Afternoon tea

Afternoon Tea at Le Restaurant de PAUL

May 8, 2018 by cheriecity

French bakery PAUL is my ‘go to’ lunch spot when I’m craving a taste of Paris, whether it’s a classic Croque Monsieur, Éclair or one of their perfect little Canelés.

Le Restaurant de PAUL in Covent Garden, however, takes it to the next level with a brasserie menu of regional dishes, sharing boards and classics such as Entrecôte, Duck confit and Coq au Vin. The bakery leads on to an elegant, relaxed dining room with cosy velvet banquettes and wall murals that remind me of Angelina in Paris. Interestingly, the Bedford Street restaurant was also the first branch of PAUL to open in the UK 18 years ago.

Bringing an extra touch of indulgence, Le Restaurant de PAUL has just launched a new Bottomless Afternoon Tea – a French twist on the English classic with plenty of bubbles. I enjoyed a preview of the afternoon tea in the restaurant’s cosy conservatory and was greeted with a typical apéritif of Kir Royale.

Our afternoon tea was served on a traditional three-tier stand with a glass of aromatic, refreshing sparkling vin mousseux from Ky Procco by Alain Gayrel. Starting with the savouries, the trio of lightly-toasted sandwiches were simple and high quality – Poached salmon and horseradish, creamy Camembert and my favourite smoky Chicken with tomato, mustard and mayonnaise.

I was initially hesitant about the replacement of scones (a time-honoured afternoon tea staple), however the fluffy, buttery sweet brioche was just as satisfying, especially when smothered liberally in whipped cream and strawberry jam.

The sweets were a real highlight and the selection was perfectly-chosen. The Gâteau aux carottes was moist and nutty with a smooth cream cheese ganache and I loved the delicate and light Fraisier with Genoese sponge, mousseline cream and fresh strawberries finished with bright green marzipan – a perfect dessert for spring.

As a fan of PAUL’s mini macarons, I was pleased to see them make an appearance on the afternoon tea in six different flavours – we enjoyed chocolate and lemon.

Afternoon tea at PAUL is a real treat if you love classic French patisserie and it’s great value, particularly with the free-flowing sparkling wine. It’s definitely one to add to the list for a decadent teatime in Covent Garden.

Afternoon tea with free-flowing Ky Procco by Alain Gayrel at Le Restaurant de PAUL Covent Garden is priced at £24.95 per person and Afternoon tea with a hot drink of your choice is priced at £14.95. Served from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information and booking, visit: www.paul-uk.com

Chérie City was a guest of Le Restaurant de PAUL

All photos by Chérie City

Afternoon tea, London

Festive Afternoon Tea at The Langham London

December 8, 2017 by cheriecity

Afternoon tea is always a treat, but it feels even more magical during the festive season, amid twinkling lights and dazzling Christmas trees. It’s also a time when you can really savour it over a few leisurely hours with friends or family.

I’ve always wanted to visit the elegant and timeless Palm Court at The Langham London and a new Festive Afternoon Tea was the perfect occasion. This exquisite restaurant has been serving afternoon tea since 1865 and is said to be the birthplace of the quintessentially British tradition.

Walking through the whimsical iron gate covered with glass gems, Palm Court instantly feels like a dream world with dusky rose jewelled walls, plush furnishings and an elaborate hand-blown sculpture surrounded with copious bottles of Perrier-Jouët Champagne.

We were seated at the circular leather banquette, which afforded us a prime position to watch the live pianist, who performed jazz favourites and show tunes throughout the afternoon.

After selecting our preferred teas and champagne, we were presented with little cups of orange pekoe tea infused with fresh ginger – a lovely, warming welcome drink.

We tried a few different teas and a real highlight was the 1865 Langham Anniversary blend – a delicately spiced infusion of black, green and white tea with no less than 150 ingredients, created specially to celebrate the hotel’s landmark anniversary this year. Another hit was the rich and fragrant Langham blend, which was the perfect match for afternoon tea.

First to arrive, on the most beautiful Wedgwood china, were the festive sandwiches along with an elegant canapé of Smoked salmon with horseradish cream and Lilliput capers. Smoked turkey with marjoram stuffing and watercress on cranberry bread was a delightful taste of Christmas and I loved the creamy, nutty and indulgent Farmhouse Stilton with red onion and port relish on walnut bread.

Cucumber with cream cheese and chives was a classic for tea traditionalists and Duck egg brioche with black truffle mayonnaise and artichoke had an intense hit of truffle.

Warm scones are of course an afternoon tea essential and they don’t come much better than Palm Court’s fluffy, buttery classic and raisin scones served with sumptuous strawberry jam and cool clotted cream. They were perfectly complemented by a chilled, crisp glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne.

We were generously offered additional plates of sandwiches and scones, but tried to resist and pace ourselves for the sweets yet to come (ok, I’ll admit that I couldn’t say no to one more of those wonderful scones).

The Langham’s pastry chefs are renowned for their creative patisserie and this year’s festive collection is not only visually pleasing but also very well balanced. All of the sweets were delightfully bite-size and had a good range of chocolate, fruit and caramel flavours.

St Nicholas was a dainty Santa hat with fruity Passion fruit rolled in a light red sponge with a fun coconut marshmallow trim. Another light pastry was the green-hued Eternally Pistachio – a mini wreath-inspired ‘Paris Brest’ with velvety pistachio cream, cranberry jelly and crunchy choux.

It’s Christmas was the most festive in flavour – a silky Jivara and mandarin sphere with cinnamon cream (chocolate orange heaven). As you’d expect from the name, Gold, frankincense and myrrh was the most decadent with exemplary caramelised puff pastry, smooth salted caramel and vanilla and a Langham-branded shard of milk chocolate.

It’s hard to pick a favourite, but we were both wowed by the Light of the world – a traditional white and dark chocolate candle filled with smooth chestnut cream, blackcurrant and spice.

The Festive Afternoon Tea at Palm Court was imaginative, beautifully-presented and ever so delicious. Service was as refined as you’d expect yet friendly and listening to the sounds of an accomplished pianist while grazing on delectable bites in a stunning setting made for a truly memorable experience. For a special Christmas treat, afternoon tea at The Langham London is unbeatable.

For more information and booking, visit: www.langhamhotels.com

Chérie City was a guest of The Langham London

All photos by Chérie City

Afternoon tea, London

Wonderful Moon Cakes at Yauatcha in London

August 18, 2016 by cheriecity

August may be the time when you just want to cool down with refreshing iced desserts, but there’s one cake that you should definitely indulge in at this time of year.

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (dating back to 1000BC) takes place in the eighth month of the Chinese calendar and is traditionally celebrated with moon cakes. They are usually offered as gifts when the moon is considered to be at its roundest and they are made to represent the full moon and unity.

I first tried moon cakes a few years ago in Hong Kong and it wasn’t exactly love at first bite. The fragrant lotus seed paste was fine, but I was less keen on the hard salted egg yolk at the centre. However, the moon cakes at London’s contemporary dim sum tea house Yauatcha are much more exciting and very moreish.

The talented pastry chefs at Yauatcha have created a modern spin on the moon cake, making them bite-size with a pretty floral pattern, made using traditional wooden moon cake moulds. The cakes have a sweet pastry exterior with a thick custard filling and are substantial but not overly sweet. They’re a perfect teatime treat!

The adorable moon cakes can be enjoyed at Yauatcha as a dessert with vanilla ice cream and crème anglaise at the end of a meal or simply with a pot of Chinese tea. You can also get them to take-out – either individually or as a box of six with Yauatcha’s beautiful packaging.

Moon Cakes are available at both Yauatcha Soho and Yauatcha City until 15th September. For more information and booking, visit: www.yauatcha.com

Photos by Chérie City

Afternoon tea, Paris, Patisserie

Amazing Choux at Profiterole Chérie Paris

April 2, 2015 by cheriecity

On my recent trip to Paris, I caught up with my friend Coralie for an afternoon of shopping and a bite to eat in the Marais. Steven headed over to the Palais de Tokyo to check out the latest exhibition, allowing us a few hours of girl time.

We met up at our hotel Bourg Tibourg and headed out into the Marais for a bit of an adventure. We shopped at Maje, American Vintage, Comptoir des Cotonniers and Repetto and Coralie showed me her favourite jewellery boutique, Marine de Diesbach. It has the feel of an artist’s studio with handmade pieces that you can’t find anywhere else.

Another stop was at the wonderful Palais des Thés, where we sampled green tea and jasmine tea paired with financiers. Continuing the tea and cake theme, we headed up to rue Debelleyme in time for the ‘quatre-heures’ (tea time).

Coralie took me to a new profiterole place that had recently opened, but she left the name as a surprise until we arrived (needless to say I was thrilled). Profiterole Chérie is a bijou little patisserie and tea salon that simply offers traditionally French choux with a twist.

Profiterole Chérie is the first Parisian patisserie by acclaimed pastry chef Philippe Urraca (awarded Best Craftsman of France in 1993). It’s pretty and oh so Parisian with dreamy pastel pink walls, marble tables and highlights of dove grey.

Profiteroles are freshly-baked at the store and prepared to order at the open counter. The menu features choux filled with ice cream or pasty cream in a variety of flavours, as well as a special profiterole of the moment.

Knowing that I would be eating dessert later on, I went for the light and fruity Ma Chérie citron meringué (€6). The crisp, freshly-baked chou was filled with smooth, cool lemon curd cream and topped with meringue sticks and lime zest. It was accompanied by a pot of zingy, sharp citrus coulis to pour over the top.

Coralie’s Ma Chérie Paris-Brest (€6) was a delicious blend of velvety praline cream, roasted hazelnuts and rich chocolate sauce (if you love Nutella, this is the one to order).

We washed down our profiteroles with cups of Earl Grey tea (€3), although I would be tempted next time to try the chocolat chaud.

Profiterole Chérie is a delightful spot for an afternoon pastry fix and a good gossip. It’s surprisingly affordable for the area and feels friendly, intimate and unpretentious. I can definitely see it becoming our new Paris tradition.

All photos by Chérie City

Afternoon tea, London, Patisserie, Stores

Pierre Hermé Fetish Infiniment Vanille

March 13, 2015 by cheriecity

Pierre Hermé’s creativity never fails to amaze me, but his innovation goes far beyond presenting unexpected new flavour combinations. Even classic tastes are elevated to divine new levels.

Last week, I visited the gorgeous new Pierre Hermé store on Covent Garden’s Monmouth Street for an exclusive preview of the new Fetish Infiniment Vanille collection.

Vanilla often undeservedly has the reputation for being safe and unadventurous, but Pierre Hermé sees vanilla as a ‘diva’. When done right, vanilla can be indulgent, sensuous and very luxurious. It is the second most expensive spice after saffron, of course.

Fetish Infiniment Vanille celebrates the fragrant spice with an extensive collection of gourmet vanilla treats. The tasting started with examining the appearance, textures and aromas of three different vanilla pods from Madagascar, Tahiti and Mexico. Vanilla from these three origins make up Pierre Hermé’s ideal vanilla flavour (his signature ‘house’ fragrance).

The most striking use of this specially composed vanilla is in the macarons. The delicate yet robust flavour is intoxicating and the macaron is punctuated with tiny, crunchy vanilla seeds. This is pure, velvety luxury and I’ve never tasted any vanilla macaron as exquisite as this.

I’m always a fan of Pierre Hermé’s delectable pound cake and the new Cake Infiniment Vanille is very satisfying with subtle flavours of almond and vanilla. I liked the sweet vanilla ganache studded with crunchy pieces of almond and the decorative vanilla pod on the top.

We also tried a rich and mellow Bonbon Chocolat Infiniment Vanille with a velvety vanilla-infused ganache and a buttery little Sablé biscuit left a pleasant sea salt taste in the mouth.

The star of the collection for me is the green tea fragranced with vanilla. I’ve tried black tea with vanilla before, but the green tea had a fresh, clean flavour and worked perfectly with the vanilla.

Also in the Fetish Infiniment Vanille collection is a glazed croissant filled with almond paste, Paris Brest, millefeuille, Rum Baba, tart and choux. Pierre Hermé’s signature vanilla flavour is a sensation that all pastry lovers should try at least once.

The Pierre Hermé Fetish Infiniment Vanille collection is available now in-store and online until 19th April. For more information, visit: www.pierreherme.com

Afternoon tea, London, Stores

Pierre Hermé Fetish Infiniment Chocolat

October 28, 2014 by cheriecity

Pierre Hermé is renowned for his game-changing marriage of flavours, however at the heart of his mastery is pure, unadulterated chocolate.

The new Fetish Infiniment Chocolat limited edition collection is a celebration of exquisite chocolate made with the finest cocoa from far-flung plantations around the world.

I visited the Lowndes Street boutique last week for a special preview tasting and was treated to highlights from the collection with glasses of rosé Champagne.

Our first taste of the collection were Bonbons Chocolat, each with their own distinctive flavours and notes. The stand-out Bonbon Chocolat Ampa is an intense ganache of pure origin Plantation Millot chocolate from Madagascar with a punchy bitterness and exotic notes of passion fruit and caramelised pineapple.

My favourite is the playfully-named Bonbon Chocolat Choc Chocolat (try asking for that over the counter) – a silky ganache studded with nougatine and cocoa nibs.

Other seductive chocolates in the collection are the Brazilian Bonbon Chocolat Paneiras, the crunchy Nougatine Infiniment Chocolat and the slim and elegant Galet Intense.

There are also new chocolate macarons, including the seductive Venezuelan Macaron Infiniment Chocolat Chuao with a hint of blond tobacco and the Macaron Infiniment Chocolat Pérou, which is well-rounded and easy on the palate.

Another highlight is Pierre Hermé’s latest discovery – the intense Macaron Infiniment Chocolat Paineiras using pure origin chocolate with notes of citrus, red berry and spice.

As a lover of cake, I was wowed by the the fabulously rich, moist, vanilla-scented Cake Infiniment Chocolat with pieces of dark chocolate and fleur de sel, enrobed in glossy dark chocolate.

It would make a fabulous addition to a chocolate afternoon tea, alongside the perfectly buttery, indulgent Sablés Infiniment Chocolat and a cup of thick, rich Chocolat Chaud.

The London boutiques offer an edited selection of the range, but if you’re in Paris, be sure to indulge in an exquisite Infiniment Chocolat Saint-Honoré, rum baba, millefeuille, cheesecake, brioche, éclair or ice cream.

As always, Pierre Hermé likes to keep us on our toes and is constantly innovating, so head down to Lowndes Street to pick up some treats from the collection before 8th December.

Also, look out for a brand new Pierre Hermé boutique opening next month in Covent Garden’s stylish Seven Dials neighbourhood.

For more information and to buy online, visit: www.pierreherme.com

Photos by Pierre Hermé Paris

Afternoon tea, London, Restaurants

Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea at Bond & Brook

June 17, 2014 by cheriecity

Bond & Brook is one of my favourite places in London for a meeting or a calming pre or post shopping cup of tea.

Part of the Rhubarb group, the second floor restaurant and cafe at Fenwick of Bond Street always feel peaceful and civilised, even when busy – the perfect retreat in the middle of central London.

The design of Bond & brook is ever so stylish with its bright white and oatmeal interiors and slick silver bar. There are a few flashes of colour on its place settings, menus and the now famous pots of Smarties that are served to every table.

Bond & Brook takes inspiration from fashion and features shelves full of glossy coffee table books, a large fashion print and a background of the Fenwick designer womenswear edit. It’s an appropriately concept considering its location, among the boutiques of New Bond Street and a stone throw away from Vogue House.

To celebrate Royal Ascot – the highlight of the social calendar – Bond & Brooks is offering a rather regal afternoon tea. I visited last week to sample the Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea and was excited to finally try the food at Bond & Brook, as my usual order is a pot of fresh mint tea and a few Smarties.

We were seated in a lovely, quiet spot close to the window and were swiftly served our choice of tea – we both went for the Palace Earl Grey. The silver tea service is elegant and refined and we were promised a refill of hot water for the teapot at the beginning of our meal, so we wouldn’t have to try and make our cups of tea last.

We waited a short time for the afternoon tea to be served, which I was happy about as it meant that the food was prepared fresh and set a good pace for the afternoon.

When our afternoon tea arrived, the friendly staff briefly explained the different courses and the inspiration behind it.

The sandwiches were classic with a quirky twist – perfectly suited to Royal Ascot. The stand-out sandwich was the Gin-cured Royal Fillet of Salmon with aromatic, generous pieces of salmon and cool cream cheese on a half bagel.

Eastcote Beef and Horseradish Cream on granary bread included thin slices of lean beef and subtle, peppery flavours from the horseradish cream.

Heritage Cucumber Caviar and Mint was an interesting, fragrant take on the old British afternoon tea staple while the indulgent Eggs Drumkilbo – eggs, lobster and tomato on a brioche bun – was chosen, as it’s a favourite of the royals.

Four substantial, freshly-baked raisin scones kept their warmth inside an enveloped napkin while we finished the savoury course.

The exemplary fluffy and buttery scones were accompanied by a little pot of home-made plum jam and a generous scoop of cool clotted cream.

Instead of the second scone, I would have preferred a slice of Battenburg, mini cake loaf or a brownie square to vary the flavours and add a cake texture to the afternoon tea.

Inspired by the elegance of Royal Ascot, the desserts are delicate and perfectly bite-size. The Edible Ladies Bowler Hat was deliciously sweet and fruity with a bubbly raspberry mousse and silky mango filling with an icing flower atop a giant, thin white chocolate brim.

The Mini Berry Pavlova included a refined, speckled meringue topped with fresh berries, golden honeycomb and a sticky citrus sauce.

Of course it wouldn’t be Royal Ascot with a dash of celebratory booze and the Champagne and Raspberry Tartlet had quite a kick! The sparkling, refreshing Champagne jelly was set inside a thin chocolate pastry case and was topped with fresh raspberries and a white and dark chocolate curl.

The Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea at Bond & Brook is a delightful treat, even if you won’t be sporting a hat at the races. Bond & Brook is chic and comfortable with friendly staff, plus it’s hard to resist a spot of shopping at Fenwick.

The Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea at Bond & Brook is priced at £19.50 and runs until 21st June. For more information and booking, visit: www.rhubarb.net

Chérie City was invited by Bond & Brook

Photos by Chérie City (interiors by Bond & Brook)

Afternoon tea, London

Wedgwood Taste of History Afternoon Tea

May 19, 2014 by cheriecity

Last week, Soho was in bloom as Wedgwood hosted a fabulous tea party with scones, cakes, beautiful china and peonies in abundance.

An expert on teaware since 1759, the iconic British brand celebrated its heritage with a Taste of History Tea Pairing Menu. Food historian Tasha Marks of Animal Vegetable Mineral Curiosities created a tempting afternoon tea with adaptations of historical sweets from the same year as the tea they were paired with.

The luxurious loose leaf teas are presented in Wedgwood blue tea caddies – each with a print to reflect the era – and have a bold, fragrant aroma. When served in a teapot, they fill the room with delicious, heady notes of fruit, flowers and spices.

The extensive tea collection includes 1780 Encaustic (white tea with apricot pieces, yellow mullein and marigold petals and yellow rose buds), 1814 Chinese Tiger (black tea with ginger pieces) and 1870 Golden Rose (green tea with strawberry pieces and pink rose buds).

I enjoyed a pot of 2010 Pashmina, an Oolong tea with orange blossoms and pieces of dried orange, which was paired with rich, velvety Orange and Marmalade Truffles. I couldn’t resist also tasting the 1777 Tea Party, a black tea with pink and white cornflower petals paired with Cornflower Cracknels.

My tea was served in a fine bone china teacup and saucer from the stunning new Daisy Tea Story. The new design features elements of the iconic Wedgwood Daisy print from the brand’s extensive archives. It’s a sophisticated, timeless design in a rich palette of black, blue, pink and gold.

We also grazed on the most delicious, zesty Apricot and Honey Panforte, Victorian Scones with Strawberry and Rose Jam and White Gingerbread Dragon – a marchpane biscuit with a fragrant blend of almonds, rosewater, sugar and ginger.

Over a delectable afternoon tea, we had the chance to discover Wedgwood’s prettiest tea service collections including the whimsical Butterfly Bloom, Cuckoo, Harlequin and the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Queen of Hearts. They were beautifully styled with peonies peaking out of teapots and balanced on hardback books inside a golden birdcage.

With so many stunning tea stories, it’s hard not to fall in love with Wedgwood and begin a very long wish list.

To see all Wedgwood fine bone china collections, visit: www.wedgwood.co.uk

All photos by Chérie City

Afternoon tea, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London

‘Le Tea en Rose’ at Sofitel London St James

May 7, 2014 by cheriecity

In celebration of the 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James has created ‘Le Tea en Rose’, a new floral afternoon tea for the month of May.

The Rose Lounge is one of my favourite spots in central London for afternoon tea, with its plush pink interiors, subtle aromas of rose and daily live harpist. It’s a cosy, stylish lounge that welcomes both hotel guests and visitors and is well-located for a pre or post-shopping sugar fix.

Drawing on the annual show’s exquisite blooms and beautifully manicured gardens, Head Chef Vincent Manager has devised a special collection of fragrant Parisian pastries. I had the pleasure of tasting the new afternoon tea pastries and all of them were just heavenly.

My favourite was the colourful Chocolate dacquoise with jasmine flower mousse and raspberry macaron. The mousse is delicate with just a hint of jasmine while the chocolate base has an impossibly light brownie texture. Mini macarons are a genius touch and the fresh raspberries add some necessary sharpness.

I also adored the generously-sized White chocolate tartlet with a rose crème chiboust. The creamy, smooth white chocolate ganache inside a thin pastry case is deliciously rich and sweet and the rose crème chiboust is as light as air with a delicate flavour.

Elderflower jelly with lemon cheesecake crumble and Swiss meringue is a new take on lemon meringue pie with the addition of a light, aromatic elderflower jelly at the bottom of the glass.

Dark chocolate and blueberry Napoleon with violet macaron wafer is the most full-bodied of the cakes with a bittersweet flavour from the thick chocolate base. The notes of violet are subtle and don’t overpower the cream, while the ultra-thin macaron wafer and candied violets give the cake some texture.

The new floral pastries are served with a selection of seasonal finger sandwiches and warm scones with Devonshire clotted cream, lemon curd and rose-scented raspberry jam.

A selection of fine Postcard teas are offered with the afternoon tea and while I usually opt for a flavoured black tea, I loved the delicate Mediterranean Rose tea – a heady blend of roses from Provence and Morocco. The teas are presented in patterned china teapots and cups designed by Bernardaud exclusively for Sofitel St James London.

To complement the notes in the afternoon tea, Head Bartender Emilio Moscati has created a refreshing, romantic La Vie en Rose cocktail. Inspired by the iconic Edith Piaf song and the quintessential British rose, the cocktail is a delightful blend of Tanqueray Gin, elderflower syrup, flavours of cucumber and lemon, topped up with rose champagne and finished with delicate rose petals.

‘Le Tea en Rose’ is an elegant, sumptuous afternoon tea that captures the spirit of springtime in London with a touch of Parisian chic. Cosy up in Sofitel London St James’s ‘secret garden’ and enjoy a delicious floral afternoon treat.

The Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James is serving the celebratory ‘Le Tea en Rose’ daily between 2.30pm-5.30pm, throughout May 2014. Priced at £30, or £34 including the Vie en Rose cocktail. For more information, visit: www.sofitelstjames.com

Afternoon tea, Art, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London, Restaurants

Matisse Afternoon Tea at Le Méridien Piccadilly, London

April 28, 2014 by cheriecity

In celebration of the must-see new exhibition Henri-Matisse: The Cut-Outs at Tate Modern, Le Méridien Piccadilly offers its own colourful Matisse Afternoon Tea in the stylish Terrace Grill & Bar.

Chef Michael Dutnall took inspiration from the bright colours and angles of Matisse’s iconic works and his birthplace to produce a delectable afternoon tea that tastes just as exquisite as it looks.

I visited the chic Terrace Grill & Bar to try the new Matisse Afternoon Tea on the Easter weekend when central London was blissfully quiet. The bright and airy Terrace Grill & Bar is split across two levels with a sleek restaurant and a more relaxed bar and lounge. It combines the elegance of Piccadilly’s Regency architecture with contemporary interiors and striking artworks.

On arrival, we were shown to a table with a cosy, hammock-like sofa and ordered pots of JING Earl Grey tea from the extensive tea menu.

We also tried a French Revolution cocktail, chosen to complement the flavours in the afternoon tea. A French twist on the classic Aviation cocktail, the French Revolution includes gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice and rose Champagne. The refreshing, strong cocktail is served in a tall flute and dipped in sugar, referencing Matisse’s cut-outs.

The Matisse Afternoon Tea is presented on a three-tier stand and the layer of cakes and pastries is sprayed with colour to represent Matisse’s iconic Blue Nude (II).

We started with savories inspired by the south of France and absolutely loved the gourmet Jambon de Bayonne and Brie-filled Croissant and a flavoursome Wrap with Marinated Provencal Vegetables and Tapenade.

Keeping with afternoon tea tradition, there is also a tasty Poached Salmon and Herb Crème Fraiche Sandwich and Egg and Cress Sandwich to munch on.

The test of a good afternoon tea is the scones and these plain and raisin scones were freshly-baked, springy and just the right size. They were served with delicious strawberry jam and clotted cream.

The sweets treats were delightfully colourful and tempting. I loved the indulgent Vanilla Pannacotta with Calvados jelly served in a little glass jar and the Battenberg Cake was one of the best I’ve tasted, with a delicate layer of royal icing and not too much marzipan. The Orange Delice was light as air and the asymmetric blue icing referenced Matisse’s blue cut-outs while the Apple Macarons were perfectly bite-size and filled with apple compote.

A Raspberry Tarte included fresh raspberries on top of silky crème patisserie and finished with crumbled macaron and the Lemon Eclair was filled with zesty lemon curd and topped with vibrant pink icing.

During the afternoon tea, we had the chance to create our own cut-out masterpieces with a box full of art supplies. While finishing our cocktails, we started snipping away at the coloured card for our own artistic postcards, ending up with two very different takes on Matisse’s vision. The postcards provided offer 20% discount at Terrace Grill & Bar on your next visit, plus it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon.

The Matisse Afternoon Tea at Le Méridien Piccadilly is a delightful, decadent treat and the perfect complement to the fabulous new exhibition. If you can, book both on the same day and enjoy a whole day of being dazzled by colour.

The Matisse Afternoon Tea is priced at £30 and is available in the Terrace Grill & Bar until 31st May 2014.

Chérie City was a guest of Le Meridien Piccadilly

Photos by Chérie City and Le Meridien Piccadilly

Afternoon tea, Cafes, Istanbul, Restaurants

Amazing Places to Eat Out in Istanbul

March 3, 2014 by cheriecity

A highlight of a trip to Istanbul is the fantastic food. The streets are filled with the mouthwatering aromas of delicious ocakbasi chargrilled meat, honey-drench fresh baklava and freshly-pressed pomegranate juice. Here are some top picks for eating out in Istanbul…

Antiochia

Tucked away on a side street in Asmalimescit, Antiochia is an intimate, low-key neighbourhood restaurant that offers dishes inspired by the city of Antakya in Turkey’s sourthern Hatay region.

Owned by celebrity chef Jale Balci, Antiochia attracts a hipster crowd and the interiors are as unfussy as the simple menu (just around ten meze dishes and a few kebabs). The restaurant is tiny with less than 20 covers, so we were very lucky to score a walk-in table.

We started with two amazing meze dishes – Houmous and Aubergine with Yoghurt and Garlic – served with the most delicious, seemingly unlimited, flatbread rubbed with chilli. If you’re extra peckish, or are dining with a bigger group, a mixed meze plate is a good choice (the staff tried to push us towards this).

My Chicken Shish was marinated in spices and fresh herbs, then grilled to perfection on the charcoal grill. It was served on a thin chili wrap with a fresh tomato and sumac salad, a grilled tomato and green chili. Steven’s Beef Durum Wrap was filled with tender pieces of beef, onion and grilled tomatoes with a good dose of spice.

Having already filled up on sugar with afternoon tea earlier that afternoon, we thought it best to skip dessert. However, Antiochia is the place to try some authentic Turkish sweets such as Künefe (a cheese pastry soaked in syrup) or a walnut and eggplant dessert served with home-made ice cream.

Otherwise, you could grab some baklava or mastic ice cream from nearby Istiklal Caddesi, where cafes and sweet shops are open into the late evening.

Mama Shelter Istanbul

Staying and eating at Mama Shelter Paris was one of my favourite hotel experiences, so obviously we just had to check out Mama Shelter Istanbul. Located on a side street just off the bustling Istiklal Caddesi, Mama Shelter Istanbul has all of the eccentricity and character that you’d expect from the forward-thinking brand with cool interiors by Philippe Starck.

Alain Senderens and Jérôme Banctel’s Franco-Turkish menu is full of innovative yet comforting dishes and there is also a pizza menu.

As we visited during a religious holiday, it was very quiet, however I imagine it is the place to be in Beyoglu during the summer months with the open roof terrace and weekend DJ sets. There is even a glass cabinet of musical instruments to really get the party started.

I started with a zingy Mama Lemonade (9 TL) and Steven tried a punchy Gingerapple (13 TL), which were both served long and topped with fresh apple and strawberry.

The Marinated Chicken Skewers with Carrot Puree (33 TL) was absolutely delicious. The two large skewers of chargrilled chicken breast and thigh were tender and succulent (though less spicy than others I tried in Istanbul) and I really loved the smooth, rich and tangy carrot puree.

Steven tried the Yoghurt Kebab (34 TL) – tasty chargrilled lamb patties in a spicy tomato sauce served with torn pieces of flatbread, a hot green chili and cool saffron yoghurt.

We couldn’t resist trying Mama’s Chocolate Souffle (19 TL) for dessert. Served in a mini cast iron pot, the Chocolate Souffle had a soft cake texture with a gooey, molten middle and was accompanied by vanilla ice cream and a peanut brittle crisp.

Miyako at Swissotel The Bosphorus

Miyako is a great choice for authentic Japanese food in Istanbul. I recommend starting with some Ebi Tempura and Beef Tataki, followed by teppanyaki Grilled Chicken or Beef Tenderloin. Be sure to leave some room for Chocolate Pudding with Coco Banana Sauce and a glass of Umeshu Plum Wine.

Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge at Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah

Afternoon tea in Istanbul is an absolute must and the grand dame of tea and cake is the historic Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge at Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah. Enjoy a fabulous buffet afternoon tea in splendid surroundings to the sounds of a live pianist.

Tea is served in elegant silver pots and the selection of exquisite cakes, sweets and biscuits is so overwhelming that it’s almost impossible to try them all (a challenge for the most die-hard afternoon tea fans).

Karaköy Lokantasi

Istanbul’s hip Karaköy neighbourhood is not to be missed and we were delighted when the brilliant concierge at Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul was able to secure us a reservation at the immensely popular Karaköy Lokantasi.

Owned by Aylin Okutan and Oral Kurt, and designed by Autoban, Karaköy Lokantasi is a casual, affordable eatery with the boutique guesthouse Karaköy Rooms above. The atmospheric two-floor restaurant features pretty turquoise tiles inspired by the Topkapi Palace offers traditional Turkish meze and kebabs with a contemporary approach.

We started with some Houmous, which was smooth and full of flavour, topped with fresh chick peas and mint. I was a little disappointed that they serve wholemeal sliced bread rather than traditional Turkish flatbread, but it was tasty nevertheless.

Fried Shrimps (18 TL) were plump and ever so fresh, cooked in the most delicious chili, garlic and olive oil sauce.

My Grilled Meatballs (15 TL) were tender, satisfying and nicely charred on the outside. I found the small slice of potato rather dry and uninteresting, particularly as there was no sauce or yoghurt to perk it up. Steven’s Grilled Chicken (15 TL) was juicy and smoky, marinated with spicy chili and herbs.

Service had been swift throughout, but tailed off towards the end of the meal, so we ended up missing out on the chocolate pudding. Instead, we settled for the Semolina Cake with Cream (7 TL), which was a light and grainy sponge soaked with delicious sugar syrup.

Bej Karaköy

We found ourselves back in Karaköy at lunchtime and had heard good things about the Bej Karaköy. The cosy interiors are cool and arty and it seems to attract a creative crowd taking a break from visiting the nearby art galleries.

My Chicken Schnitzel (22 TL) was very tasty, served with chunky fries and a slice of lemon. Steven’s Grilled Cheese, Pesto and Tomato Sandwich (12 TL) was tasty and simple, served with a fresh green salad and cherry tomatoes. We washed them down with some Turkish tea (6 TL) served in a small glass on a pretty blue china saucer.

Service at Bej Karaköy was unfortunately rather charmless during our visit, which I hope was a one-off, as the place itself is great.

ADA Cafe & Bookstore

We spent our last few hours in Istanbul picking up some Turkish tea, baklava and Turkish delight on the Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoglu. Having spotted ADA Cafe & Bookstore earlier in the week, we stopped there for a quick bite before heading to the airport.

ADA Cafe & Bookstore is a slick book and music store with a casual restaurant serving Turkish and international dishes.

We ordered two Turkish teas and were served quickly by the friendly, efficient staff. My Chicken Shish (21 TL) was succulent and nicely charred, served with some average potato wedges, tasty Asian style vegetables and BBQ sauce.

Steven’s ADA Cheeseburger (18 TL) was cooked Turkish style on the charcoal grill and came with American cheese, potato wedges and a fresh sweetcorn and black olive salad.

ADA Cafe & Bookstore is a handy spot in Beyoglu’s busy shopping area for a relaxing lunch or afternoon Turkish tea and cake, plus there is a selection of English language books available.

Shake Shack

Why go to Shake Shack when Istanbul does grilled meat so well? Well, Shake Shack happened to be useful when we needed something quick and easy for a very late lunch after getting lost in Sultanahmet. Shake Shack hasn’t quite yet invaded Europe at present, with outlets only in London, Moscow and Istanbul, so it’s worth visiting if you want to try the now famous New York burger.

We visited the Tünel branch on Istiklal Caddesi, just a few minutes away from our hotel, and there was no queue so we were served immediately.

As expected, our ShackBurgers pretty much the same as the others we’d tried in Manhattan and London, but there are some fun local touches such as the Pistachio in Tünel and Tramway Treat concretes.

Perhaps because of the exchange rate, but it’s also somewhat cheaper than the London branch, so it’s not a bad bet for a speedy lunch fix.

Are you a fan of authentic Turkish food? Where is your favourite dining spot in Istanbul?

All photos by Chérie City

Afternoon tea, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Istanbul

A Luxury Stay at Pera Palace Hotel Istanbul

February 10, 2014 by cheriecity

Pera Palace Hotel, Turkey’s oldest European hotel, is steeped in history and full of old world character and charm.

Opened in 1892, the Pera Palace was a glamorous destination for the passengers of the Orient Express. Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express while staying at the belle epoque hotel and other legendary guests have included Ernest Hemingway, Greta Garbo, Mata Hari, Sarah Bernhardt and Alfred Hitchcock.

Pera Palace Hotel also has ‘museum hotel’ status with dozens of historic artefacts on display, plus the converted Ataturk Museum, paying tribute to the great Turkish leader.

Today, after extensive renovations, Pera Palace Hotel’s legacy lives on, but with all the modern touches that you’d expect from a five-star luxury hotel.

Location

Based in Istanbul’s vibrant Beyoglu district on the European side, the hotel is within walking distance of the neighbourhood’s lively bars and restaurants, the bustling Istiklal Caddesi shopping street and contemporary art galleries, as well as the renowned Pera Museum. Beyoglu was my favourite part of Istanbul and Pera Palace is at the heart of all the action, yet still quiet enough for a relaxing stay.

Arrival

When we arrived, we were greeted warmly and offered a refreshing glass of home-made lemonade as we checked in. The ornate marble lobby is grand and stately yet welcoming.

The Room

Our Deluxe Golden Horn King Room was elegant and full of character with antique furniture and beautiful furnishing in muted colours. The traditional Turkish rug and silk chaise-longue gave it a homely feel.

Room features include a widescreen interactive HD LCD TV, iPod docking station, full-size writing desk, minibar, free wifi and a Nespresso machine and tea making facilities. It was lovely to be able to have a hot drink in the room after a long day of exploring and we were also given complimentary bottled water at turndown.

The king-size bed was heavenly and covered in crisp linen with luxurious embroidered pillows. I had some connectivity issues with the wifi on my tablet, but the hotel kindly gave me a laptop to use for the duration of our two-night stay.

The highlight of the room is the fabulous private balcony offering stunning views over the Golden Horn. There is a small marble table and chairs, so you can soak up the Istanbul sun in the warmer months or marvel at a glorious sunset with a glass of Champagne and baklava.

A Welcome Treat

I was delighted to find a welcome platter of baklava and fresh strawberries waiting for us in the room, which we grazed on while admiring the view from our balcony. The baklava was of the finest quality and set a high standard as the first of many more to come on our foodie tour of Istanbul.

The Bathroom

The white Carrara marble bathroom was petite yet luxurious with a beautiful walk-in shower (complete with a marble bench to sit on), Pure Herbs bathroom amenities, luxurious monogrammed towels and sumptuous embroidered bathrobes and slippers.

There is a decorative tinted glass window between the bedroom and the bathroom, allowing in plenty of natural light. It can be a little transparent at times, but it doesn’t feel too intrusive.

For the ultimate indulgence, Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah offers signature suites such as the Pierre Loti Suite, Ernest Hemingway Suite, Greta Garbo Corner Room and Agatha Christie King Room.

Breakfast

In the morning, breakfast is served in Agatha Restaurant with hot dishes made to order and a bountiful breakfast buffet. Guests can start the day with a traditional Turkish breakfast, eggs cooked any style, pastries, yoghurt, cereal and fruits. I loved the freshly-made waffles and fluffy pancakes served with maple syrup or chocolate spread.

For lunch and dinner, Agatha Restaurant offers a fusion of French, Italian and Turkish cuisine, inspired by three of the most famous stops on the Orient Express.

During our stay, we couldn’t resist treating ourselves to afternoon tea in the Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge. We started with a selection of sandwiches and savouries and fine teas served in silver teapots. The centre table was laden with so many exquisite cakes, sweets and biscuits that it was impossible to try all of them.

We grazed leisurely while a pianist serenaded us with classical and popular pieces – a perfect first afternoon in Istanbul. As we visited during a religious holiday, it was rather quiet (giving us unbridled access to the cakes), but I imagine it’s a real hotspot for a refined afternoon tea.

Patisserie de Pera

As if there weren’t enough cakes already in the Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge, more sweet delights can be found at the hotel’s Patisserie de Pera, a dreamy pink tea salon designed by Anouska Hempel. The counter is filled with the most tempting cakes, macarons and pastries, served by staff wearing pretty powder pink dresses. There is also an outlet of Patisserie de Pera inside Brandroom, a hip department store in the chic Nisantasi shopping district.

The Orient Bar

The Orient Bar is a seductive, opulent place to have a cocktail at night and in the summer months, the Orient Terrace is the place to enjoy sultry evenings over an al fresco meal or sundowner drinks.

Swimming Pool and Spa

To unwind from a day of sightseeing (and cake eating), guests can relax in the tranquil spa with its jet streamed swimming pool, Turkish hammam and fully-equipped gym.

Pera Palace Hotel is a rare cultural gem where you can lose yourself in the stories of its glorious past. With friendly staff and attention to small details, it’s one of the most luxurious, memorable ways to experience magnificent Istanbul.

For more information and booking, visit: www.perapalace.com

Chérie City was invited by Pera Palace Hotel

Photos by Chérie City and Pera Palace Hotel

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