In the eyes of many, Switzerland is a country that embodies the perfect beauty. Not only boasting a postcard-perfect mountain range that attracts heaps of tourists every year, it is also home to one of the world’s leading cosmetics label VALMONT, which helps a myriad of global users stay young and beautiful over the years. From 19 October 2019 to 3 January 2020, Lobby Lounge at Conrad Hong Kong will unveil a new afternoon tea set ’Swiss Alpine Rituals of Beauty” in conjunction with this powerhouse in the beauty industry, presenting the country’s gastronomic icons in a new light.
VALMONT’s products are known for a combination of the best of the natural and human resources in Switzerland. The latest cosmetic research findings help the brand extract beautifying essences from the ingredients found in the mountains and waters, improving the skin conditions of its customers from near and far.
For this special collaboration, Conrad Hong Kong’s executive chef Claudio Rossi drafted an afternoon tea menu which resonates with VALMONT’s ethos. Prepared with produce of excellent quality, the food items are as emblematic to the rich gastronomic heritage of Switzerland as they are wonderful to behold.
Guests will immediately gravitate towards the series of exquisite pastries, especially Matterhorn kirsch chocolate, whose look is an ode to the eponymous Alpine mountain with a traditional cherry flavor to match. Zuger rose torte is another national dessert. It features two thin layers of meringue sandwiching the moist sponge cake, crowned with edible rose petals on top. Chestnut Mont Blanc aptly evokes Switzerland’s snow-capped mountains at the end of the year as well as the country’s abundance of chestnut during autumn time. A final taste of the Swiss gastronomes’ favorite desserts, strawberry-focused Coupe Romanoff is a delightful marriage of fruity and creamy in a petite glass.
The savory selection is equally brimmed with native Swiss delicacies. For instance, the local air-dried beef bündnerfleisch is served with pumpkin mousse and the miniature version of the braided zopf bread. Usually a substantial affair, boiled beef with root vegetable and sauerkraut is condensed to a dainty morsel without losing any of its original wholesomeness and complexity. Both reflective of the more rustic side of the Swiss culinary traditions, creamy mushroom in puff pastry and homemade smoked garlic sausage on rösti are dishes one would crave waking up in a wooden chalet. A source of anti-aging agents in VALMONT’s skincare products, salmon family’s culinary value is the highlight in smoked trout sandwich with yogurt and pesto. Completing the delicious bunch is petite cheese flan with pickles jelly and truffle nibbles.
The afternoon tea menu includes a drink of the guests’ choice. Other than premium coffees and fine teas, also available is the Lobby Lounge team’s special concoction Floral Elixir. Made with a base of cold brewed floral and peachy tea as well as honey water, rose water and apple juice – both honey and rose are ingredients of Valmont’s signature line skincare items – the beverage contains sweet, tart and floral notes which enliven the taste buds and boost the spirit.
At the end of the meal, guests will receive a voucher for a complimentary VALMONT AWF5 Skincare Trial Kit^ (valued at HK$1,660) together with a 1-to-1 skincare consultation service to be redeemed at VALMONT’s store at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place for each afternoon tea set for two. “’Swiss Alpine Rituals of Beauty with VALMONT” afternoon tea set is priced at HK$318 for one serving and $538 for two servings*. Share a leisurely afternoon with your besties at Lobby Lounge and enjoy the wonderful fall and winter.