Colette at the Phipps had recently launched as a premier rooftop bar in San Antonio, taking inspiration from the legendary French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. The establishment aimed to capture the essence of Colette, a trailblazing figure in French literature, music, and cabarets, whose impact continues to be celebrated in modern French culture. By blending flavors and culinary styles from France, Latin America, and Japan, Colette offered a unique dining experience that mirrored Colette’s ability to blend societal norms in her writing.
Among the menu highlights were dishes from different chapters. Chapter 1, titled “You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm,” showcased a tantalizing caviar board, featuring sturgeon caviar, creme fraiche, and toast points. Additionally, guests could indulge in Asian mignonette oysters from the Gulf Coast, served alongside butter toast points.
Chapter 2, named “Hope costs nothing,” presented the delectable Sweet Geisha salad. This refreshing creation combined baby mixed greens, deep-fried soft-shell crab, hearts of palm, sun-dried tomatoes, pickled shiitake mushrooms, grapefruit segments, and a zesty ginger passion fruit dressing. For those craving a unique twist, the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice provided a delightfully crunchy experience, with crispy sushi rice, spicy tuna tartare, sturgeon caviar, jalapeno, furikake, and a touch of 24k edible gold flakes.
Chapter 3, entitled “Close to your Heart,” featured the flavorsome Asian Pozole Ramen. This comforting dish boasted a rich pork broth infused with guajillo and pasilla chile, complemented by lemon grass sauce, hominy corn, a half-boiled egg, succulent pork belly, pasila chile, hoisin sauce, red radish, ramen noodles, lettuce shisho leaf, oregano, and a side of roasted chile de arbol. The meal was served with crisp corn tostadas.
Within Chapter 4, named “Close to Your Soul,” guests could savor the enticing Taco Lust. Thinly sliced prime ribeye tenderloin, accompanied by smoked gouda cheese, red beet chili sauce, garlic lime sauce, fried cilantro, lemon grass fried onions, and a touch of opulence with 24k gold, made this dish a true indulgence.
While these dishes represented highlights from the menu, Colette offered a range of other exquisite culinary creations to entice and satisfy discerning palates. From appetizers to entrees, desserts, and more, each item was crafted to deliver an unforgettable gastronomic experience for guests.
Colette at the Phipps is now open, for reservations, please visit the website: https://coletteatthephipps.com/