In the world of roses, there exists an alternative black variety that exudes allure. This time, I embarked on a delightful taste journey with Mandarin Oriental’s “The Jade Lounge” afternoon tea, where I explored the realm of black roses through my senses.
Nestled on the first floor of Taipei’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the elegant and distinctive “Jade Lounge” sits adjacent to the grand lobby. By day, it basks in abundant natural light, creating an inviting haven for guests in the heart of Taipei’s bustling metropolis. Here, patrons can relish the renowned British-style afternoon tea of the Mandarin Oriental, along with a curated selection of premium European teas and exquisite Chinese blends.
The “Black Rose Indulgence Afternoon Tea Feast”, a culinary symphony inspired by the enigmatic black roses of southern France.
Hin, the dapper executive pastry chef at Mandarin Oriental, boasts nearly two decades of baking expertise. His culinary journey has taken him from the charming streets of France to the heart of Germany and the vibrant kitchens of Japan. Along the way, he honed his craft, mastering the art of desserts.
Today, at the invitation of a dear friend, I had the privilege of witnessing the culinary prowess of our head chef. His canvas? None other than the rare and exquisite Sisley Black Rose—a skincare gem inspired by the mystical Baraka black roses.
This delightful afternoon tea set comprises four savory items and five sweet treats. The flavors playfully intermingle between sweet and salty, offering an endless variety. It’s like a mini vacation! Imagine basking in the spring sunshine, surrounded by the abundant romance of blooming roses.
Starting from the delights at the bottom! The exquisite combination of “French foie gras mousse with rose petal sauce” and “Bayonne ham paired with melon and red wine rose sauce”treats seamlessly blend the timeless essence of black roses with their delicate rose fragrance. It’s a culinary experience fit for royalty!
Smoked Salmon Rose
It’s tender Norwegian fresh salmon. Paired with scallops and crispy bread, the flavor layers are wonderfully rich!
Alaskan Crab with Salmon Caviar
At first glance, it might appear to be a dessert, but the central white mousse is actually homemade tuna sauce. When you take a bite, it evokes the flavors of a seafood macaron.
Exquisite Savory Delight
French Foie Gras Mousse with Rose Petal Sauce”—a top-tier creation that seamlessly blends the timeless essence of black roses with delicate rose fragrance. It’s a culinary masterpiece fit for discerning palates!
Bayonne Ham with Melon and Red Wine Rose Sauce
This exquisite creation seamlessly blends the richness of red wine rose sauce with the crisp sweetness of fresh melon. The melon’s fruity essence harmonizes beautifully with the delicate floral notes, creating a savory delight that’s truly extraordinary!
Continuing to the second tier, we enter the most captivating part. The pinnacle of delicious craftsmanship is showcased in the pastries on this layer.
The dessert known as “Elegant Lemon Cake” combines fragrant coconut flakes, tangy lime yogurt mousse, and rich blackberry coulis. As soon as you slice into it, the chef’s meticulous craftsmanship and ingenious touch become evident, with delicate gold leaf accents embedded throughout.
An exquisite masterpiece for the discerning palate. And most importantly, it’s incredibly delicious!
The dessert known as “Floral Beauty” is crafted using Taiwan’s precious Oriental Beauty tea leaves. In the heart of the cake lies a luscious filling of blueberry coulis, creating a harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western flavors.
This delightful creation is a true masterpiece for the discerning palate.
- Rose Petal Black Tea: Fragrant with the rich essence of roses.
- Earl Grey French Tea: A harmonious blend of bergamot and southern French chamomile.
- Irish Whiskey Cream Tea: Uniquely flavored with cocoa and creamy undertones.
- For those who prefer Chinese teas:
- Oriental Beauty: Sweet and honeyed.
- Golden Osmanthus: Infused with the delicate fragrance of osmanthus flowers.
- Dong Ding Oolong: A delightful combination of ripe fruit and floral notes.
- And don’t miss the island treasures:
- Taiwanese Black Tea
- Taitung Red Oolong
Each selection is a journey through exquisite flavors, waiting to be savored….
I opted for the ‘French Crème Brûlée Fragrance Tea’. While the tea itself isn’t sweet, it masterfully captures the essence of a crème brûlée, transforming its flavors into a delightful tea experience.
After sipping some tea to cleanse the palate, it’s time to embark on a delightful challenge: the ‘Lychee and Blackcurrant Jelly Delight’.
This exquisite dessert features layers of blackcurrant jelly, almond sponge cake, and lychee-infused vanilla mousse. With each forkful, your taste buds will revel in a symphony of rich, multi-dimensional flavors.
The “Lavender Cream Delight” tantalizes the taste buds with a delightful blend of tangy blackcurrant cream and fragrant lavender mousse. But it’s the meticulously crafted purple flower on top that steals the show—it’s as if a dainty, deep violet rose sculpture has come to life before your eyes.
This enchanting pink-purple butterfly, which sets hearts aflutter, is crafted from white chocolate. Its perfectly rounded, deep violet cake embodies the elegant allure of a black rose.
The true star of the show is the vibrant dessert called “Treasured Rose Lychee Mousse.” It marries raspberry coulis with almond sponge cake, and perched atop a tiny spoonful is a miniature version of “French foie gras mousse drizzled with rose sauce.”
It’s unassuming yet utterly captivating. Finally, I understand why one must savor it at the very end—because the rich foie gras flavor would steal the spotlight from all previous taste sensations. Truly an indulgence that leaves you wanting more!
This delightful trio features traditional English scones, both savory and delectably crispy.
In the center, we have the perfect pairing: classic Devonshire cream. On the left, an exclusive creation from the Oriental Blossom: homemade red guava jam with a heart of crimson sweetness. And on the right, a luscious blackcurrant compote.
At Jade Lounge, it’s like stepping into a cozy home—warm service, top-notch quality. Cheers to those moments of bliss!
