Bon Voyage (and Appetit) at Sofitel DC

Written by Jamie

August 25, 2017

 

As a lover of all things French, I treasure every chance to experience French culture. And what is more French and “magnifique” than the beautiful Sofitel Washington DC (no plane ticket required!), one of my personal favorite spaces in the city! Sofitel Hotels and Resorts pride themselves in excelling in four key pillars: Design (each location has a unique esthetic, specific to the location), Culture (embracing French art de vivre), Wellness (“SoFit” workout programs and “DeLight” healthy dining options), and Creative and Inspired Gastronomy. 

I had the pleasure to experience the last pillar earlier this month when trying new summer menu creations from Sofitel DC signature restaurant ICI Bistro Executive Chef, Gyo Santa (pictured) and Pastry Chef Samantha Meissel, as well as sipping their refreshing new summer cocktails (made from honey produced on their rooftop) from Mixologist, Jamie Macgloan! Executive Chef, Gyo Santa adds an Asian-inspired twist to savory traditional French cuisine. For starters, there was homemade Salmon Gravlax, delicious smoked salmon with celery root remoulade, spianata flat bread and lemon oil. Then it was onto Yellow Tuna Tartare with a smooth cauliflower puree, pickled Amish vegetables, and the perfectly crispy/seasoned Panko Breaded Fried Oysters, garnished with arugula, gribiche and served with Asian tawny sauce. Then it was onto the exquisite (and super delish!) summer feature dish, Grilled Whole Branzino a la Provençale with sautéed fennel, arugula and Meyer lemon, and sauce vierge. Other summer savory menu features include: Classic Bouillabaisse made with the fish of the day, mussel, scallop, shrimp, marble potatoes, and saffron broth; Pan Seared Spanish Octopus; and Strawberry Burrata Salad.

No French meal would be complete without dessert and ICI Bistro’s summer dessert menu fit the bill, starting with the super refreshing (perfect for those DC August dog days!) Macaron and Ice Cream, made with house made macaron, raspberry sorbet, and fresh berries. Then there was the requisite chocolate dessert (because, it’s the law), the decadent Chocolate Almond Bomb, made with gluten free almond sponge cake, amaretto syrup, dark chocolate mousse, honey almonds, and chocolate Chantilly. Cocktails by Le Bar mixologist, Jamie Macgloan, made from honey produced on the hotel rooftop topped off the meal, including, the Cannes Cachet with Absolut Elyx vodka, Lllet Rose, lemon juice, Campo Viejo Cava Rose (yes way), and the Oh! BEE-have with a honey kumquat reduction, Belvedere vodka, St. Germain, grapefruit and lime juice. Other yummy summer libations include the Liaison made with Martell Blue Swift Cognac, lemon juice, ginger beer!

Sofitel DC’s summer creations and cocktail menu will be available through mid-September! Other upcoming fabuleux events at Sofitel DC include French Artist Stephane Koerwyn Art Exhibition at ICI Bistro in September and Sofitel Wine Days (see photos from last year’s launch here) ! Au Revoir!

 

 

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