No Passports Necessary to Enjoy Vivante French Eatery

July 2020

Whatever misconceptions you may have about French cuisine can be tossed out the la fenêtre. And once you have indulged in the vibrant culinary experience at Hotel Carmichael’s French-inspired signature restaurant—Vivante French Eatery—you will have a brand-new appreciation for French fare and Vivante’s creative culinary offerings upon its grand opening this August.

No Pretense … Only Inspired Indulgences

Patrons of Vivante will enjoy the exquisite yet comfortable interior decor as well as the exterior views of Carter’s Green and the Monon Trail from a comfortable seat or one of the brushed velvet booths. Seasonal outdoor seating is also available. Vivante’s menu offers a “contemporary twist on the classics” and serves fresh and approachable plates for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Additional and thoughtful extras, like refreshing palate cleansers, truffles and rich French press coffee, are just a few ways that the incomparable staff at Vivante strive to create a lasting impression on its guests. Vivante is open to both the public and hotel guests.

Meet Executive Head Chef Joseph Hsu

Vivante French Eatery will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to its guests on the Monon Level of the hotel, overlooking Carter’s Green. Vivante, meaning “alive,” will serve fresh and approachable French fare prepared and presented by its executive chef, Joseph Hsu, originally from Taiwan.

Hsu brings 25 years of experience and a passion for cooking that has led him to cook all over the United States. After graduating from Penn State University, Hsu worked in cities and areas such as New York City, Florida and Colorado. He spent nine years with Landry’s Restaurants, first as an executive chef and then as a regional chef supporting acquisitions and openings. Hsu moved to Indiana in 2013, working as the executive chef for the Indianapolis Zoo. He started his own business with 5280 Bistro Hospitality in 2017.

In addition to being passionate about food and his patrons’ experiences, he is also passionate about supporting local vendors and purveyors as well as supporting his community as a whole.

“The main reason why I accepted this position was because of the opportunities this facility [Hotel Carmichael] is going to be able to provide,” Hsu shared. “I think Carmel already has the reputation of being one of the best cities in Indiana. And by having this facility, and a French eatery that was much needed in this city, we have the opportunity to showcase what we’re able to do. I think a lot of people think of French cuisine as ‘snooty’ but for us, our approach is more about taking the classics and adding our contemporary spin. We source as many local ingredients as possible. It’s our creativity and what we’re able to do that will attract people the most, and we have a great selection on our menu.”

Hsu emphasized that he and his team are committed to fresh, locally sourced foods that include many vendors from the Carmel Farmers Markets, including Garcia’s Gardens, Becker Farms and Indie Coffee Roasters. Indy Coffee Roasters is also the “house” coffee vendor for the hotel as well.

The menu is customizable for weddings and events at Hotel Carmichael, and just as the staff has put a contemporary spin on their food, they are putting a spin on their classic cocktails with a big focus on their wines. The Carmichael’s wine collection offers approachable wines with an international flair along with some notable French wines as well as their “house” wines. All of the wines have been expertly selected to pair with Chef Hsu’s delectable dishes.

Hsu continued, “We’re not just bringing in local products and vendors, we are also going to recruit local talent and get involved with the local culinary schools, including Carmel High School and Ivy Tech.”

Special Events and Weddings

In addition to Vivante, Hotel Carmichael features over 5,000 square feet of total meeting and/or event space and four distinctive venues. The Cole Porter Grand Ballroom features elegant decor and flexible configuration options and is a perfect venue for intimate wedding receptions, banquets and conferences. The Paul Dresser Meeting Room is an ideal space for mid-sized occasions such as private dining events and training sessions or can provide a stylish space for cozy gatherings. The James Hanley Boardroom features all the furnishings and amenities needed for VIP meetings and small corporate events. And last but not least, the Noble Sissle Boardroom is a spacious and sophisticated boardroom, the ideal place to meet, brainstorm and create or host a power breakfast or working lunch. Book your momentous occasion, special event, meeting or working lunch at hotelcarmichael.com/meeting-events.

Adagio Lounge

Centered around a grand piano and wood-burning fireplace with selections from the Great American Songbook providing the soundtrack, the lobby bar is an exceptional place to mix, mingle and imbibe. Enjoy full bar service with classic cocktails, wines and local brews while taking in the sights and sounds of the sprawling Hotel Carmichael lobby. Adagio will be open Monday through Sunday, 2 p.m.–midnight.

Preparing for the Long-Awaited Grand Opening

As people are eager to shut down their kitchens at home and venture out, safely, to experience Carmel’s food scene once again, many are excited about Vivante’s grand opening in early to mid-August. Hotel Carmichael’s General Manager Jamie Hopwood emphasized that his entire staff are taking abundant precautions with more than the required pandemic protocols in place to ensure the safety of the guests and staff to the best of their abilities.

“I am excited to offer the local Carmel community, as well as travelers from all over the world, a unique culinary experience, combining cuisine, culture and outstanding service,” Hopwood said. “We are taking reservations on Open Table. As of now, the plan will be that Vivante will be open Tuesday through Sunday afternoon and will be closed Sunday evenings for dinner and closed on Mondays. We will serve three meals [breakfast, lunch and dinner] out of the Adagio [Lounge] while the restaurant is closed on those specified days. Since we are opening with a smaller than anticipated staff [due to COVID-19 protocols], we’ve had to make some adjustments, and it’s the most responsible thing to do.”

Don’t wait—make your reservations now through Open Table for your first of many unforgettable experiences at Vivante French Eatery! Visit hotelcarmichael.com/dining for more information.

Writer:

Janelle Morrison

Photography:

Laura Arick