// Bordeaux
It’s not requested, but we decided to dress up for dinner in the Saint-James restaurant and I’m glad we did so, the setting and the food was worthy of every effort made. Seated at our window table, the architect’s desire to create the feeling of dining in the heart of the vineyard was achieved. The restaurant, with its walls of glass, hugs the slope of the gardens beautifully, which means seating is in a tiered system ensuring unspoilt views for every table. Chef Nicolas Magie has worked in many prestigious restaurants, from the Crillon in Paris to Biarritz’s Miramar, but it is here at Saint-James that he artfully asserts a style all of his own. Creating a menu specifically for me and my partner, each dish, superbly paired with carefully selected wines, took us on a journey of taste and discovery that was simply sublime. Attentive staff were discreet but present and the presentation of each dish required savouring as much as each mouthful.
Every evening during dinner the lights are switched off for a short period of time to allow diners to enjoy the views from the windows unhindered by any reflections in the glass. Silence and sighs for that period of time confirm the fact, if ever needed, that Le Saint-James boasts a very enviable position and setting.
After an exquisite evening we retired to our suite to savour one last glass of red on our terrace whilst I filled my bath with Hermès products and savoured the remainder of the bottle in that. For those that know me, the thought of me taking a cookery class, whilst most required, is also one that many even with insurance fear! However, the Côté Cours, the cookery school of Le Saint-James, welcomes people of all ages and abilities, including some restaurant owners who formed some of the members of my class. Under the expert guidance of Celia Girard, sous-chef to Nicolas Magie, we created and ate two incredible fish courses that even I was proud of. If you love cooking, this is worth adding onto your stay if you can drag yourself away from the pool or bar! Whilst I raised a few giggles as I squirmed at cleaning out prawns, I was made to feel relaxed, so much so that I actually enjoyed cooking – unheard of!
With cheap flights from several local airports, Le Saint-James Bouliac is literally a few hours away and the perfect retreat from work or the place to celebrate and relax with loved ones and friends. I can’t emphasise enough just how friendly the hotel is despite its excellence in all areas. The food, setting, wine and staff complete this French experience that I vow to return and repeat.
/ 63
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