Embrace The Sweet Life At Bijou Patisserie

By Yvonne C Mtengwa

It wasn’t too long ago that I enjoyed the opportunity to check into the luxurious Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, a stunning property located in the Dubai’s Healthcare City District. Having opened in the latter part of last year, I had heard plenty about its distinctive Franco-Egyptian allure, and so I was thrilled to learn that on the cards as part of my dining experience, was an afternoon spent in the lobby lounge, which serves breakfast and an all-day menu, and fresh option for a grab-and-go snack.

It was an opportunity to savor a sweet moment at the patisserie, named Bijou – a term which from my recollection of highschool French classes, means “jewel”. Ensuring a variety of sweet temptations are available, is none other than Romain Castet, Executive Pastry Chef, who boasts more than 10 years of experience, having worked at Lenôtre, a French Patisserie institution in Paris, at Fairmont Monte Carlo, and at Fairmont Dubai where he launched The Chocolate Room and created the UAE’s largest chocolate Easter egg. The experience The menu at Bijou includes a variety of indulgences, from playfully delicate pastries and sweets such as classic éclairs, lemon tart and Chef Romain’s signature cannelés Bordelais in a variety of different flavors including vanilla, pistachio, chocolate and lemon. On this occasion, Sofitel’s signature French afternoon tea, Le Goȗter, was what I was slated to experience, a unique combination of sweet and savoury flavors created with passion and served in a sophisticated jewelry box, unlocked with a special key. I too was going to indulge in my very special box of treats such as a Croissant with Brie cheese, rocket, honey and figs compote, Lorraine quiche with turkey bacon and cheese, Chouquette with sugar pearl, Madeleine with orange and lemon and others.

Located in the heart of the hotel lobby, with bold geometric forms visible on the ceiling, an ivory color palette, curving furniture and smooth polished surfaces, the art deco theme is prominent in Bijou Patisserie. The marble counter brimming with an array of delicate pastries and other delicious treats truly takes center stage, making Bijou the jewel of the hotel and guests’ daily indulgence.

Bijou Patisserie is open daily from 8am – 8pm, however, if you are looking to partake of the Le Goȗter experience, one would need to make reservation for a slot between 2pm and 6pm. For the latter, upon being seated, we were graciously asked what beverage was to accompany our experience; an easy choice for the children who always opt for a hot chocolate or a fruit juice. With my café latte having been served, I was ready to indulge in this experience I had been told about right at the onset of my check-in earlier that morning.

We were presented with little boxes that when opened, unveiled a little key which was going to open the bigger ‘jewelery’ box of delectable treats. It was delightful to see such attention to every detail, so much that my daughter and I had our boxes in pink and my son in blue, which when unlocked, unveiled Chef Romain’s indulgent creations. A hearty yet sophisticated high tea experience, I would imagine enjoying a themed, casual afternoon with family or friends at Bijou Patisserie, tastefully appeals to all the senses.

A sophisticated and chic address in the epicenter of luxury, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk merges modern French art de vivre and ancient Egyptian heritage with the essence and culture of the UAE. Adorned with a gold pyramidion and in the shape of an obelisk, representative of the Luxor Obelisk currently in Paris, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk majestically thrones in the heart of Dubai. So if ever you find yourself in Dubai, or call this city home already, and are keen to try an experience that celebrates the essence of casual French inspired dining and memorable, fine service delivery, Bijou Patisserie will grant you the sweet life you deserve…

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