This French hotel, the jewel of the Champagne region, has featured a holiday afternoon tea for a few years, but pastry chef Claire Santos Lopes has taken it to a new level this year. For pastry chef Claire Santos Lopes this is more than tea and cookies but a chance to be inspired. She’s known for creating classic works of art—including Kadinsky’s “Composition III" Dali’s “Melting Watches," Van Gogh’s “Starry Night," Magritte’s “La Pomme," and Banksy’s “Girl with Balloon"—out of tiny pastries, entrements, tartlets, crisps, and chocolate caramel cakes. It’s almost too beautiful to eat—but you will. Top it off with some tea or Piper-Heidsieck champagne and enjoy the beautiful tree in the parlor and the giant, plush holiday bear sitting beside it in a sleigh. The Royal Champagne Hotel + Spa’s holiday tea runs through January 11.
From the article by Meredith Lepore
