Return to the Bel-Air

Return to the Bel-Air

While in Los Angeles recently, Joseph and I went back to our beloved Bel-Air Hotel for brunch. It is still as beautiful as ever, with attentive service and wonderful food. We were both suffused with memories, evoked as we watched a bride having her pictures taken and the staff worked to create the special day that she will never forget. Sixteen years later, he is still the kind, loving, thoughtful, intelligent man I married.
Joseph and I made our choices from a truly amazing brunch menu:
Kir royale, bellinis, Greyhounds, Bloody Marys
foie gras, truffle and blue prawn macaroni gratin,
prosciutto-gruyere quiche, herb-crusted Chilean bass,
French lentil salad with walnut-sherry dressing
Atlantic salmon pizza on Indian Naan bread
Kobe beef burger with fried egg and truffles with gruyere cheese
Maple-Bourbon crème brulee French toast
Strawberry shortcake with Chantilly cream
Hot chocolate souffle

My usual low-carb eating plan went out the window for this brunch. Brunch at the Bel-Air is equivalent to at least three sessions on the exercise bicycle while watching Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network. But - you only live once.

We were just in time, too! On October 1, the Bel-Air closed for renovation, with plans to refurbish the 91 rooms and its famous champagne bar. The staff promised us that they wouldn’t take away the Bel-Air’s distinctive charm, but are planning to add larger facilities for special events and six more suites. I’m so glad that we were there to say good-bye to our old friend and look forward to seeing its new look in 2011. http://www.hotelbelair.com/