Luxe Beat Magazine May 2014 | Page 10

The heart of the Victorian engine room sits silent today. A wide underground tunnel that takes you to an exterior hallway. The original 3 floors of the tannery building now house the social epicenter of the hotel. The bar and main restaurant reside on the first floor sharing a massive wood burning fireplace. Intimate sitting areas, with a mix of comfy couches and leather chairs, are scattered around the bar with its dark woods and shiny brass accents. An impressive selection of wine representing each of Chile’s wine growing regions is encased in a glass wall “cellar” under the stairwell to tempt you on your way to the main dining area. Tables, large and small, share the dining room floor with more cosy seating areas framing low coffee tables. Set off on its own, between the bar and dining areas, is a massive table in front of the fireplace that seats up to 40 diners. Your meal is prepared in full sight in the open kitchen and what a meal it is. The culinary team, lead by Chef Laurent Pasqualetto, has prepared a menu that is a delight with its large and creative selections and tempting specials. They will, as one expects with a five star dining experience, happily modify your choice to accommodate your dietary preferences or allergies. They even offer gluten-free bread. It would take a very extended stay to exhaust all of the epicurean options offered here but give the local meat specialties, such as guanaco or hare, serious consideration. They are both beyond excellent. Breakfast and lunch are served in the second floor dining area. Breakfast has a buffet of fresh fruits, juices, cereals and cold cuts to start with while your made-to-order eggs are prepared. The lunch menu has a wide range of salads, sandwiches and smaller entrees