Lenotre Afternoon Tea, Sofitel Wentworth Sydney

In what appears to be a continuing tradition, three Scorpio sweet tooths gathered for a (belated) birthday celebration over a decadent afternoon tea.

I was keen to sample the Lenotre afternoon tea at the Sofitel Wentworth, and bowb and Saffron didn't take much convincing.


Lenotre high tea

Lenotre is a professional culinary cooking school in Paris, and Sofitel chef Mark Stone has recently received Lenotre certification in cakes, pastries and desserts (the only chef in Australia to do so).

We take our seats in a rather empty lounge room, and before long we are courteously attend to. At first our waiter tries to convince us to share a tiered tea for two between the three of us, explaining that the tiers are quite big and take up much room on our table. We politely pretend to think about this before reassuring him that no, three high teas would be quite alright really.

The stand-for-two does not contain exactly double that which is on the single. Both stands contains two sandwiches, two scones and two chocolate cones which we find rather puzzling ("it's how the stands are made", our waiter shrugs) but between them both we have all desserts covered. We are infinitely pleased.


Finger sandwiches
smoked salmon and cream cheese, and
ham, cheese and salad

I'm not a big fan of sandwiches, but a good sandwich... why that is another thing altogether. These are sublime. Soft and fluffy yet substantial white bread wrapped around quality and generous fillings that are enhanced by tasty spreads and seasonings.


Traditionally baked scones

The scones are light and fluffy, the cream is airily whipped as well. We probably could have done with a little more jam (scraping desperately to extricate every last drop) and although I am impressed by the delicacy of the cream at first, I eventually agree with bowb and Saffron that its airiness prevents the creamy sense of decadence that comes with a heavy dollop of double cream.


Homemade jam and cream for scones

Our dizzying array of desserts has us contemplating quite seriously over the correct order in which they should be consumed. By now we are on our second pots of tea--unfortunately they are out of the Mariage Freres Marco Polo tea but the Earl Grey is utterly delicious.


Ambiance
Layers of vanilla Bavarian cream with fruits of the forest jelly and caramelised hazelnuts

We start with the Ambiance, a multi-layer fruity affair that contains a jelly that is a little firmer than we expect, contrasting a little too obviously with the whisper-light cream.


Tarte au Citron
The classic French lemon tart, sweet pastry filled with almond and lemon cream, topped with lemon meringue

The lemon tarts are next and these are a unanimous hit. The lemon curd is silky smooth and creamy, the pastry base is buttery and crisp.


Macaronades
Macaroons made of soft almond meringue filled with fresh raspberries and lemon curd

Macarons are always things of beauty, but sandwich them with whole raspberries and they reach new heights of food-pornification. The raspberries are luscious although I find the macaroon not as chewy as I prefer.


Camaieu
Layers of chocolate sponge flavoured with marzipan in between layers of dark and milk chocolate mousse topped with ivory Chantilly cream

We progress to the Camaieu, a slice that is probably my favourite of the afternoon. The spoon slips down all four layers with ease and I am surprised I can taste them all as separate entities, the dark chocolate base leaving a distinct lingering cocoa-rich trail.


Opera
Chocolate pastry with layers of almond biscuit, decadent chocolate gateaux, ganache with coffee butter cream and topped with gold leaf

The Opera is more chocolate goodness, this time with the flavour of coffee and the luxury of gold leaf. The cake is moist and rich.


Cone au chocolat
Rich dark chocolate cone filled with luscious berries and served with cream

Finally we reach the finale of the chocolate cones. I take delight in plucking this out with my fingers and nibbling on it as I would an ice cream cone. Beneath the scoop of cream is a muddle of macerated strawberries in syrup, the berries and dark chocolate make a perfect combination.

We have taken our time with our afternoon tea. It deserves to be savoured, although our conversation-filled languishing has taken us beyond the five hour mark. The staff are more than accommodating though and are still offering us tea beyond the 5pm mark.

Overall the service was attentive and our pots of tea were replenished regularly and with a smile. A luxurious afternoon tea for the sophisticated sweet tooth.



Lenotre Afternoon Tea
Sofitel Wentworth Sydney
61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney
Tel: +61 (02) 9230 0700

Daily 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Tiered stand of finger sandwiches, scones and desserts
$38 per person
includes Mariage Freres tea and Vittoria Espresso Coffee

Related GrabYourFork posts:
Good Food Month 2006 Sugar Hit at the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney

High tea at the Swissotel Crossroads Bar (Jan09) , (Nov06), (Jun06) and (Oct05)
High tea at the Observatory Hotel, Globe Bar
High tea at the Sofitel Wentworth (Sep08) and (Dec06)
High tea at the Victoria Room, Darlinghurst