HANOI, Vietnam — Hanoi's oldest destination for French dining last week proved it's only getting better with age. Judges from TheDailyMeal.com singled out Le Beaulieu at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi as one of the '101 Best Hotel Restaurants Around the World' in 2012.
The 80-seat contemporary haute brassiere led by Chef Denis Groison was picked for the win as part of a search that spanned six continents, 40 countries and 80 cities.
TheDailyMeal’s first annual list of best hotel restaurants, which has made the rounds of top media outlets since it was published on August 30, is based on rankings from the Michelin Guide, recommendations from trusted sources and the experience of TheDailyMeal’s editors.
TheDailyMeal website is part of the Spanfeller Media Group, which also manages Forbes.com and its ancillary sites, including ForbesTraveler.com. According to TheDailyMeal, the list represents "restaurants that have consistently set the benchmark by which other hotel restaurants are measured."
"Although Le Beaulieu is the oldest, continually operated restaurant in Vietnam, we're right on the edge of contemporary appeal," said Kai Speth, the hotel's general manager. "These laurels are a testament to the fact that travelers can indulge one of the finest French meals in the world right here in Hanoi."
More than a century old, Le Beaulieu has served its share of diplomats, entrepreneurs and writers, including Metropole guests such as Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene.
The restaurant's French heritage is reflected in its well-preserved Indochine-era aesthetic, with marble and wood parquet floors, antique ceiling fans, and large windows overlooking the street.
These days Le Beaulieu is most well known among Hanoians and residents for its social Sunday brunches, seasonal menus showcasing Groison’s own family recipes, and an impressive wine cellar stocked with more than 100 Grand Crus.
ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI
Opened in 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi reigns as the Grande Dame of Vietnamese hospitality and one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic hotels. In 2009, the hotel became the first in the Sofitel portfolio to acquire distinction as a 'Legend' hotel.
The 364-room hotel was completely renovated in June 2009. Its historic Metropole Wing features suites named for Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene, each of whom stayed at the Metropole during his time in colonial Indochina. The hotel’s restaurants include Spices Garden (Vietnamese), Le Beaulieu (French) and Angelina (Italian). Le Spa du Metropole opened in late 2009 and immediately set a new standard for nostalgic elegance in Vietnam.
For reservations, call + 84 4 3826 6919. For additional information, contact Ms. Le Thi NHUNG at ext. 8519 or email H1555-MK@sofitel.com
