Sandra Serpero
Paris Right Bank: Italian tea time at the Bulgari Hotel
It's a British tradition well known the world over and celebrated in all the world's major capitals. At the Bulgari Hôtel Paris, tea time takes us on a journey to Italy, with delights imagined by chef Niko Romito in duo with in-house pastry chef Guillaume Smagghe. And it's meraviglioso!
Italian tea time
When the tray arrives on the table, eyes roll and appetites are whetted! Small porcelain plates with floral motifs are placed in front of each guest, and the teapot smokes in the hushed ambience of the Bulgari Lounge.
The experience begins with a soft scone with a delicate orange flavor, accompanied by an assortment of mascarpone, honey and jam. Then it's on to the platter and savoury bites, three sweet treats including the now-ubiquitous Bomba with vitello tonnato. Next, five Italian pastries.
Cannoncino alla crema pasticerra from Piedmont is presented here in a version with Bronte pistachios. The Baba au café is enhanced by a 12-year aged rum, while the Tartelette mimosa refreshes the palate with its lemony notes.
Pause before savouring the gourmet Cannolo Siciliano topped with ricotta di buffala and organic pistachio, and rounding off this high-flying tasting experience with the stunning Maritozzo with stracciatella: a divine brioche with a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture, topped with mascarpone chantilly and chocolate shavings. And to conclude that tea time at the Bulgari Hôtel Paris is not just a moment of pure indulgence, but also the epitome of Italian elegance and savoir-faire. A magical experience.
Bulgari Hôtel Paris, 30 avenue George V, Paris 8e. 01 81 72 10 80.
Tea Time Friday to Sunday, 2:30 pm to 5 pm. (from €55 per person).
The origins of tea time
Originating in England and created by high society, tea time is now known and appreciated by all, and the greatest palaces, such as the Bulgari Hotel, offer refined dishes and inventions for afternoon tea, combining sweet and savory bites. To understand its origins, we need to go back to the 19th century, to the time of the Duchess of Bedford. At that time, this hot drink was already very popular across the Channel, and its inhabitants enjoyed several cups a day. Some, like Anna de Bedford, used to accompany their afternoon cup with a pastry or other delicacy to tide them over until dinner. The Duchess then made a habit of inviting her friends to share the moment. Neatly dressed and beautifully chinaed, the occasion has become a not-to-be-missed rendezvous.
