I had lunch with a friend and former classmate Sylvia at Le Berkeley, just steps from the Champs-Elysées and next door to Christie’s auction house. This fabulous restaurant has been here for nearly a century, but one would never know it from the sumptuous décor of Pierre-Yves Rochon. Rochon also designed the Savoy in London, the Hermitage in Monte Carlo, and the Sofitel in my home town of Chicago!
With its library gallery, the interior of the Berkeley is reminiscent of an English reading room or a Parisian café littéraire. I’m reminded of the opening scene of Funny Face starring Audrey Hepburn. Unlike the characters in the film, however, the Berkeley clientele is a well-heeled group of executives and art dealers flowing in from the surrounding galleries on Avenue Matignon or the rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré.
The weather has been great, so we sat on the terrace. It was the perfect spot on this crisp and sunny day in autumn. More and more, I’ve noticed overhead heaters mounted in the eaves of cafés and restaurants. I’m thrilled at the sight of them and the thought of the season is being extended by their presence. After lunch, we headed to Christie’s for auction previews – another favorite past time. Previews are like going to a museum with price tags! It’s so much fun to see what someone might be willing to pay for something.
BBergeron says
Very nice information. Beautiful places to visit.