Le Paradou
Photo: courtesy of the restaurant
Luxurious formality is on the wane as evidenced by the upcoming closings of highly rated Le Paradou and the Willard Room, slated for later this month. While both managements cite changing dining trends favoring lively settings and more casual experiences, the economy is also a factor.
Starting on April 13, after a reconfiguration, Hotel Willard’s elegant Victorian dining room will be devoted to private events, although its popular Sunday brunch and holiday meals will still be served to the public (including Easter brunch on the 12th). The adjacent Café du Parc and the Willard Collection’s Occidental nearby will continue their operations.
April 25 will be the last night for devotees to dine on chef Yannick Cam’s elevated French cuisine at Le Paradou. But what about chef Cam’s plans? Happily, we hear rumors that he hopes to open a restaurant, possibly in Northern Virginia, serving the Mediterranean fare that made the defunct Provence such a hit.