Join the T-Set: Théodor Teas Launches New Brew

5 June 2015 by Margaret Kemp    1563  
Join the T-Set: Théodor Teas Launches New Brew
Margaret Kemp
By Margaret Kemp
“Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one” – Chinese Proverb Recently, Guillaume Leleu, the self-styled “Impertinent Parisian” and creator of Théodor teas, designed an ephemeral garden at the Palais de Tokyo to launch “Absolu Oolong”– his latest brew. “It takes three elements to produce the perfect tea: man, the earth and the weather”, Leleu said as he carefully poured his new creation. “I only use white porcelain cups because colors form a shadow and you can’t see the tea’s pure shade”, he explains. “And, I prefer to use Treignac direct from the source, it makes a huge difference to the flavor,” he adds. The forty-something Maître de Thé is also a writer, musician, dreamer, and artist, who has a passion for traveling and a nice cup of tea; think of him as the equivalent to a “nose” or wine sommelier. If he were a wine he’d be Chardonnay; a perfume? “Something by Hermès!” he smiles. Leleu launched Theódor his luxury brand (a 3oz tin costs from 19€) in 2002, and it’s now an acknowledged global reference in 35 countries from Japan, London (Harrods) Mexico to Paris, where you can find his charming boutique, tucked away in a side street just off place Mexico in the 16th arrondissement. The vintage-style boutique is housed in a former glacier/crèmerie. Walking through the door the fragrance of the teas is divine. Mmmm. But don’t expect to find Leleu behind the counter; Madame Sylvie is there to advise in his absence, as he’s traveling 265 days of the year. The alchemy of tea takes place in his Bonnières-sur-Seine laboratory, without the use of any preservatives or additives, just extracts of essential oils, flowers, plants and spices. Each blend takes 20 months to satisfy Leleu’s palate; the deluxe T-bags (14.95€) took more than three years to perfect. At the Palais de Tokyo launch of Absolu Olong, Leleu said he worked on producing a tea that is an imaginary walk in the garden with notes of peach, pear, lotus flowers and green and blue Oolong, excellent to drink throughout the day. The title Théodor is the revival of a mid-nineteenth century Paris teahouse, of the same name, whose Jewish owner closed its doors at the beginning of WWII. In naming his company, Leleu says he pays tribute to his grandmother’s favorite teahouse. “Theodor, means “gift of God”, he explains. Théodor Tea & Gifts, 28 rue des Sablons, 16th. Metro: rue de la Pompe. Tel: 01 45 05 25 98. Open Mon 10am-1 pm – 2 pm- 6:30 pm. Tues-Friday 9:30-7:30 pm. Saturday 9.30-18.30
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By Margaret Kemp

Born in Hampton, Middlesex, UK, Margaret Kemp is a lifestyle journalist, based between London, Paris and the world. Intensive cookery courses at The Cordon Bleu, London, a wedding gift from a very astute ex-husband, gave her the base that would take her travelling (leaving the astute one behind) in search of rare food and wine experiences, such as the vineyards of Thailand, 'gator hunting in South Florida, learning to make eye-watering spicy food in Kerala;pasta making in a tiny Tuscany trattoria. She has contributed to The Guardian, The Financial Times Weekend and FT. How To Spend It.com, The Spectator, Condé Nast Traveller, Food & Travel, and Luxos Magazine. She also advises as consultant to luxury hotels and restaurants. Over the years, Kemp has amassed a faithful following on BonjourParis. If she were a dish she'd be Alain Passard's Millefeuille “Caprice d'Enfant”, as a painting: Manet’s Dejeuner sur l’herbe !