By James and Nancy Chuda founders of LuxEcoLiving and Healthy Child Healthy World
What a dream! We spent our Midnight in Paris and every waking hour that followed in a state of unbelievable reality. Ensconced like a pair of marionettes, we were dazzled, spoiled and most of all luxuriated in one of the finest if not the best hotels in the world, Le Meurice Paris France.
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With views of the Tuileries Garden, Le Meurice is the most beautiful hotel in France.
LuxEcoLiving Le Meurice Paris- the Salvador Dali Suite
Combining exceptional 18th century opulence with contemporary chic, including eye-catching interiors by Philippe Starck Le Meurice embodies the perfect French palace hotel. In fact, it is “the Palace Hotel.”
Located between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, Le Meurice is ideally situated for visiting the finest art that Paris has to offer. Salvador Dalí was a regular visitor and today the hotel still enjoys a close relationship with many artists.
Originally built in 1818 by Mr. Meurice, today Le Meurice represents one of the best of the Dorchester Collection Hotels. Each of the seven floors has a distinct style, with beautifully appointed rooms and suites decorated in the style of Louis XVI, featuring exquisite Italian marble bathrooms. Located across from the Tuilelries Gardens on the rue rue de Rivoli, Le Meurice has renovated Presidential Suites and the famous Dali apartment which is where we resided. Celebrated designer Charles Jouffre did an exquisite job maintaining its historic and legendary design. It truly was one of the most incredible experiences; to sleep, dine, and luxuriate in the place Salvador called home while in Paris. WATCH!
Dali was known for his eccentricities. Best known for his symbolism, the hallmark and very collectible, “melting watches” that first appear in The Persistence of Memory suggest that time is relative and not fixed. It is said that the idea for Dali’s interpretation of time, borrowing from Einstein’s theory, came to life while he was staring at a runny piece of Camembert cheese on a hot August day.
A Return to the Essential
While in residence we dined at Restaurant Le Meurice which is by far one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world. To be seated in 3 Michelin-star chef Alain Ducasse’s signature table surrounded by magnificent art and historic architecture created the atmosphere for a Gastronomia Extravaganza. Hosted by Marie-Aude we were delighted to learn some of the trademarks of this exquisite restaurant. The culinary infusions of Executive Chef Christopher Sanitagne were remarkable. From presentation to taste, each course offered the vibrant delicacy, a myriad or colors, from citrus, to herb, to grains and legumes all fresh essentials surrounding the fish and lamb, a true HAUTE CUISINE EXPERIENCE.
Baba au rhum/ Marie- Aude Laurent, Nancy and James Chuda with chef Christopher Saintagne
Recognizing the truth to taste, real taste without any additives or processed ingredients, is the secret of Ducasse’s philosophy. Stemming from the idea that great food should be eaten and appreciated seasonally. Ducasse prides his inventory and sets the stage for a cornucopia of savories, balanced with fine wines and liquors. A meal worthy of Shakespeare’s last supper with museum quality accoutrements; each table is adorned with creations by Pierre Tachon or valuable pieces of Japanese craftworks by Shinichiro Ogata.
Seated in this magnificent room inspired by the Salon de la Paix at the Chåteau de Versailles, the light illuminates majestically, the rue de Rivoli passerby’s outside have no clue as to the feeling of being transported back in time; crytsal chandeliers, bronzes, marble and frescoes adorn the timeless era of romantic elegance, and the feeling of an indiscreet affair with something more precious, as precious as life itself. Food glorious food. Viva La France!
Shinichiro Ogata for Le Meurice
A Surreal Dream Creates the Immortal Dali Experience
Dali considered psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud to be a father, a kindred spirit, a mentor for life. Amongst all of Dali’s work he is best remembered for his surreal artistic creations. Dali lived at a time of challenges and change when art reflected life in a less figurative and realistic form. Surrealism was a cultural movement and artistic style founded in 1924 by André Breton. Surrealism style uses visual imagery from the subconscious mind to create art without the intention of logical comprehensibility. Dali is considered the greatest known Surrealist artist in the world.
He had his animated moments. In the dawn of Surrealism he connects the egg to a prenatal and intrauterine symbol for hope and love; it appears in The Great Maturbatory and The Metamorphosis of Narcissus.
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“I am painting pictures which make me die for joy, I am creating with an absolute naturalness, without the slightest aesthetic concern, I am making things that inspire me with a profound emotion and I am trying to paint them honestly.” —Salvador Dalí, in Dawn Ades, Dalí and Surrealism.
In the spirit of time which is relative to the moments in which we live, like a recurring dream that never ends, Dali’s inspiration lives on in the famous Le Meurice Suite which forever holds his artistic palate in the place he called home.
Homage to Dali/Le Meurice/Nancy Chuda
Editor’s Notes:
Le Meurice Paris, 228 rue de Rivoli, 75001, Paris France 33 (0) 1 44 58 10 55
A special thank you to Marie-Aude Laurent Press Relations Manager Le Meurice and to Christopher Saintagne and staff at Restaurant Le Meurice. Nancy Chuda’s wardrobe by Cangari Milano Italy, jewelry by La Suite 240 rue de Rivoli Paris, make-up by Stila Cosmetics, Millinery by The Stock Exchange Ascot England, James Chuda’s wardrobe by Theo Fil. All videography used by permission from LuxEcoLiving Media Group
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