Starting in the 17th century, when the English typically ate two meals – breakfast and a late evening, fashionably drawn out dinner – the concept of afternoon tea began to catch on, sampling the newly introduced teas from France along with small snacks to tide people over until dinnertime. What we now know as “high tea” is actually a misnomer; our concept of pretty pastries and tiny nibbles served on nice china is probably more related to “low tea”, named after the low tables in posh sitting rooms, especially after the practice caught on with royalty. “High tea”, on the other hand, referred to the light meals taken in the early evenings by middle-class folk (on high kitchen tables) in place of the later dinner enjoyed by the more affluent.
Despite it being a quintessentially British affair, Saigon’s French Sofitel Plaza puts its own spin on the quaint ritual with its Pink Affair Afternoon Tea Buffet. Every shade of the color dominates the gorgeous display from pink champagne and pink juices (cranberry, strawberry, raspberry) to pink macaroons, strawberry tarts and other luscious pastries. For savory snack lovers, Sofitel has you covered with salmon sandwiches, cheese puffs and a host of other delectables.
Pink Affair Afternoon Tea Buffet
From Monday to Sunday, 2PM – 6 PM
Boudoir Lounge, lobby level
VND 480,000 ++ per person with free flow of raspberry iced tea, strawberry iced tea, blackberry iced tea and pink smoothies.
And also this week (June 4-8), Sofitel welcomes self-taught Chef Richard Toix and his modern, purified and contemporary French cuisine. Owner of “Le Chalet de Venise”, a fine dining restaurant in Poitiers, France, Chef Toix’s interpretation of oysters with shallots earned him his first Michelin Star in 2008, incredibly just nine months after opening.
This week, Chef Toix brings his signature dishes to the Sofitel with two set menus and a Saturday morning cooking class which includes lunch.
For further information and reservation, contact Ms An: h2077-fb1@sofitel.com / 08 38 24 15 55
