Further face lifts followed without damaging the unique atmosphere of the hotel which has outstanding frescoes, woodwork and furniture. Gustave Eiffel created the glass work in the shape of an umbrella, and the huge central carpet was specially woven in Hong Kong. It won the Renaissance Trophy for the most elegant period decor given by the Gault-Millau Guide through a committee that included the Duchess of Bedford, Paloma Picasso, Baroness Edmond de Rothschild and Karl Lagerfeld. The restaurant which was originally created by Gabriel Ferrier in 1899 is a fitting setting for the food served there. You glide in under a giant crystal chandelier and there are columns of pink marble everywhere.
Many architectural experts consider it the most elegant restaurant in Europe.
I decided to go for the special menu that had been selected that day by Joel which is a cross section of the kind of dishes that are available at Salle Belle Epoque. First came an absolutely superb Coque de Nois de Saint Jacques with baby peas and an infusion of balsamic vinegar. We enjoyed this wine so much that we kept with it for the entire meal. It's always available in the top French restaurants, and the best of it usually spends at least four months in new wood. The emphasis on serving only French wine at restaurants of this quality differs sharply from the practice of many London French restaurants who think nothing of serving wines from other countries without any reservations whatsoever.