Mom's Day Off: Ladies who Lunch (and Shop)

Have a chic bite to eat at Harrods newest restaurant, Demoiselle

There are many things in life that can spur a hearty appetite. For example: training for a triathlon, being pregnant, or… shopping for that perfect pair of spring wedges (you know, the ones that are both totally work appropriate and fun.)

And so to that, any woman can attest that a busy day of shopping can create a frenzied hunger. But instead of succumbing to a shameful Cinnabon (it happens to the best of us) here’s a delicious and elegant option: Demoiselle. 

Situated on the mezzanine level of London’s famed Harrods, it’s the latest outing from Michelin-starred restaurateurs, the Galvin Brothers. Contributing a large part in this vision is Sara Galvin, wife of Chris Galvin, who is a patron the newly opened eatery. Did the fact that Demoiselle resides in a luxury department store play a factor in her participation? “Absolutely, that was the main reason that I very carefully nudged Chris and Jeff out of the way and volunteered myself to spearhead this particular project,” says Sara. “I persuaded them that I had the most experience in this field and Chris could not argue with that!”

From helping curate the menu to picking out the flowers for the tables, Sara has graced a decidedly feminine touch to Demoiselle. “This was important to me as I felt that chic, glamorous ladies would be occupying the space,” she explains. 

So, after perusing the racks of Alexander McQueen and Lanvin, customers can rest their weary shoe-trying-on feet and feast on the seasonally fresh foods that Demoiselle serves. Some favorites: the baked lobster fishcake served with a salad of flat parsley, capers and shallots, and the goat cheese salad with beetroot and blood orange, garnished with edible flowers. “It is definitely a place for a girly lunch,” Sara states. “It was designed with that in mind.” –Anne Ichikawa