French Tea: Mariage Frères - Three Centuries of Savoir-Faire

by Alain Stella, Francis Hammond (Photographer)

Mariage Freres, the premier tea importers of France since 1854, offer their definitive version of the "art of tea" for those who are unable to resist the temptation of a fragrant cup of tea accompanied by flaky pastry. When Richard Bueno and Kitti Cha Sangmanee bought the well-respected Parisian firm in the early eighties, they expanded the business and give it a radically new dimension by inventing the French "art of tea". Mariage Freres sought out the best tea buds from all four corners of the globe: green teas from Japan, white teas from China, and First Flush Darjeelings. This book shares new ways of enjoying camellia sinensis and uncovers the secrets of the Mariage Freres tea ritual: mouth-watering recipes, tranquil settings, and beautiful accessories. This refined book - packaged as exquisitely as the company's tea and tea-related products - is a chic and totally irresistible invitation to tea.

Genres: Tea

228 pages, Hardcover

First published December 19, 2003

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

While something tells me I'm one of only 25 people who have every read this book, if you're interested in knowing absolutely everything about tea, this is the book that will take you there (it's not just French tea). I also have a shorter version in French if anyone's interested in borrowing it, instead.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must have book for anyone who is passionate about tea. It isn't just a good read, but more of a total tea experience. Grab yourself a cup of tea and enjoy the journey.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage Freres is one of the world's great tea companies. Founded in Paris in the mid-1800s, the company was reinvented in the 1980s when two men bought the small company and reshape the world of tea (The company invented the cast iron tea pots that are now seen in many places. They kept classic tea from the best estates but also created many unusual flavored and scented teas.). If you love tea, this book is good to read but the photos are beautiful to look at while having a cup of good tea--not tea from your local grocer. Though their tea is hard to find in any store, you can order from online. Believe me, the search is worth your time.

[Kaila]

Coffee table book