A tribute to nature – Afternoon Tea at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah

About Jessica Prealpato

Jessica Prealpato is one of the world’s most renowned pastry chefs and the originator of the concept of Desseralité—a fusion of the words ‘dessert’ and naturalité. This concept was developed by Alain Ducasse, whom Jessica has worked with since 2015. She is most noted for being awarded the title of World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2019 and Pastry Chef of the Year by Gault et Millau in 2020. Jessica joined Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée in November 2015 and developed Desseralité, realising that the Ducasse principle of naturalité—preserving an ingredient’s ‘naturality’ to best express its innate flavour—could also be applied to pastry. Jessica’s desserts are an expression of the highest form of each ingredient she uses, with every element on the plate having a purpose.

The Desseralité Afternoon Tea Experience

The principle is based on using the correct ingredients at the right time, respecting their seasonality, and presenting them as the best possible versions of themselves. Her first project in London will see Jessica redesign the hotel’s pastry offering in its entirety and create an exciting new take on Afternoon Tea, inspired by the botanics and flora of iconic Kew Gardens. True to her signature style, Jessica will preserve and enhance the natural flavours of whole fruits by adding a carefully selected layer of flavours, without compromising the key ingredient and its natural taste. Each dish relies almost wholly on the naturally occurring sugars within each ingredient, and occasionally honey and brown sugar. Each piece will be a sophisticated display of flavour, taking guests on a surprising journey through Jessica’s work. Jessica will work with seasonal, locally sourced produce, exploring and celebrating the best ingredients available in England. She pairs unexpected flavours to disrupt the classic British tradition of Afternoon Tea, creating a sensorial experience.

Her Afternoon Tea is a tribute to Kew and a tribute to nature.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens, previously named Royal Botanic Gardens, is the site of a former royal palace. The gardens date back to the early 18th century, when Princess Augusta, mother of King George III, founded a nine-acre botanic garden within the pleasure grounds at Kew.

In 2003, Kew Gardens was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The gardens today are a leading centre of botanical research, a training centre for professional gardeners, and a visitor attraction. It is one of the most extensive and important botanical gardens in the world, housing the ‘largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections’ around the globe.

Kew Gardens includes more than 50,000 different plants in its living collection and over 7 million preserved specimens. The library and archives have over half a million items, including books, botanical illustrations, photos, letters, manuscripts, periodicals, and maps.