The world of afternoon tea has just received a fabulous makeover at The Maybourne Beverly Hills. The iconic hotel, nestled just steps away from Rodeo Drive, has introduced Prêt-à-Portea: The Red Carpet Collection. This American debut of the high-fashion tea experience has been a favorite at The Berkeley, in London for nearly two decades.
A Fashionista’s Dream Come True
Prêt-à-Portea is not your traditional afternoon tea. It takes an artful approach, blending the refined English tradition of tea with haute couture. A favorite of fashion enthusiasts and sweet-tooth aficionados alike, it elevates afternoon tea into a beautiful celebration of celebrity fashion. Guests at The Maybourne Beverly Hills are treated to a runway-inspired menu that turns red carpet moments into edible art. Each cake is a tribute to the iconic looks that have graced Hollywood's most glamorous events, adding a stylish delicious twist to the fashion world’s biggest moments.
A Stylish, Red-Carpet-Inspired Menu
The Red Carpet Collection is an exciting homage to some of the most iconic looks in red carpet history. From Björk’s avant-garde Oscar swan dress to Zendaya’s showstopping Valentino gown at the 2023 SAG Awards, each piece on the menu represents a fashionable feast for the eyes and the palate. Here’s a peek at the fabulous cakes and pastries that take center stage:
Björk’s Oscar Swan Dress (2001): This moment is transformed into a pavlova, featuring passion fruit ganache, swan meringues, and sugar eggs.Michelle Williams’s Vera Wang Gown (2006 Oscars): Reimagined as a biscuit decorated with lemon vanilla royal icing, this pastry captures the elegance and flowing silhouette of Williams's gown.Lupita Nyong’o’s Pearl-Embellished Calvin Klein Gown (2015 Oscars): A luxurious Vanilla St. Honoré adorned with white chocolate pearls is inspired by this show-stopping gown.Taylor Swift’s Grammys Look (2021): The singer’s bold Christian Louboutin ankle-wrap sandals are replicated as a biscuit topped with whipped vanilla royal pink icing, capturing the essence of Swift's chic ensemble.Billy Porter’s Giles Deacon Ensemble (2020 Oscars): This striking look is reimagined as a rich coffee mousse with pecan praline, chocolate feathers, and gold dust.Jennifer Lopez’s Green Versace Gown (2000 Grammys): JLo’s iconic green gown is reinterpreted as a tropical coconut mousse with pineapple-lime chutney and pistachio sponge, glazed with lime and topped with white chocolate and mango glass.Angela Bassett’s Judith Leiber Clutch (2021 Oscars): This stylish accessory is transformed into a black cherry sacher torte, with milk chocolate crémeux and cherry praline offering a mix of rich and fruity flavors.Margot Robbie’s Chanel Ensemble (2021 Oscars): An Earl Grey mousse éclair, dipped in silver-lustered milk chocolate glaze, pays homage to Robbie’s sophisticated Chanel look.Zendaya’s Valentino Gown(2023 SAG Awards): A strawberry mousse with lychee gelée on lemon shortbread, topped with hand-piped roses.
A Glimpse of Hollywood Glamour
The experience is not just about the pastries, it’s an immersive tea affair. Served at the hotel’s beautiful Terrace Tearoom, a charming space that combines both English garden elegance and Hollywood flair, this new tea service provides the perfect setting for indulging in style. Tea sandwiches include a smoked salmon rillette with lemon and dill crème fraiche on pumpernickel; egg salad with chives on white bread; chilled cucumber and herb labneh on rye; Australian Wagyu with wasabi butter on wheat bread and Maple roasted butternut squash with local beets on toasted brioche. Scones include a Taitian vanilla and reason scone served with clotted cream, lemon curd and raspberry jam. A variety of black, white, green and herbal teas are also offered.
The pastries are beautifully presented on pink and white striped bone China by the renowned French porcelain brand Bernardaud. Executive Pastry Chef Brooke Martin, who curated the collection, has transformed the most unforgettable fashion moments into meticulously crafted desserts.
The Red Carpet Collection: When Fashion Meets Flavor
Prêt-à-Portea: The Red Carpet Collection is a beautiful fusion of style, flavor, and elegance. With its unique twist on the classic afternoon tea, The Maybourne Beverly Hills invites guests to enjoy a star-studded experience that redefines the traditional. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for an unforgettable way to spend an afternoon in LA, this fashion-inspired tea experience is a must.
Served every Friday through Sunday with seatings at 2:00 and 3:00 pm, reservations at 310.860.7980, $165 per person.
