Bar Vendome - Paris 1er Arrondissement

Our 2nd visit here, firstly the hotel is stunning, BUT the restaurant is not as timeless/beautifull as london ritz etc, with the old pomp, and class, its a lot more relaxed, but the service, and food was excellent, starter of the squid,with potao risotto,comte cheese, iberic ham and chorizo broth, was one of my greatest ever starters, served in a largish balti bowl, then for main a classic french dish, french wild bass ,in puff pastry,dill, seasonal vegatables ,roasted fish sauce, with the top of the pastry having the ritz crown/logo burnt into the top,, to watch the 2 waiters cut/open, and serve this dish, was a masterclass in food theatre alone, we ordered the fresh mash potao as extra, IN which was too much, too full for dessert, we had special ritz blend tea, in which we took in the most beautifull gardens with waterfall, whilst enjoying my cuban cigar, its pomp, wealth, luxury,in a more relaxed setting than the london ritz, but a wonderfull dining expierence,

We chose the Ritz's Bar Vendome for an evening meal this time on our stay in Paris because we spent 4 nights in the hotel a year ago and wanted to return. I tried to book online a few days beforehand but it said that we were on the waiting list and so I left a comment to let us know if there was any availability but no-one got back to us so I had to ring instead. A shame that they could not let us know before but when we got there the service and food was really good and we enjoyed our evening so would recommend.

A special Birthday dinner in the Bar Vendome, booked by Amex Centurion for my lady, was decidedly flat. The food (a la Carte) was distinctly average and the service underwhelming, the restaurant hostess was somewhat disinterested which was completely the opposite experience offered to us by several other Parisian 5 Star landmarks. We knew prior to arrival that there's no connection between the two hotels but Ritz Paris isn't a patch on its London namesake.

I’ve been to afternoon tea at the Ritz London (2x), Washington DC, Florida, etc… you get the idea, but this one has to be the worst one due to service and selection. When you come to these teas you know that the concept isn’t a big deal, at the end of the day it’s just finger sandwiches. However, you come here for the experience and service. The waiter we had the displeasure of waiting on us was rude, and not subtly. We asked for our tea to be replenished, came back without changing the tea bag, so he he gave use lukewarm dishwater. We asked for clotted cream, because it says available on request, but made us wait for 32 minutes. I wish I was kidding, but I am not because I timed him. Spend your time and money elsewhere.

Mixed feelings about this since we were told to wait at the entrance for a table when I could see that half the tables were empty! After half an hour of