The Plaza Hotel Brings Provence To The Big Apple

Is there anything better than taking a summer vacation to the south of France and sipping on a glass of rosé? Unfortunately, most of the people that can answer that question are either celebrities or socialites. While we can live vicariously through their Instagram posts, one iconic New York hotel has decided to democratize the French Riviera experience by recreating it stateside.

For the first time, The Plaza Hotel launched a summer series entitled 'Provence at The Plaza' in which they brought the sights, tastes, sounds, and even smells of Provence to the heart of the Big Apple. Re-envisioning the famed Palm Court just a bit to include a flower wall from Venus ET Fleur, the brand behind the celebrity-adored everlasting rose bouquets, took care of the sights and smells. For the sounds, they enlisted some jazz bands to perform throughout the summer.

But, of course, we care about the tastes.

Running from now until September 30, The Palm Court will rotate a menu of critically acclaimed rosés like the 2017 VieVité Rosé Extraordinaire, the 2017 VieVité Rosé Zac Posen Designer Label, and a selection from Chateau d'Esclans, whose vineyards are known for their old Grenache vines.  Diners can order a glass or choose to do a Provence-themed food pairing. Think mini squid ink cornet with salmon rillettes and scallop ceviche topped with grapefruit foam.

"French cuisine is emblematic of class and sophistication," The Plaza's Executive Chef, Sani Hebaj, told us. "As we were creating this special menu for The Palm Court, we wanted to infuse the culture of Provence into the tastes of our menu. Guests will be delighted with the coastal flavors of the French Riviera."

And you can't have a French theme without having some sugar on the menu.

"French sweets are known for their delicate nature, yet bold flavor," said Matthew Lambie, Executive Pastry Chef at The Plaza. "For the 'sweet' portion of our menu, we decided to explore the tangy citrus notes and gentle floral flavors that are so commonly associated with the south of France."

That means you'll finish your night with a refreshing strawberry and lavender popsicle, or a lemon verbena posset with peach jelly and a pine nut crumble. Still craving a nightcap? To go along with the rosé and bites, The Plaza will be serving up Provence-inspired cocktails, including The Eternity Rose, which includes Nolet's Gin, fresh lemon juice, black currant puree, simple syrup, St. Germaine, egg white, and garnished with, what else, but a fresh rose petal.

"With fresh roses filling the room, the tastes of France in our menu, and a live jazz band for entertainment, we hope our guests enjoy being blissfully transported overseas," Maureen Farley, Director of Hospitality and Special Events at The Plaza, told The Daily Meal. "All from the comfort of The Plaza."

The food and drinks that are the subject of this story were provided at no cost to the writer.