An afternoon tea in the big city might not be your first go-to attraction, but this special collaboration will change your mind. Earlier this year, the five-star Lowell Hotel debuted the stunning Lily of the Valley Afternoon Tea, on the Upper East Side of New York City – a renowned luxury enclave and playground for the elites. The Lowell perfectly blends the traditional British ritual with the high-fashion elegance of Dior Maison, creating an enchanting and elevated experience.
Taking inspiration from Christian Dior himself, the bespoke afternoon tea is crafted around a few of his favourite things and in particular his love for the gorgeous Lily of the Valley Bloom. The bloom is held close to the French designer’s heart for its delicate beauty and rich symbolisms including luck and happiness which serves as the heart of the Lily of the Valley Dining experience.
A particular highlight of the afternoon tea is the famed dessert ‘The Happiness Pink Cake’ – gorgeously pink in colour the lemon-cured cake has shot to fame not only because of its delightful taste and soft sponge, but it is inspired by Mr Christian Dior’s much-loved colour pink, the blushing colour he painted his very first home.
Set in the beautiful Majorelle Restaurant tucked at the back of the hotel, the Lily of the Valley Afternoon Tea transports you from the city hustle and bustle to a quaint area of bliss. Reminiscent of a coastal European restaurant you might find on a summer evening side quest, which I can only imagine was purposefully crafted, the light-filled dining space is a true vision. Embellished with grandiose floral arrangements that bring the afternoon tea experience to life and complements the gorgeous table setting.
Paying homage to the fashion-forward collaboration is an exquisite arrangement of pristine white and botanical green bespoke Dior Maison table wear, that looks far too pure to even attempt to lay a finger on. Alas, the lovely white-coated and green-tied waiter, will make it their mission to explain the delightful menu which will urge you to momentarily forget the tablespace of dreams and gracefully indulge.
Tailored seasonally, the afternoon tea menu presents a speciality of loose leaf and herbal infusions of well-balanced and fragrant teas from the renowned Dammann Fréres. Expect a first course of traditional English tea sandwiches like cucumber and dill and Scottish smoked salmon. The pièce de résistance of all afternoon tea, scones which are served warm with marmalade and Devonshire cream.
No afternoon tea is complete without a sweet course, you can look forward to French pastries and fruit tarts. Separating itself from other afternoon teas, Lily of the Valley has an additional signature selection of their signature cakes and cookies. So, don’t forget to nibble on the Dior Bar Jacket and Lily of the Valley cookies. All delectable pastries are made by the talented executive pastry chef Matthew Lambie.
From the gorgeous pink cake to superb tableware, experience the thoughtfully curated and most anticipated luxury culinary collaboration this year: Dior Maison and The Lily of the Valley Afternoon Tea and The Lowell Hotel.
The Lily of The Valley Tea is available at Majorelle Wednesday – Saturday from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Reservations can be made directly on OpenTable or by calling Majorelle (212) 935 – 2888.
28 E 63rd St. New York, NY 10065, United States
