‘Tis the season for some extra sparkle, especially when it’s the kind that’s bottled and pops with excitement when uncorked. It is a time of year when a serious Champagne enthusiast may also appreciate a little extra enlightenment on the best expressions they can turn to year-round. After all, Valentine’s Day, award show viewing parties and various personal milestones are right around the corner. Here are five recommendations for venues that deliver the goods and are as fizzy and bright as the premium sips on hand.
© InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel
San Francisco: Top of the Mark at InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel
Top of the Mark’s location on the 19th floor of a historic hotel, sophisticated entertainment and 360-degree views have made it a hit for more than eight decades. It is also a showcase for Piper-Heidsieck’s Champagnes, which can be enjoyed via a decadent table-side Champagne experience, where a perfectly chilled bottle is paired with exceptional Astrea Kaluga Hybrid caviar and served with buckwheat blinis and traditional accompaniments. The headlining cocktail is the InterContinental 75, made with The Botanist Islay dry gin, lavender honey, lemon and Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne.
New York City: Air’s Champagne Parlor
This modern take on the Champagne parlor, recommended by Yulia Saf, founder of the Miss Tourist travel site, is dedicated to stocking a prolific variety of Champagnes as well as educating its clientele on how they are made and appreciate what makes each one special. Against an Art Deco setting and a vibe-y curated playlist, guests can pair their bubbly with caviar, cheese and charcuterie plates; oysters; and daily specials from the chef.
Louis Roederer, Ruinart, Krug and Dom Pérignon are collectively the proverbial tip of the iceberg that has made this Chicago venue an institution since 1982. The Champagne menu covers the entirety of France’s Champagne region while tucking in informative fun facts about the offerings for good measure. In addition to familiar crowd pleasers, there are dozens of grower-producer bottles, rare vintages, exceptional non-vintages and fine sparkling wines from around the world. The cocktail list is particularly ambitious, with Champagne-based headliners Champagne Poetry and La Vie en Rose, along with six sparkling wine creations and fun, spirits-based selections.
© InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel
Houston: Bisou Continental Cuisine (a.k.a. Bisou Bistronomy)
James Smith, founder of Travel-Lingual, is a fan of hidden gems, and one of his top recommendations is this one, blending French cuisine with Texas hospitality. Regular Champagne-centric events include Champagne Thursdays, featuring Nicolas Feuillatte Brut & Rose, and Tomahawk Tuesdays, pairing Moët and their best steak. Lyon, France-born chef Frederic Perrier, who made his mark at New York City’s La Cite and a four-year stint as private chef for the French ambassador to the United Nations, is the master behind the food menu.
Los Angeles: Mother of Pearl
This just-uncorked Champagne and raw bar from Michelin-starred chef Joshua Gil (opened August 2023 atop Moxy/AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles) is quickly gaining word of mouth through its curated French Champagnes list, craft cocktails by noted mixologist Devon Espinosa and contemporary dishes with sustainably sourced fish and seafood.
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