Afternoon Tea à la Franaise
Mention “afternoon tea,” and most people will immediately think of England. But visit Paris for a day or two, and it quickly becomes clear that the French take their teatime, which they sometimes call “high tea,” very seriously and offer elaborate and luxurious tea experiences. Three-tier cake stands display enticing little savory bites and beautifully delicate pâtisseries, impressive tea lists include teas from all of the world’s best-loved origins, pots of perfectly brewed tea contain no over-steeping leaves, and the ambiance is one of timeless elegance and impeccable manners.
We tend to think of France as a coffee-consuming country, but its tea pedigree is as aristocratic as England’s. The first tea was introduced to the French nobility by Dutch traders in the early part of the 17th century. Although tea was at first purchased as a health-giving tonic, it was soon being drunk as an expensive luxury beverage in all the best grand houses and soon gained popularity amongst the bourgeoisie. Later in the 19th century, a French passion for all things English inspired the wealthy to acquire exquisite English bone china and porcelain tea sets, silver teapots and kettles, and to serve tea at 4 or 5 o’clock. Today French hotel lounges, , chefs, and tea sommeliers have developed their own style of
