The Grill and Lounge Bar, where Consuela had reserved a table right at the front, overlooking the sea towards Cannes, was a wonderful, relaxed locale, with the setting sun adding to the romantic feeling. They started with a cocktail recommended by Consuela. Holt ordered crab with Japanese wasabi dressing, followed by a superb roast from the trolley, while Consuela opted for a summer vegetable dish followed by turbot meunière with young leeks and caviar, amongst other things. All accompanied by fine red and white wines. They could not resist the great desserts brought to them on a trolley. Though the service was impeccable, key to the whole setup was how relaxed, unpretentious, and laid-back everything was. Holt pointed this out to Consuela, who told him that in the highest circles, where everybody is somebody, there is no need for pretensions. After some exceptional champagne in the Eden Roc Champagne Bar, overlooking the sea, they made their way to their bedroom, with Holt feeling very merry but not weak-kneed as he had been at The Loughty.
