Aux Armes de France

I have followed the Michelin Red Guide reviews over the years and always wanted to make the time to visit this restaurant/hotel. Though the Gaertner family has given up on the Michelin dance, that is, no stars, I knew the kitchen had been renowned for more than 50 years, from father to son. My wife and I dined here last night. It was a dream from my "star hunting" in France nearly a generation ago. The warmth of the dining rooms (2) are from another era; warm, walnut panelling, Art Deco sconces, furniture from another period, all a far cry from the ultra modern look so much in favor! The service fit with the decor; classic. The meal, well, just out of this world! The tomato tart tastes far better than the photo which is amazing. The Atlantic lobster gratin with white asparagus will forever have "three stars" in my book. The sole with homemade noodles au gratin was as perfect as it can get. The wine was a grand cru gerwitrztraminer by Jean-Baptiste Adam, 2015, from Ammerschwihr. The apartment was spacious, well-appointed, modern and very comfortable. The bill was a "gift" in comparison to the grand hotels, and few of those have a kitchen and dining to match this level.