L'Espalier has long been known as the pioneer of 'haute cuisine' in Boston. Since 1978, it has been at the forefront of New England/French cooking, bringing fresh, local ingredients to the table with classic french technique.
L'Espalier is, by reputation, not the most affordable restaurant. This is because they are known for their multi-course dinners. What most people do not realize however, is that their lounge area is a very affordable option for a light snack, drink and most importantly, a sampling of their phenomenal cheese cart.
Making the lounge an even more exciting place to visit, L'Espalier has just recently appointed a 'Tea Sommelier'. So we have all heard the term 'Sommelier' and we know it has something to do with wine and pairings.. but a 'Tea' Sommelier?
This term is synonymous to 'tea whisperer'...ok, so maybe that term does not exist either. But you get the idea!
Cynthia Gold, recently of Park Plaza, has just accepted the position as Tea Sommelier at L'Espalier. She will be in charge of their in-house tea program which would include brewing new and exotic teas, cooking with tea, creating tea-infused cocktails and pairing teas with cheese, or desserts.
Lucky for L'Espalier, Cynthia Gold is also a chef, so her combined knowledge of tea and food will really take this part of the restaurant to the next level.
How great would it be to come in on any given afternoon for some cheese and tea? Apparently, their Gloucester Street Blend pairs beautifully with any of their pungent cheeses...something to keep in mind:)
Whether you go just to relax with a drink or a bite in the lounge, or the whole nine
yards in courses, I can assure you that from the minute you walk in the
door, to the second you leave, you will have a quality experience.
Apart from the culinary artistry applied by Chef-Owner Frank McClelland,
the staff themselves have been at the establishment for
the past 30 years. Their loyalty and passion for all that goes on at
L'Espalier is clear in everything they do. It is this that makes it so special and
such a long thriving gem in Boston's restaurant scene. Just remember that there is no reason to be intimidated by this restaurant and with Cynthia Gold and her bright future, the team at L'Espalier continues to flourish in Boston!
Damn, that cheese looks good. Pairing it with tea is, I admit, a novel idea and not one I would naturally consider.
ReplyDeleteWell, march is not so far away...a visit to this spot could easily be worked out;)
ReplyDeleteAdmittedly I have never eaten at L'Espalier and did not know about the lounge. I am tea fanatic, so will definitely have to check this out.
ReplyDeleteYes! You will love it!
ReplyDeletea tea sommmelier sounds really awesome! i love afternoon tea!
ReplyDeleteI would love to be able to say that I am a tea sommelier....what a nice ring the title has to it:)
ReplyDeleteI love a good afternoon tea as well. One of the better ones, I have had recently was at the boston harbor hotel. I think I need to systematically test out all the "teas" ino town this year. Anyone else interested?
ReplyDeleteHaha, that would be quite the undertaking!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo of dessert!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, that wasn't even the dessert! It was a pate!!! AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteI went here on Saturday before the show and honestly did not have a great experience. The service staff was pretty disorganized and the tea it self was ok, but I have better tea from Mem teas at many a local coffee shop. The scallop and sweet bread small plate was ok, but served at too low a temperature and the pineapple cake was good but nothing special. The most interesting part was the Earl Grey ice cream on the side. Better experiences can be had for the same price elsewhere.
ReplyDeletehttp://memteaimports.com/
Oh that's too bad!
ReplyDeleteHopefully it was just an 'off' day..