LPM Restaurant & Bar – Dubai
Iconic LPM Restaurant & Bar is launching an experiential global cocktail menu to celebrate the life of influential French artist, writer, and bon-vivant: Jean Cocteau. The cocktail menu is set to launch on his birthday, Monday 5th July. Designed by the LPM Global Bar Manager Tibor Krascsenics – has been one year in development and is launching just in time to bring a ray of light and storytelling back to the global cocktail scene.
The restaurant may be known for its relaxed South of France vibes with a hint of glamour, but an LPM bar showcases an eclectic atmosphere, with award-winning bartenders serving world class cocktails. Already known internationally for their famous Tomatini, this will be the first time that LPM has created an end-to-end thematic experience which is set to deliver a multi-sensory and imaginative journey for guests.
The new menu infuses cocktails with history and the fantastical yet childlike artwork of Cocteau – taking guests on an immersive trip to a bygone era, whilst letting them rediscover one of the most multi-talented artists of the 20th century. Just like a vivid novel written during La Belle Époque , the menu consists of four chapters, each highlighting a place that Jean once called home. In each chapter, three cocktails are showcased – each a person or event that marked Cocteau’s colourful life during those seemingly carefree times.
LPM’s award-winning Global Bar Manager Tibor Krascsenics, commented: “We thought it would be an incredible project, to create a bar menu inspired by Jean Cocteau’s life and to launch it on the anniversary of his birthday. The year-long project has been a labour of love, with the end result being a testament to one of the greatest figures of the 20th century – and one of its most versatile artists. Jean loved the French Riviera; it influenced his life, and this is visible through his work. But he too greatly influenced the French Riviera, with his lifestyle and art – several Cocteau treasures can be found on the French Riviera.”
Tibor continued, “The new menu expresses love, art, celebration and taste – all attributes linked not only to Cocteau, but to LPM too. LPM is known worldwide as a restaurant with a strong link to the art world. From the mastery showcased on the walls to the imaginative sculptures placed throughout the restaurant, LPM champions the creative arts. The menu is for cocktail aficionados, lovers of the arts or guests who are simply looking to escape from the 21 st Century world for an hour or two.”
Among the cocktails in the book is Room 22 , a drink based on the room in which Cocteau used to stay when he was visiting the legendary Hotel Welcome in the South East of France. It was here that Cocteau would imbibe with the creative-set of the 1920’s including Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel, Kiki de Montparnasse, Louis-François Cartier and others. Room 22 uses an absinthe fountain that is designed to be shared with friends, which is how Cocteau became inspired to write one of his masterpieces “Les Enfants Terribles”.
The elegant Lettre à Coco, represents the special friendship between Jean and Coco Chanel. A vodka-based cocktail made with Ketel One, Champagne cordial – jasmine, bergamot and rose – the aromatics of her signature perfume Coco, misted onto the glass.
The eye-catching and very Instagramable Trinity cocktail, has been inspired by Louis Cartier’s iconic ring – which was influenced by one of Jean’s dreams about Saturnian forms. Each intertwined ring is made from a different gold and embodi es the different stages of a relationship – love, fidelity, friendship . Featuring Bacardi Ocho Rum, cacao, strawberry, Islay honey water and bitters, the Trinity is served in a levitating glass to represent Jean’s extraordinary dream about the galaxy.
The entire menu is lovingly sprinkled with moments that evoke a seemingly forgotten and creative age and each drink is presented in a stylish and thoughtful manner. Many of the drinks feature homemade ingredients and world-class liquids that help bring it to life. Guests are sure to marvel at the innovative cocktail serves while being transported to Cocteau’s eclectic mind through flavour, balance and creativity.
The new menu will first be launched in LPM Dubai and Abu Dhabi and then rolled- out in Miami, London and Hong Kong by the end of the year.