A BRITISH ROYAL AFTERNOON
Sultan Abdülaziz — A Turkish Tea at Dolmabahçe Palace
Creating this type of tea experience for our guests is the most rewarding part of what I do.
— Gabrielle Jammal, Tea Sommelier
Gabrielle Jammal, a tea sommelier certified by the International Tea Master’s Association, sources a wide range of teas for the hotel.
When speaking of crystals, one will immediately think of expensive chandeliers by Baccara. Iconic French crystal manufacturer Baccarat has been producing fine crystal glassware for more than two centuries, known as the “royal crystal”, its name has long been synonymous with royalty. Devoted to excellence, Baccarat glass has beguiled audiences with brilliant beauty and expert craftsmanship, transforming rough crystals into highly coveted masterpieces.
Apart from being a legendary French crystal maker, Baccarat also has its own brand of hotels. Baccarat Hotel New York marks the first hotel from this eponymous crystal brand and is just a few blocks away from the New York City Museum of Modern Art and the shopping district of Fifth Avenue. The hotel’s signature afternoon tea set is presented in the brand’s luxury crystalware and has always been popular with tourists. Boutique blends brewed by our renowned tea sommelier are paired with elegant delicacies to provide an artistic afternoon tea experience.
The interiors within Baccarat Hotel were both imagined and realized by Paris design team Gilles & Boissier, with 114 rooms and suites, each accented with luxe elements and exquisite craftsmanship, just like the Baccarat crystal. Serving from breakfast to late into the evening, Grand Salon earns its name through a palette of platinum and sparkling neutral shades, Jouffre silkcovered walls, parquet floors, and plush, high-backed banquettes, offering drinks and dining complement social exchanges beneath a 64-arm Baccarat chandelier.
In The Bar, all libations are poured into stunning pieces of Baccarat crystal, perfect for celebrations. Guests can also relax in the first dedicated spa in the United States by incomparable skincare brand La Mer and rejuvenate in a marble-tiled pool that stretches 55 feet with a perimeter lined with cabanas inspired by the Côte d’Azur.
Gabrielle Jammal, a tea sommelier certified by the International Tea Master’s Association, supervises the hotel’s innovative afternoon tea program, says “Tea is such a significant part of our lives and a very personal passion for so many around the world. It is part of the fabric of every culture and the foundation for wellness. Creating this type of tea experience for our guests is the most rewarding part of what I do.” The hotel offers guests premium tea brands from all over the world, including In Pursuit of Tea, Camellia Sinensis and Mariage Frères, giving a wide variety of choices.
The three signature afternoon tea sets are “Prince of Wales — An English Tea At Windsor”, “Sultan Abdülaziz — A Turkish Tea at Dolmabahçe Palace” and “Tsar Nicholas II — A Caviar Tea at Tsarskoye Selo”, all the elements in the delicacies are meticulously presented, channeling guests’ inner British royal.
Prince of Wales —— An English Tea At Windsor
The three signature afternoon tea sets are meticulously presented, channeling guests’ inner British royal.
Prince of Wales — An English Tea at Windsor
Edward Albert David became the Prince of Wales when he was sixteen and commissioned Baccarat to craft an art deco set of glassware appropriately called “Pour Le Yacht!”. This piece inspired some classic delicacies including Foie Gras, Cranberry Marmalade, Pistachio, Fir Honey Vol au Vent and Warm Housemade Scones with Devonshire Cream and Seasonal Gelée.
Sultan Abdülaziz — A Turkish Tea at Dolmabahçe Palace
Sultan Abdülaziz fell under the spell of Baccarat crystal’s mesmerizing qualities when he first travelled to the universal exposition of 1867 in Paris. The Dolmabahçe and Yildiz Palaces in Istanbul, the capital of the former Ottoman empire, are forever testimony to his vision and connection to the western world.
Red, gold and transparent candelabras dot the ceremonial hall of Yildiz Palace, a chandelier hangs in the Caliph’s staircase of Dolmabahçe, making it the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world. The chef used this as inspiration to create Turkish specialties like Eggplant, Mint, Pine Nut Butter, Fried Shallots, Merguez Lamb, Romesco, Crispy Rice and Labneh, Rose Halva, Pistachio Baklava.
Tsar Nicholas II — A Caviar Tea at Tsarskoye Selo
Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia, fell in love with the glittering world of Baccarat during a visit to Paris, France. He commissioned so many pieces that Baccarat created a separate furnace in 1906 only to fulfil his wishes.
To present Nicholas II’s love for crystal, the menu offers a luxurious Caviar from Tsar Imperial Ossetra, accompanied with Stoli Kvass Sorbet Infused with South African National Treasure Tea and Raisins, as well as Lavender Shortbreads and Krug Champagne.
Baccarat Hotel New York
28 West 53rd Street, New York
Vol.12
