A Decadent Tea For Two: Ritz Paris

For 120 years, The Ritz Paris has been ranked among the most luxurious hotels in the world. It has been featured in novels, plays, and movies…Mademoiselle Chanel called it home for 34 years…it’s simply legendary. Since its opening almost two years ago, Salon Proust has elevated afternoon tea and the Ritz Paris to new heights. History comes alive in its sumptuous setting via Marcel Proust.

Marcel Proust attended the opening of the hotel in 1898 and stayed there regularly. He called the Ritz his second home often saying: “At the Ritz, nobody pushes.” Many of his best works were written while sitting next to the ornate fireplace in the salon that bears his name today. His portrait hangs over that fireplace as if watching over the guests enjoying afternoon tea.

An Elegant Setting

Tucked away off the lobby, Salon Proust looks like an elegant library. The wood panelled walls are lined with rare books, the lighting is subtle, and plush velveteen armchairs and sofas surround elegant marble topped tables. The space between the tables provides a sense of privacy, all we can hear is the crackling of the fire. It’s an inviting, relaxing setting. The centerpiece of the room is an ornate table holding a lavish floral arrangement flanked by glass vitrines filled with treats. Decadence at its finest.

The menu is extensive with pages of teas. We decided on Le Thé Royal à la Français which included a glass of champagne. Our waitress helped us select the right tea and quickly brought two glasses of Ritz Réserve Barons de Rothschild Champagne…the “house” champagne. She explained there are several courses to the tea and encouraged us to take our time, no need to rush. I’m beginning to understand Proust’s famous quote.

The madeleine was made famous by Proust in his book, In Search Of Lost Time. The white Limoges porcelain was made exclusively for the salon by Haviland. A golden madeleine was incorporated into the design. It’s stunning. There is no denying…the madeleine rules the room.

Just The Beginning

Our amuse bouche was a tiny lemon flavored madeleine in a small cup. The waitress poured a small amount of warm milk over it and advised us to let it sit to infuse the flavor. It was heavenly.

Next, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream accompanied by raspberry coulis, crème anglais, stewed peaches, and a mixture of slivered nuts. We were to create our own peach melba. This would have been enough but our waitress reminded us that more was to follow.

A generous slice of iced marble cake drizzled with vanilla cream was presented next. Moist and scrumptious, we ate every bite. As a child I imagined having an entire meal of sweets…years later my dream was coming true.

Three Tiers Of Pure Pleasure

Just when I thought I couldn’t eat another bite, our waitress placed a three tiered stand overflowing with treats on the table. She explained what each item was beginning with the teacup on the top tier. Biscuits, sponge fingers, tarts, meringues, marshmallow teddy bears…altogether there were 16 unique treats to try.

We did our best but hardly made a dent. Sipping tea and champagne, I told my husband, “I can’t eat another bite.” He agreed with me. Our waitress approached, looked at the stand and asked if we would like a takeaway box. After removing the stand, she returned with two Ritz takeaway boxes and two exquisite boxes of tea. What a memorable afternoon.

If you are planning a trip to Paris, add tea at the Ritz to your list. You will not be disappointed.

Details
Address: 15 Place Vendôme
www.ritzparis.com
Hours: 2:30-6. The last seating is 5 pm. Reservations only.
Le Thé à la Français €68
Le Thé Royal à la Français €88

Many thanks to the Ritz Paris and Salon Proust for a perfect afternoon.