the thoroughly boutique Grand Hotel where chef Sebastian Broda has proved a culinary force within his Le Park 45 dining room. Opposite the former-Noga Hilton, the sea-facing mid-rise property shouldn't be judged by its somewhat dated façade. Inside, a bright and airy lobby is filled with some of Cannes' hipper set of weekend visitors with a dining room that's become a star-attraction all its own. The indoor/outdoor space is contained within a cosmopolitan decor wrapped in fabric walls with slip-covered, high--back chairs. The dining room connects to a large terrace facing the Croisette as well as a popular bar that perks with single life till the early morning hours.
The Food
A sharp 30-year old chef with cooking stints at Jarrier in Biot and Lou Cigalon in Valbonne under his belt creates a Cannes cooking triumph from an otherwise forgettable boutique hotel in the center of town. A Mediterranean menu forged in complex flavors and unconventional pairings changes every three weeks in addition to offering a selection of prix fixe options. First plate presentations include Crystal Bay prawn tartare with kombu seaweed, Provincial asparagus with smoked salmon and caviar or foie gras with marmalade toasts. Main courses include locally sourced chicken cooked two-ways, suckling lamb with garlic and veal medallion with pea stew.
Last Word
4-star boutique hotel along Cannes’ Croisette garners surprising 1-star Michelin rating for 2011.
