What’s That Smell?

There was something in the air last night at the Carlyle Hotel, on Madison Avenue. Guided by New York Times fragrance editor and author Chandler Burr, a select group of journalists got a sneak preview of a unique olfactory-cum-culinary tour that officially kicks off with a special night at the Carlyle on June 18, and will continue around the world at various properties owned by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. Seated in the Carlyle restaurant's private dining room, my colleagues and I put our noses to the test as Burr teased our senses with scent strips in one blind-test after another, each one designed to awaken and tantalize the palate. (Incredibly, a whopping ninety-five percent of a diner's perception of flavor actually comes from his sense of smell--not taste.) To be sure, it was a novel way to enjoy a meal and many of the fragrances were beautifully paired with the cuisine and cocktails laid before us. My "smelling partner," good friend Jennifer "Bless Your Heart" Cole, of Travel & Leisure magazine, graciously humored my poor scent perception (and zero knowledge of perfumes) as we shared scent strips and compared notes on whiffs of synthetic essences of everything from cotton candy to cucumber. Burr was a gracious and supremely knowledgeable host and his enthusiasm carried the night. There are still a few spots available for the June 18 dinner (the night will be offered to a maximum of 20 patrons) and costs $200 per person. The price is an absolute bargain considering the profusion of food—prepared by Carlyle chef Jimmy Sakatos—not to mention the retail value of the two-ton goodie bag, which is loaded down with fragrances such as Estée Lauder's Pleasures; Dolce & Gabana's Light Blue; and Missoni. After the one night in New York, the Chandler Burr scentapalooza travels to The Mansion at Turtle Creek, in Dallas, and the Inn of the Anasazi, in Santa Fe. For more information, visit www.rosewoodhotels.com. %%showphotos [setid=72157602750681277]%%