Situated in the lush mountains and coastal line of Monkey Bay at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, La Maison 1888 offers a refined dining concept, nestled within a recreated Indochinese colonial mansion. The set menu, featuring top-notch ingredients, exemplifies exceptional skill and creativity. La Maison 1888 is a testament to culinary excellence, as recounted by a MICHELIN Inspector.
(© InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort)
The grand arrival
Arriving at La Maison 1888 is an adventure in itself. Far removed from the city centre, the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Recalled the Inspector, “On the day I visited, the weather was particularly gloomy and rainy, casting an almost mysterious aura over the trip, with the rain making everything seem darker and more distant. Upon reaching the resort lobby, I had to first check in with the staff to confirm my reservation at the restaurant. They guided me to a waiting point. As I stood there, I glanced downhill and was taken aback by what I saw. It looked almost like a roller coaster track descending into the mist. It was an unexpected sight, adding an element of thrill to the anticipation of dining.”The best and most efficient way to reach the restaurant was by a retro cable car stretching from the beach to the top of the hills. “I learned from the staff that there was also a small golf cart, but it would take longer on these hilly routes. However, why not fully immerse yourself in the experience? The cable car was moving up slowly amidst the misty air, where you could almost see the stunning ocean view on a sunny day.”
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(© La Maison 1888)
The place
“Upon arrival at the restaurant, a receptionist asked about my reservation. Initially, they directed me to the Buffalo Bar to enjoy a drink first. It was there that I noticed the restaurant's decor,” recalled the Inspector.Designed by the renowned architect Bill Bensley, La Maison 1888 effortlessly blends French elegance with traditional Vietnamese architecture. “As I stepped inside, I was struck by the breathtaking black and white mansion that evokes a sense of home, creating a warm atmosphere. The floor-to-ceiling windows allowed light to cast an inviting vibe of comfort, even on a rainy day."
(© La Maison 1888)
The team
The service team, led by Stefano Monte, the Italian restaurant manager formerly at 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana in Hong Kong and Shanghai, leaves an impression for being friendly and professional, with fluent English skills.Toan Nguyen, the sommelier, is a warm conversationalist with an ever-present smile and possesses extensive knowledge of food and wine. His passion for wine and hospitality shines through as he provides diners with excellent wine pairings. His dedication to wine led him to take a wine course in Hanoi before arriving in Da Nang. "He also excelled in wine pairing. He was talkative, very friendly, and always had a smile on his face."
It wasn’t just the restaurant staff that caught our Inspector’s eye, but also the resort team. “When I finished the meal, I needed to go back to the lobby, and the hotel staff were also very helpful because the resort is rather distant from the city centre.”
(© La Maison 1888)
Exclusive tips from the Inspector
"Start with a cocktail or a glass of champagne at the Buffalo Bar to relax, enjoy the view, and chat with the team.""This is a place where you can find a very good wine selection. They offer over 450 labels, which is rare, especially in the area. It's not common to find such a wide variety of wines in one restaurant. Opting for wine pairing with classic French food is always a good idea."
"They offer diners the choice between a 5-course or 7-course set menu. Guests can ask for fewer or more courses according to their preference. Additionally, they also provide vegetarian and vegan options upon request."
"If you prefer, ask for a seat with an ocean view, especially on a clear day. I remember telling my colleague, 'You should try coming during the day; they only serve lunch on weekends.'"
READ FURTHER: The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Vietnam Boasts 3 New One Stars, 1 First-Ever Green Star, and Bib Gourmand Venues that Double Last Year’s List
Illustration image: © La Maison 1888
Illustration image: © La Maison 1888
