Courtesy of the Phillips Collection

Enjoy your own Renoir-esque luncheon at Sofitel.

How the French Lunch

When I look at the Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, I can’t help but think of carefree weekend afternoons with friends conversing over hours of poured wine and endless plates of charcuterie and cheeses.

It seems that the restaurant within Sofitel Hotel, iCi Urban Bistro, had the same mindset, as I recently enjoyed a luncheon of which Renoir would most certainly approve. The restaurant has paired with the Phillips Collection (which is celebrating its 90th birthday) to tantalize diners’ taste buds throughout September with dishes inspired by the painting, now hanging in the Phillips Collection through the end of the year. (Duncan Phillips bought the painting in 1923 for a mere $125,000.)

Just like Renoir’s friends represent different French society strata, the Sofitel is a welcoming environment for all—the perfect spot to conduct your own little luncheon, you might say. On this occasion, I heard the thunder outside the Sofitel as Tropical Storm Lee poured endless rain on Washington, DC.  But inside the cozy iCi Urban Bistro (right), a spread of charcuterie (the sausages—saucisson sec and garlic are phenomenal), cheeses, coq au vin with a mushroom risotto visually dazzled.  Conversations with friends flowed as much as the wine.  Chef Franck Loquet has just arrived in town, and made a splash with his creations, especially the cremè brulée dessert infused with lavender.  I withheld from seconds, but only because finishing the last of my Côte-du-Rhône took priority.

For your own dining excursion, the three-course lunch menu is $40 per person while the three-course dinner menu is $60 per person.  

Looking to enhance your luncheon experience? The Sofitel is offering a weekend package in September for $330, which includes two nights stay, a Renoir-inspired lunch for two, two Phillips Collection tickets, and parking. For more details, check out the official package, here.

Photo courtesy of the Sofitel.