Looking for a change of scenery, we popped downstairs to eat our lunch at Le Bar Secret, (The Dolli’s library-bar) This is a small, stylish space, where you can indulge in a number of things: An all day menu, the patisserie menu, their afternoon tea menu, or start the day/night early with their bar menu. Whatever takes your fancy, you can find it down here. What I will say is this though- Afternoon tea and pastries are more suited than anything else. Having eaten quite a lot of times already on the rooftop, it was refreshing to try the different lunch menu to compare, and to taste some other dishes. Keeping it uncomplicated and straightforward, the risotto was my first choice. It showed promise but it was slightly too acidic for my palate. The rice was perfectly al dente, the asparagus cooked well, (Green and bright as standard, with bite) It was all nicely cooked throughout, but unfortunately, I couldn’t taste any other flavours, it was hard for any of them to get a look in edge ways, (even the cheese) Because the acidity completely took over. We ordered a salad too, which included fig. As far as salad goes, it was ok.
If you are a guest at the hotel, you will already have access to what I am calling, their ‘treats table’ in the entrance area, as you come through the front door. My eyes always light up when I walk past it, seeing what is on show. You have an array of different goodies: Cookies, cakes, madeleines, financiers, vanilla flan, tarts galore, and whatever else the chefs decide to make that day. (There are gluten free items too) You can take what you like for free of course. If you have come from the outside with a booking, then yes there is a charge, and you may be better off glancing at the patisserie menu/afternoon tea instead. Vanilla flan is always my go-to, so I took this to end the meal with a well needed ‘cup of tea.’ I let out a satisfying sigh, as I sipped my tea and took dainty bites of the flan with my fork. “Always a winner” I said. I added more to my plate, (because I couldn’t resist) and then, I got up and left to go back to my room. Full, content, and happy. You can spend a nice moment in this cosy, luxe hideaway.
