In researching places to celebrate a special anniversary, I discovered the Restaurant des Rois at La Reserve Hotel – a gastronomic restaurant at a 5-star hotel in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. From the moment of arrival, I felt like I had entered a palace, due to its exquisite & lush decor of silks, velours, and passementerie, as we were 
escorted, addressed by name, into the bar area.
Champagne was the apero of choice (bien sur!), served with a tiered plate of nibbles.
We were again escorted and welcomed by name to our table in the beautiful dining room, as I took in the decor and chandeliers.
Following 5-star etiquette, I was given the menu without prices listed and was immediately provided with a table hook from which to hang my purse. Every attention to detail was made by the staff, from A to Z; the sommelier approached to discuss our three-course (fixed-price) menu choices with regards to the extensive wine list (more like a book) which included a bottle of red wine listed for 13,600 Euros! On the other end of the price spectrum, we ordered a half-bottle of Montrachet, a light-bodied red wine that was delightful.
As the dining area began to fill with couples and tables of four, I noticed one couple with a little girl of about 5 years of age and wondered how she would cope during the formal dining experience. I was surprised that other than hearing her sweet voice a few times, she was well-behaved throughout the (long-for-a-child) evening.
Again, we were served a few savory appetizers to whet our appetite:
I ordered a three-course menu, but before that began, we were served the chef special: a small pot of mousse aux petits pois with bacon underneath.
The menu then began with asparagus and foie gras soup
followed by the main course of duck with beets
I passed on the cheese course, which was served from a special cart
& before the dessert, an entremets of lime, chocolate, and coconut delights
la piece de resistance was a lemon souffle served with granny smith sorbet
After 3 1/2 hrs of excellent food & service, we left the dining room & were escorted through the bar towards the reception area, I felt regally satiated & festively full. Certes – a royal evening to remember!
24/7 in FRANCE 