Atlanta, Georgia - The Grand Hyatt in Buckhead | Travel, Atlanta, Georgia | DONNE TEMPO
Atlanta, Georgia - The Grand Hyatt in Buckhead
September/17/09 09:07 PM Filed in: Travel
| Atlanta,
Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia - The Grand Hyatt in
Buckhead
By Jacquie Kubin
Atlanta, Georgia (September, 2009)...When I travel, the apex of any hotel stay is always a bit of harmony. A hotel property becomes home for those nights that you are there. It is your personal space, your retreat. The goal therefore is to find that place that is more than just a room with a shower.
The Atlanta Grand Hyatt Entrance
(photo/J. Kubin)The
goal is a place where, from the door to the crisp
of the bed linens, it all makes one want to sigh
in pleasure as your private cocoon embraces you.
This time nirvana was found on Peachtree Street at The Grand Hyatt, Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia.
Yes, Buckhead.
Buckhead has emerged as Atlanta’s uptown place for elite shopping and quality restaurants. Large homes evocative of Georgian days-gone-by are set amongst old, old trees portraying a striking dichotomy to the glass and steel towers that line Peachtree Street.
In the midst of an influx of development dollars and shiny buildings, the elegant Buckhead Grand Hyatt reigns amongst the surrounding uber-development - warmly welcoming her guests to a true urban retreat. The porticoed entrance opens up onto a grand lobby and open bar area. Onyx at the Grand is a place where locals and out of town guests congregate surrounded by graceful arches, neo-modern chandeliers and glass accents.
The Onyx Bar’s intimate seating
(photo/J. Kubin)The
lounge embraces seemingly secluded nooks filled
with chairs that radiate comfort. Tall
arched windows overlook the peaceful Japanese
gardens.
What makes this area sing with early evening laughter is a singular dedication to the cocktail. At Onyx at the Grand is a place to breathe deep, relax, and enjoy the open expanse and hip luxury of the space. The cocktails reflect this as bartenders prepare regalements that meet your desire. Too sweet, or not sweet enough and it is quickly replaced with a smile. This is all too often not the case. In no other arena is personal taste quite so defined. However a scornful waiter or bartender often meets a requested change.
It was joyous to be able to ask for my mojito sweet, with Seven-Up, instead of tonic as presented and be told, no problem. Here the Grand Hyatt’s dedication to the environment, seen in recycling and water saving programs, is first expressed. Placed on the bar, cocktail cards carry an environmental message. Another “card” is not a card at all but a packet of apple seeds with a recipe list for a Level One Vodka Wild Apple Pie Martini.
Executive Chef Martin Pfefferkorn
(photo/J. Kubin)However,
with all the amenities, luxury and comforts, for
this traveler, the properties greatest feat is
the magnificent Cassis Restaurant, headed by
superlative Executive Chef, Martin Pfefferkorn.
Cassis Restaurant is nestled at the foot of a graceful 30-foot waterfall that splash to a river waterscape. The sounds of the water give song to the three-story Japanese Zen Garden outside its doors. This verdant area provides the urban traveler a respite from the noise of the street, the stress of the business day. It is fully worth your time to walk among its path, sit within the authentic Azumaya, or open Japanese Tea House to contemplate the quiet, watch the birds dart between the trees.
Chef Martin is a long way from his native Austria, however he is able to name the trees that grow in this secluded spot. New to Buckhead, Chef Martin has enjoyed a history with the hotelier beginning with the Tamaya Resort and Spa, New Mexico and the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas.
Cassis Crab Parfait (photo/J. Kubin)A
pre-winter season visit and Chef unveiled some of
his newest recipes. Immediately a delicate
layering of flavors and textures was apparent in
his Crab Parfait.
A delicately presented dish that boasts visual layers of texture and flavor – succulent jumbo crab supporting a tower of finely diced avocados, mangos, tomatoes and green bell pepper. A melody of flavor punctuated by a tomato with horseradish and white balsamic vinegar cocktail sauce.
Chef’s deft hand at creating dishes that are familiar but excitingly new continued.
Cassis Lemon Dill Prawns (photo/J. Kubin)Not
to be outdone by other shellfish, Chef’s Lemon
Dill Prawns feature curled ribbons of shrimp
tossed in a cream sauce with hints of
horseradish, lemon and dill, served with crispy
strips of fried parsnips and carrot circles.
Chef Martin’s entrees continued a parade of delicate, and surprising flavor combinations. The Pan Seared Striped Bass combines the sweet flesh of the bass, pan seared to a crisp skin, with only a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. Here the quality of the product shines through.
The slightly salty bass is served atop a salsa that combines the sweet and tart of citrus and fruit – blood orange, grapefruit, orange and peach. The grapefruit offers a unique burst with the fish, but what sets this dish apart is the aromatic and sweet fennel, prepared in a boil of wine and citrus juice.
This is truly a dish that inspires taste bud recall for days.
A further standout dish is the Filet and Sweet Potato Gnocchi, a warm, comforting dish that combines the richness of a quality, grilled steak with the warm, smooth textures of the sweet potato and ricotta cheese.
Cassis Steak with Sweet Potato Gnochhi (photo/J. Kubin)The
Cassis environment is enhanced through luxe
banquets and the silk sheered glass windows that
looks out onto the three-story Japanese Zen
garden. All together, the luxury inside is
enhanced by the peaceful sound of the waterfall
and Zen garden that can be viewed by guests
dining at Cassis, lounging at Onyx, or relaxing
by the third-story pool.
In the morning, Chef Pfefferkorn’s heritage radiates off the Belgium Butter rich pastries served at the Onyx Coffee Bar where Starbuck Coffee, Tazo Tea and rich croissants, chocolate being a favorite, raspberry filled pastries and other treats wait, ready to set your day off on the absolute right note. Hotel guests and locals alike partake in the elegant Cassis Sunday brunch. This morning to mid-day feast is famous for its expansive buffet filled with fresh shellfish, meats, fruits, traditional breakfast foods and omelets, adeptly made to your specifications. The Grand Hyatt Atlanta exude numerous small touches that are worth observation – the tin ceiling in the lobby vestibules, rich marble inlaid floors, glass vases, overstuffed upholstery and the subtly carved elevator doors. Guest rooms are large and comfortable including a generously sized worktable with directed lighting for those times that work intrudes. The marble baths are well appointed with Portico personal products.
Grand Hyatt Guestroom (photo/J. Kubin)The
Hyatt “Grand Bed” is fitted with quality linens,
lush pillows and a down duvet. The pillow
top mattress guarantying a full nights
sleep. Unique to this property was never
hearing the housekeeping staff outside the room.
At the heart of all that a quality hotel offers are the people and here the Grand Hyatt does not disappoint. The famed southern hospitality exudes from everyone you will meet, from the front door bell persons and valet, to everyone at Onyx and Cassis, to the young people at the front desk.
Every smile, helping hand and suggestion for our comfort enhanced our stay, making us feel not as a first time guest, but as valued guest who is being welcomed back again. Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead3300 Peachtree Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30305 USA
By Jacquie Kubin
Atlanta, Georgia (September, 2009)...When I travel, the apex of any hotel stay is always a bit of harmony. A hotel property becomes home for those nights that you are there. It is your personal space, your retreat. The goal therefore is to find that place that is more than just a room with a shower.
The Atlanta Grand Hyatt Entrance
(photo/J. Kubin)
This time nirvana was found on Peachtree Street at The Grand Hyatt, Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia.
Yes, Buckhead.
Buckhead has emerged as Atlanta’s uptown place for elite shopping and quality restaurants. Large homes evocative of Georgian days-gone-by are set amongst old, old trees portraying a striking dichotomy to the glass and steel towers that line Peachtree Street.
In the midst of an influx of development dollars and shiny buildings, the elegant Buckhead Grand Hyatt reigns amongst the surrounding uber-development - warmly welcoming her guests to a true urban retreat. The porticoed entrance opens up onto a grand lobby and open bar area. Onyx at the Grand is a place where locals and out of town guests congregate surrounded by graceful arches, neo-modern chandeliers and glass accents.
The Onyx Bar’s intimate seating
(photo/J. Kubin)
What makes this area sing with early evening laughter is a singular dedication to the cocktail. At Onyx at the Grand is a place to breathe deep, relax, and enjoy the open expanse and hip luxury of the space. The cocktails reflect this as bartenders prepare regalements that meet your desire. Too sweet, or not sweet enough and it is quickly replaced with a smile. This is all too often not the case. In no other arena is personal taste quite so defined. However a scornful waiter or bartender often meets a requested change.
It was joyous to be able to ask for my mojito sweet, with Seven-Up, instead of tonic as presented and be told, no problem. Here the Grand Hyatt’s dedication to the environment, seen in recycling and water saving programs, is first expressed. Placed on the bar, cocktail cards carry an environmental message. Another “card” is not a card at all but a packet of apple seeds with a recipe list for a Level One Vodka Wild Apple Pie Martini.
Executive Chef Martin Pfefferkorn
(photo/J. Kubin)
Cassis Restaurant is nestled at the foot of a graceful 30-foot waterfall that splash to a river waterscape. The sounds of the water give song to the three-story Japanese Zen Garden outside its doors. This verdant area provides the urban traveler a respite from the noise of the street, the stress of the business day. It is fully worth your time to walk among its path, sit within the authentic Azumaya, or open Japanese Tea House to contemplate the quiet, watch the birds dart between the trees.
Chef Martin is a long way from his native Austria, however he is able to name the trees that grow in this secluded spot. New to Buckhead, Chef Martin has enjoyed a history with the hotelier beginning with the Tamaya Resort and Spa, New Mexico and the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas.
Cassis Crab Parfait (photo/J. Kubin)
A delicately presented dish that boasts visual layers of texture and flavor – succulent jumbo crab supporting a tower of finely diced avocados, mangos, tomatoes and green bell pepper. A melody of flavor punctuated by a tomato with horseradish and white balsamic vinegar cocktail sauce.
Chef’s deft hand at creating dishes that are familiar but excitingly new continued.
Cassis Lemon Dill Prawns (photo/J. Kubin)
Chef Martin’s entrees continued a parade of delicate, and surprising flavor combinations. The Pan Seared Striped Bass combines the sweet flesh of the bass, pan seared to a crisp skin, with only a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. Here the quality of the product shines through.
The slightly salty bass is served atop a salsa that combines the sweet and tart of citrus and fruit – blood orange, grapefruit, orange and peach. The grapefruit offers a unique burst with the fish, but what sets this dish apart is the aromatic and sweet fennel, prepared in a boil of wine and citrus juice.
This is truly a dish that inspires taste bud recall for days.
A further standout dish is the Filet and Sweet Potato Gnocchi, a warm, comforting dish that combines the richness of a quality, grilled steak with the warm, smooth textures of the sweet potato and ricotta cheese.
Cassis Steak with Sweet Potato Gnochhi (photo/J. Kubin)
In the morning, Chef Pfefferkorn’s heritage radiates off the Belgium Butter rich pastries served at the Onyx Coffee Bar where Starbuck Coffee, Tazo Tea and rich croissants, chocolate being a favorite, raspberry filled pastries and other treats wait, ready to set your day off on the absolute right note. Hotel guests and locals alike partake in the elegant Cassis Sunday brunch. This morning to mid-day feast is famous for its expansive buffet filled with fresh shellfish, meats, fruits, traditional breakfast foods and omelets, adeptly made to your specifications. The Grand Hyatt Atlanta exude numerous small touches that are worth observation – the tin ceiling in the lobby vestibules, rich marble inlaid floors, glass vases, overstuffed upholstery and the subtly carved elevator doors. Guest rooms are large and comfortable including a generously sized worktable with directed lighting for those times that work intrudes. The marble baths are well appointed with Portico personal products.
Grand Hyatt Guestroom (photo/J. Kubin)
At the heart of all that a quality hotel offers are the people and here the Grand Hyatt does not disappoint. The famed southern hospitality exudes from everyone you will meet, from the front door bell persons and valet, to everyone at Onyx and Cassis, to the young people at the front desk.
Every smile, helping hand and suggestion for our comfort enhanced our stay, making us feel not as a first time guest, but as valued guest who is being welcomed back again. Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead3300 Peachtree Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30305 USA