The summer is arriving at Conrad Hong Kong with a soothing breeze and a healthy dose of Lillet. From 6 May to 31 July, a new afternoon tea menu will be served at Lobby Lounge showcasing the gastronomic potential of the French aperitif. Not only will it be the star of an exhilarating cocktail concocted by the mixologists of the joint, it will also be incorporated into some of the food items, pampering guests with a hint of the balmy summer from the Atlantic coast.
Lillet was born in the village Podensac near Bordeaux in 1872. It is the first aperitif from the region and even now, it is still the most recognised. The blend of local wines and liqueurs macerated with sweet Mediterranean orange peels and bitter green orange peels from Haiti gives the final product distinctive citrus notes. To match Lillet’s light and invigorating taste, the culinary team of Lobby Lounge has come up with a menu of delicate flavors across the savory and sweet sections.
The highlight among the savory items is roasted Pays de la Loire cod fish in Lillet beurre blanc. In this classic French pairing between the lavish fish and emulsified butter sauce, Lillet’s zesty character plays a vital role to freshen up the palate. Besides that, quiche Lorraine with bacon and onion is a nuanced continuation of the French flavors, while the vibrancy of summer is fully expressed in the Mediterranean baked tomato and olive pastry. Also served on the menu are silky smooth smoked salmon mousse in profiterole, as well as sandwiches with poached shrimp and saffron mayonnaise, and homemade foie gras terrine and fig jam.
The collection of desserts is an eclectic affair. Parallel to the flavor profile of Lillet, orange and honey cheesecake boasts a fruity acidity that brightens up the creamy creation. Another citrus-forward item is Grand Marnier baba with Chantilly cream and berries, as the cake develops rich fragrance absorbing the orange liqueur. Valrhona 40% Jivara chocolate and cherry pound cake employs quality milk chocolate as a counterpoint to the tart notes of coming-in-season cherry. Strawberry macaron and coffee opera cake both manifest the intricate craftsmanship in traditional French pastry.
The afternoon tea menu comes with a drink for each guest, with options ranging from tea to coffee to Lillet Marie, the cocktail specially devised for this promotion. The latter embodies a graceful mademoiselle in a glass, in which Lille Blanc is combined with grapefruit syrup and soda water to acquire a soft pink shade. It is further embellished with grapefruit zest and edible flowers for extra charm. As an alternative choice, guests can have a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut champagne for an additional $90.
The French Chic Summer with Lillet afternoon tea set is priced at HK$538* for two guest. Guests can bring home a L’Oréal Matte Lipstick^ from each serving of two as a gift to stay in style during summertime.
French Chic Summer Afternoon Tea with Lillet
Promotion Period: 6 May to 31 July 2019 (expect 7, 8, 9 & 31 May)
Address: Lobby Level, Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2822 8891 | Online Reservations: ConradDining.com
*Subject to 10% service charge ^Subject to stock availability