French Tea: The Pleasures of the Table

by Carole Manchester

With their innate sense of style and sophistication, the French elevate even the simple act of taking tea to an art form. From the delightful tea salons dotting every Parisian arrondissement to tea served at outdoor cafés nestled in the, hills of Provence, Carole Manchester shares the elegant art and essence of French tea. French Tea features the teas served in centuries-old salons, out-of-the-way cafés, and in charming restaurants and smart homes throughout France. Whether it's tea taken poolside at the Hôtel Ritz or a Sunday afternoon tea served fireside in a cozy apartment in the 6th arrondissement, what distinguishes each one is the individual, stylish touches that make no two teas alike. Mint tea and Moroccan pastries served in a former mosque, elaborate teas taken in a grand hotel, tea enjoyed en famille in a simple loft kitchen, breakfast tea served at the historic Café des Deux Magots -- all of these and more are captured by Carole Manchester's text and Juliette d'Assay's glorious photography. Of course, no volume on French tea would be complete without a selection of pâtisserie -- the unique pastries of France. Recipes for the most popular French tea pastries and savories include Tarte Tatin, the famous upsidedown apple tart; Financiers, miniature almond cakes; Honey Madeleines; Fougasse, a flatbread with olives; and Zucchini Quiche. French Tea includes glossaries of tea and pastries, how to choose and serve the finest tea, a list of the best salons de thé in France, and, of course, how to brew a perfect pot of tea.

Genres: Tea, Cookbooks, France

144 pages, Hardcover

First published October 25, 1993

Reviews

[Ainee Beland · Rating 3 out of 5]

French tea features the teas served in centuries-old salons, out of the way cafés, and in charming restaurants and smart homes throughout France. What distinguishes these tea experiences are the individuals’ stylish touches to the art of having tea.

As with all aspect of French life, individual style is evident, especially when serving tea at home. Tea in a salon setting is offers a variety of ambience, French tea at home excels through boundless personal style, taste, and intimacy. French tea is influenced, somewhat, by English tradition but the unique French taste and discerning eye set a different table. The French tea is more decorous, characterized by an instinctive, individual style that masterfully mixes the unexpected with fanciful results.

Tea at home represents the best of France, its silver, porcelain, and pottery, its sumptuous pâtisserie, its fine blends of teas, and certainly, the unique style of its people. That is why an invitation to tea delights the supposed guest with such visions of glazed tarts, intricate cakes, a menagerie of Barbotine amid family porcelain, and antique linen with the gaze of fresh flowers. A specially selected tea is chosen to suit the mood and to nourish a friendship at the tea hour à la Française.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book! I loved reading the history of tea in France along with various famous people's and what they enjoyed serve with their tea. Great information.

[Rebecca Huston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely look at the art of taking tea in France. Beautiful photographs, some recipes, and some places for shopping. Four stars overall.

To see a longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/content_21900...