Tasty and expensive! It was this stereotype that developed among the Soviet population about restaurants at hotels and hotels. Fortunately, over the past 15-20 years, the situation has changed for the better, and while middle-class establishments are still in short supply, there are definitely no problems in the luxury category. But before you find out the nuances of service, the terms used and the names of popular places to stay and eat, we recall one of the most famous restaurants of the last century ...
History reference
In the center of the city at the intersection of two highways of the capital is a 4-star hotel "Beijing", whose building was recognized as a historical monument. Initially, the building was supposed to accommodate the NKVD Main Directorate, but after the war a decision was made to convert it into a hotel. The first guests settled in 1956, despite the fact that the building was put into operation only two years later.
On December 15, 1955, the Executive Committee of Mossvet adopted a decree instructing "to open a restaurant with Chinese cuisine in the Beijing Hotel." After all, few people know that the hotel was recognized to symbolize the friendship between the Soviet Union and the Middle Kingdom.
Initially, the open institution contained two main halls - Chinese and Russian cuisine. By the way, the first was distinguished by the richest decoration: hand-painted on columns and walls mainly with paints of natural origin, handmade panels and screens from wood, paintings on the walls, silk paintings, figurines and vases. Today, some preserved interior items of the Chinese hall are still carefully stored in the archive of the Beijing Hotel.
The restaurant was opened back in 1955, now it is simply impossible to imagine a hotel without such establishments, because the provision of food is one of the main criteria for quality service.
And as much as possible: let's talk about the number of seats
This indicator is formed based on the level of comfort, brand, infrastructure and the "star" of the hotel. In accordance with generally accepted rules, the number of seats should be at least 70% of the number of rooms. For example, in a hotel with 2 * or 3 * one restaurant is enough, which will provide 3 meals a day and working in a 24/7 lobby bar.
In a 4 * hotel, one more establishment of a higher class is needed, for celebrations and serving guests from the street, as well as those living in VIP-rooms.
There should be at least 3 restaurants in a 5 * hotel - the first two in quality and service are similar to establishments with 4 *, and the third is of a higher class with a twist. For example, with a fascinating panoramic view, a unique interior, a fireplace, author's cuisine and a separate cigar room. Such institutions are most often located on the roof of buildings or on the highest floors.
Features of work
First of all, the strict duty of a restaurant in a hotel is to serve guests. That is, at least once a day in the morning, from about 6 to 10 hours, it should work exclusively for internal use. Usually, a distribution line operates at this time, less often an à la carte menu is offered. If the institution plans to operate for guests "from the street", then the administration must provide a separate room for meals.
Another feature invisible to prying eyes is that such restaurants play a secondary role in the profit structure of the hotel. Often they are practically unavailable during the day, but at the same time they are used for receptions, banquets, etc., so if you go to such an institution on a normal weekday, then most likely it will be empty. At the same time, over the next few months, all weekends will be scheduled for major events.
Catering
Restaurants in hotels have their own classification system, though not recognized by anyone, which is useful for many tourists to know:
- Bed & Breakfast, commonly referred to as BB. A common form of catering, where each side has its own advantages. For guests - coffee, a light breakfast, which is quite acceptable for a morning meal in the room and less expensive. For the hotel - free tables to attract outside customers;
- Half Board or HB (half board). Only breakfast and dinner are included in the category. If we talk about the types and number of dishes, then everything depends on the generosity of the selected complex. But in world practice, breakfast is served as a buffet, and dinner in the form of a salad bar.
- Full Board or FB (full board). In short, the first, second, and even compote! But seriously, Full Board is a full three meals a day.
- All Inclusive. Viva to the conqueror of hearts of domestic tourists - the All-Inclusive system. It is worth talking about the fact that here you will find not only good nutrition, but also free access to all establishments working under the auspices of the hotel in which you live.
Service Forms
If you decide to taste all the delights of restaurants at hotels, it will be useful to find out some terms:
- À la carte - translated from French "as desired." No secrets - ordering dishes on the menu.
- Buffet - Alexander Kuprin himself at one time could not refuse these dishes, to say nothing of less demanding people?
- Tabledot - type of food implies a set of dishes for a fixed amount. The only caveat: eat while standing.
Now, knowing all the nuances, we will get acquainted with the best restaurants at hotels not only in Russia, but throughout the world.
Where to go in the capital
And now let's get to know some restaurants more closely:
- "Oryol". Restaurant and banquet complex is located in the hotel of the same name and offers guests to try traditional Russian and European cuisine. Many products are delivered from their own farm, which is located in the same territory.
- "Winter Garden". The rooftop restaurant of the Golden Ring Hotel is located. A bright room with tall columns is surrounded by glass walls and literally immersed in greenery, resembling a greenhouse. And the view of the city from the 22nd floor opens up simply amazing! The cuisine is mostly Mediterranean, but you can also ask for a national menu called "Russian Seasons",
- Heritage. Perhaps one of the most popular establishments at the Hyatt Regency Moscow Petrovsky Park. You can get here either through a separate entrance or by going through the hotel lobby bar. Denis Mukhin , a chef with 13 years of experience, is responsible for the kitchen. Once here, you will immediately realize that a modern look is not only on the interior, but also on the kitchen, and in the case of Heritage - the national one.
Restaurants in the hotels "St. Petersburg" and "Moscow"
Species La Vue occupies the last floors and the roof. A bird's eye view reveals a beautiful view of the northern capital of Russia, including the Neva, surrounded by the best monuments of the city. The facility is designed for 350 seats. The space is divided into 5 halls, including a living room, a winery and everyone’s favorite tasting room. Despite his youth (the opening took place in 2017), La Vue has already managed to receive the highest Russian Wine Awards in the category "Best Original Wine List".
No less popular place for a meal is the restaurant in the hotel "Moscow". Breakfast is served on the first two floors of the building according to the buffet. Visitors are offered a wide assortment of healthy cereals, cereals, cereals, yoghurts, fruits, cold and hot drinks, as well as pastries from Ontrome's own confectionery. You can have a gorgeous romantic dinner at the BEEF BAR VOSEM on the eighth floor, which offers a stunning panorama of St. Petersburg.
The best of the best
Every year, the largest gastronomic publication Daily Meal, together with Michelin experts, compiles a list of the best restaurants in hotels. In order to get into this rating, an object must have at least 15 numbers at its disposal. Of course, most of the establishments turned out to be of the “luxury” category, although the price was not one of the selection criteria.
So, according to the results of anonymous voting, 101 restaurants appeared on the list. We’ll tell you about the 5 most interesting and best places that have conquered even demanding gourmets.
- El Motel is located at Empordà in Figueres, Spain. The restaurant dates back to 1961 and offers guests to try the classic Catalan cuisine by the chef Jaume Subiros.
- É by José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan (Las Vegas) according to the results of the vote, was in 9th place. Despite the decline in the ranking, the place is still popular among gourmets who have to wait 2-3 months for their turn.
- Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons Restaurant is located in the eponymous hotel in Great Milton, United Kingdom. More than 70 varieties of herbs and several dozen types of vegetables get into the kitchen of this restaurant directly from the garden. In addition, the chef is not averse to sharing his knowledge and cooking secrets. Therefore, the School of Culinary is open at the institution.
- The Bazaar. In the restaurant of the SLS hotel (Los Angeles), Jose Andres is responsible for the gastronomic part. The chef took Spanish cuisine as a basis, but slightly altered traditional recipes. The result was creative, and taste acquired unexpected shades.
- Il Palagio can rightly be called a beautiful conclusion to our mini-rating. The restaurant, located at Four Seasons Hotel, is run by recognized master of culinary art Vito Mollica. The chef offers guests of the hotel and the city of Florence to taste regional dishes prepared according to classic recipes with a touch of modernity. Vito focuses on seasonal products, so the menu is updated every 3 months.