Inside Adour Alain Ducasse

You may not know it, but you owe a lot to The St. Regis in terms of getting your drink on. The landmark hotel debuted the Bloody Mary almost a century ago, and in less than two weeks unveils Adour Alain Ducasse, a new wine-focused restaurant from one of the world’s greatest chefs.

Named for the French river near Ducasse’s birthplace (and where he had his first culinary inspirations), the former Lespinasse space has been revamped by starchitect David Rockwell. Melding fresh modern touches with the hotel’s strong Beaux Arts features, Rockwell also nods to the lush liquids served within through décor in tones of Burgundy, Champagne and Chardonnay.

Ducasse has entrusted Chef Tony Esnault with the inspired menu of local ingredients, billed as “elegant cuisine of rich textures and new flavors.” And as the only chef in the world to have operated three Michelin-starred signature restaurants, you know Ducasse’s cuisine will be sublime. Yet it may just be the wine experience that will keep you coming back.

That’s because touching the bar top activates a digital projection of Adour’s impressive wine roster, which patrons can interact with and learn more about each bottle’s varietal, origin, and notes. The same technology is also featured in the Private Vault Room, the ultimate destination at Adour. There you can entertain 11 guests at an 11-foot table, beside your own leather-covered, temperature-controlled, private wine vault - complete with it’s own custom-designed album (bringing new meaning to the term “oeono file”.)

Cutting-edge technology and wine tastings - together at last.


Adour Alain Ducasse opens Monday, January 28th.


Adour Alain Ducasse at The St. Regis New York, 2 East 55th Street (at Fifth Avenue), (212) 753-4500, starwoodhotels.com