High & MighTea — the glories of the Ritz across the channel

When one thinks of tea at the Ritz, one's thoughts immediately fly to London.  But it turns out, tea on the other side of the channel is just as fashionable.  

Unbeknownst to many, the Hotel Ritz Paris preceded its London namesake by nearly a decade.  And its tea service moderne is every bit as elegant as in the days when the hotel hosted popular personalities such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Marcel Proust.

"Temptation unfolds against a background of live piano music as the delicate fruity aromas of Royal Ceylan or the freshness of Sencha green tea fill the room. Traditional and exclusive teas are served following customary rules. The Ritz Paris High Tea includes an accompaniment of mini-sandwiches and a large buffet selection of pastries. The Imperial High Tea, served with a glass of Ritz Paris Brut Champagne, is made to measure for fine gourmets." ~ritzparis.com

Ooh la la!

The Ritz has always been... well.. ritzy.  More than 300 years ago the site saw its first construction, with a private residence built by Antoine Bitaut de Vaillé and subsequently occupied by a variety of noble families.  Near the end of the 19th century Cesar Ritz along with chef Auguste Escoffier started a hotel of their own, after both were dismissed from their triumphal creation of the Savoy Hotel in London following allegations involving the disappearance of wine and spirits from the Savoy.  The Ritz opened to a 'glittering reception' that never waned, as the hotel has continually attracted those of note and celebrity, even serving as home to Coco Chanel for thirty years.

“There were masked balls at the Opera, races at Longchamp and Auteuil, and tea at the Ritz…” declared the Baronne de Stoeckl in her memoirs set during Paris’ Belle Epoque. 

It was not until César Ritz introduced tea service at the Ritz Paris that the custom of drinking tea was adopted by Parisian high society. The Ritz Paris is currently closed for an unprecedented restoration program and looks forward to welcoming you back in 2014.

Hemingway once said, "When in Paris the only reason not to stay at the Ritz is if you can't afford it". Thankfully, the wait till the 2014 re-opening gives us plenty of time to save up those euros and frequent flyer miles. ❤