Last week, the historic St. Regis Hotel hosted a VIP reception in its newly redecorated bar, The Decanter. VIP guests were invited to watch as they continued the tradition of popping champagne corks with a sabre in the massive dining area just two blocks north of the White House.
We’ve been excitedly waiting for a happy hour in this space since we covered the renovation in February. The newly designed space by the Rockwell Group is well-suited for gatherings. VIP guests met Executive Chef Javier Cuesta Muñoz, who featured gourmet hors d’oeuvres on the menu, influenced by the Iberian Peninsula, Spain and the Mediterranean. Freshly cut Iberian ham, and other items on the upscale bar menu – think baked lobster and gourmet 
cheese and olive spread – are so good they will turn anyone into an olive lover, even me!
The bar served St. Regis’s signature Bloody Mary, bourbon cocktails, and Wine Director Andy Powell chose a Chardonnay for the event, perfect for a beautiful day where sun streamed in from the long windows on the rich amber room filled with dark rustic furniture and warm velvet colors. Large archways between and bar and the lobby and dining space invited guests to wander around the dining rooms. Handmade desserts from executive pastry chef Thierry 
Delourneaux were divine.
Power players put this on your list – it’s a great new space is perfect for private parties, unique dining experiences, and you might even leave with the secret to St. Regis’ staple Bloody Mary.
