Care for a spot of tea with some sweet and savory snacks on the side?
Well, The Lowell, one of New York’s most luxurious boutique hotels, will begin serving afternoon tea at its restaurant, Majorelle, in collaboration with Dior.
Beginning May 1, which is Lily of the Valley day, visitors will be able to enjoy scones with Devonshire cream and homemade mixed berry and clementine marmalades as well as English tea sandwiches, such as chicken curry and lobster roll. Dessert features will include a lemon-infused trifle and a puffed pistachio choux. A selection of afternoon signature cakes will also be available, including The Happiness Pink Cake — an homage to Christian Dior’s favorite color — featuring a vanilla sponge with lemon curd filling and buttercream icing. Dior-inspired cookies in the shape of Lily of the Valley flowers — one of Christian Dior’s personal favorites — and the brand’s signature Bar Jacket will also be offered.
The tableware features a green Lily of the Valley motif.
They will all be served on Lily of the Valley white Limoges porcelain tableware designed by Cordelia de Castellane that features a green Lily of the Valley motif. The tableware set includes a teapot, large creamer, sugar bowl, teacup, saucers and plates.
As far as the tea itself is concerned, there will be a choice of traditional black, green and herbal fruit infusion options. The Jardin Bleu is the recommendation of the Majorelle’s tea sommelier — yes, there is one — and it features a blend of black teas and garden fruit flavors including rhubarb, wild strawberry and cornflower petals.
In celebration of the new tea service, the menu will include a signature Lily of the Valley cocktail.
On opening day, guests will receive a fresh sprig of Lily of the Valley as a nod to Christian Dior’s longstanding good luck tradition. The bloom is believed to symbolize the arrival of spring and the haute couture season and the designer would often sew a sprig into the hem of each of his couture dresses as a lucky charm.
Reservations for the tea service will be available Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m. Majorelle was inspired by the Jardin Majorelle in Morocco, one of the most botanically diverse gardens in the world, that was conceived by French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1922. The restaurant specializes in French cuisine with Italian and Moroccan touches.