There are addresses that can only be revealed to the initiated, places where refinement is whispered and elegance lived without ostentation. The Saint James Paris is such a place. This château-hotel in the 16th arrondissement, with its aura of hushed luxury, cultivates the art of confidentiality. And yet, for a handful of hours every weekend, it opens the doors of its exclusive Bar-Bibliothèque to lovers of exceptional Tea Time .
As soon as you step through the gates of the Saint James Paris, past the fountain that sits majestically in the courtyard, the mood changes. From the imposing Haussmann façade to the winter garden in the distance, the tone is set: luxury here is discreet, hushed, almost secretive. The imprint of renowned decorator Laura Gonzalez, who redesigned the interior, can be felt in this sophisticated maximalism, with its patterned wallpapers, deep velvets and majestic staircases.
The Bar-Bibliothèque, usually reserved for club members, is a veritable cocoon with an intimate, devilishly British atmosphere. Shelves overflowing with hardback books, plush armchairs in which to curl up without a complex, soft lighting that invites you to suspend time... The atmosphere is reminiscent of an English drawing room where you'd come to take refuge with a good novel and a steaming cup of tea. A feeling of privilege hangs in the air, reinforced by the attentive welcome of the staff, who guide each guest to his or her table with a discreet smile. An ideal setting for one of the capital's most popular tea times.
At just 25 years of age, pastry chef Coline Doussin, who already boasts an impressive CV, has imagined a menu where creations subtly play on textures, temperatures and flavors.
Priced at €65, Tea Time at Saint James Paris is a premium experience, aimed at gourmets who wish to savor an exceptional interlude in a setting as refined as the offer itself, but also at those who wish to mark a special occasion. Here, exclusivity of place, quality of products and gastronomic savoir-faire are the watchwords.
The attack is salty, with a generous, soft chicken club sandwich, followed by the delicate freshness of a jasmine green tea and Williams pear sorbet, slightly herbaceous, almost floral. An airy introduction before moving on to the farandole of pastries.
The Saint-Honoré, whose caramelized puff pastry yields under the spoon, reveals a smooth cream of roasted Madagascar vanilla and caramel. Each bite is a subtle balance between the roundness of the vanilla and the intensity of the caramel, at once sweet and totally addictive! The Pavlova with fresh candied citrus offers another, more contrasting surprise that awakens the palate. The meringue crunches before melting in the mouth, letting the acidity of the citrus fruits shine through, softened by a saffron chantilly. The tasting continues with a sweet, flaky brioche with candied apples and Batak berries, and a crisp "Franquette" walnut tartlet from Périgord.
Finally, the shareable cocoa nib baba, sublimated by a Madagascar chocolate whipped cream, closes this experience with power and subtlety.
To accompany these sweet creations, the choice is varied: a selection of black and green teas signed Dammann, a "Canopée" coffee from the Maison l'Arbre à Café, but above all, a homemade hot chocolate - combining milk chocolate from Madagascar and dark chocolate from Colombia - whose taste lingers on the palate with deep, comforting notes.
In the hushed silence of the Bar-Bibliothèque, between the yellowed pages of antique books and the soft light of sconces, time seems suspended. An exquisite and confidential interlude to treat yourself to when you want to sublimate your weekend, but with reservation, of course.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Location
Saint James Paris
43 Avenue Bugeaud
75116 Paris 16
Access
RER C station "Avenue Foch
Prices
Prix par personne: €65
Official website
www.saint-james-paris.com
