TO PARIS, WITH LOVE
The signature dessert at L’Oiseau Blanc, ‘The Cloud’, is still enveloped in a plume of sweet smoke when something even more entrancing catches my eye.
Beyond the sixth-floor windows of The Peninsula Paris, the Eiffel Tower is glittering in the night, its hourly frenzy of illumination distracting all but a few diners in the 40-seat restaurant. A minute later, the dazzling show has ended and my attention returns to my dessert. The white-chocolate casing shatters pleasantly under my spoon, revealing the mousse, caramelised apple and speculoos within, floating on a bergamot-infused jelly.
With its unimpeded view (where Gershwin penned ) that had fallen into bureaucratic obscurity by the end of the century. Every detail has been lovingly restored with a Peninsula twist: grand marble corridors, monochromatic elegance and an extraordinary collection of modern art. In our room, The Peninsula’s impeccable service shines through and my favourite feature by far is the marble bathtub and ‘Spa’ setting on the control panel; with one touch, it dims the lights, plays soothing music and illuminates the suite’s ‘Do No Disturb’ sign. Bliss.
