The ultimate Christmas Night dining experience! The image of this fabulously decorated hotel with its gigantic tree and antique toy train set will last longer in my mind than any gifts we could have shopped for, wrapped, and opened with half-hearted enthusiasm. Dinner started with an "amusee bouchee" - a delicate cream soup served in demitasse-like cups-with no handles.

First course for me was foie gras and smoked duck slices, while hubby went with a salmon tartare/smoked salmon combination. Our second courses consisted of white bean-roasted garlic pureed soup served with teeny-tiny frog legs that were perfect little morsels of tender flavor. Glenn stuck with a mesclun-style salad with an unusual but delicious viniagrette. For main course I went with a grouper (New Orleans is famous for grouper) served in a tortellini and topped with remoulade sauce, while my partner selected quail served with fig pudding and sweet potato souffle. For dessert we couldn't resist the Lemon Tart accompanied with a mini-serving of peppercorn ice cream (a wonderful combination) and the Chocolate Bombe served with a matching mini-scoop of molasses/mocha.

Dinner service was attentive, elegant, charming, and yet not the least bit condescending (my pet peeve). I can't wait to return here and stay a few days in one of their elegant suites (when I win the lottery!).

From doorman and bartender to busboy and cocktail waitress, I found all to be friendly, cordial, and not the least bit snobby! If you want a treat for a real special occasion, this is a once in a lifetime extravagance!