Afternoon Tea in The Peninsula’s iconic Lobby has been one of Hong Kong’s most cherished traditions for generations, and the city’s Grande Dame is adding a new twist to the experience this summer through a collaboration with prestigious French High Jewelry Maison, Van Cleef & Arpels. Available from 14 August to 30 September 2017, this specially created afternoon tea menu draws inspirations from the benevolent nature, a theme cherished by Van Cleef & Arpels, serving up a range of tempting treats that are almost as exquisite as the enchanting jewelry pieces they pay tribute to.
This co-presented Afternoon Tea is in celebration of the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique that has recently expanded at The Peninsula Arcade. The newly renovated store, which takes its design inspiration from the style of Art Deco, is the latest chapter in a storied 42-year- long relationship stretches back to Van Cleef & Arpels’ debut at The Peninsula Hong Kong in 1975.
Following on from the success of last summer’s inaugural Afternoon Tea collaboration, 2017 sees The Peninsula’s acclaimed chef’s team interpreting Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature floral motifs into an array of delectable refreshments for guests to enjoy with the hotel’s acclaimed fine teas.
As ever, the most alluring elements of the Afternoon Tea set are the fancies that can be found on the top tier of the classic silver serving platter. Mirroring the hues and shapes of the Maison’s creativity for nature using seasonal fruits, they include a lemon and basil tart, an apricot macaron, a chocolate tart with milk chocolate chantilly, and a mango and passionfruit choux that subtly references the three- dimensional heart-shaped petals of the collection.
Referencing the origins of the Maison and adding a touch of French élan to the selection of savoury items are the Niçoise salad and croque monsieur, while the smoked salmon roll pays homage to nature with an extra dash of colour courtesy of the carrot bread and lemon cress. The set is completed by two perennial favourites: dill-marinated cucumber with white bread and The Peninsula’s signature freshly-baked scones served with organic strawberry jam and Clotted cream.
As a memento of this unique Afternoon Tea experience, each table will also get a chance to receive a notebook (while stocks last) inspired by Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic Frivole jewelry collection, evoked by enchanting blooms.
