By Abby Tegnelia
Anyone who’s ever lingered over a long lunch at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has surely wished they could bottle it—now the Oetker Collection’s just-opened The Vineta Hotel has, with Coco’s restaurant, the hottest new reservation in Palm Beach.
The much-anticipated hotel launched in February as the first U.S. property from the renowned hospitality group, the luxury portfolio behind Le Bristol Paris, Eden Rock St. Barths and Jumby Bay Island. Now expertly restored, The Vineta’s century-old Mediterranean revival landmark (it was formerly the Chesterfield Hotel) features 41 rooms and suites artfully appointed with island-themed flair.
It is also home to Coco’s, created in direct collaboration with the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc’s culinary team alongside The Vineta’s own executive chef Brian Rodriguez, who grew up in the Canary Islands of Spain and brings his own Mediterranean roots to the table.
“Coco’s is designed as a seamless indoor-outdoor dining space, with a light-filled room dressed in terra cotta and sun-washed tones, layered palms and vintage photography, leading into a shaded, fragrant courtyard,” says Emanuela Setterberg Di Vivo, managing director of The Vineta. “The atmosphere evolves day to night: It starts relaxed in the morning, becomes more social at lunch, and then shifts into a vibrant and glamorous evening setting.”
Both Coco’s and the more casual, walk-in Pool House—think lobster rolls, club sandwiches and a gelato cart—have been at near capacity since opening day, February 28. “We were surprised and delighted that we had a line out the door on the first night to get into the bar,” Setterberg Di Vivo says.
With dishes celebrating refined flavors and coastal inspiration, Coco’s menu offers a passport straight to the French Riviera. The Steak Diane—what Setterberg Di Vivo calls “glamorous comfort food”—is prepared as it is at the Hotel du Cap, pan-fried with Dijon mustard and flambéed with cognac. “People tell me they dream about the morel mushrooms, too,” Setterberg Di Vivo says. “Think soft potato gnocchi, delicious chicken mousseline and spinach.” oetkerhotels.com/hotels/the-vineta-hote