Jardin Privé tea time by Emilie Gerardi, unveiled

It's one of those great addresses we like to keep to ourselves. Le Jardin Privé is a hidden gourmet spot nestled in the heart of the Halles district, offering a verdant terrace in summer and a cosy bubble in winter. Right in the heart of the Novotel des Halles, we're off to discover this confidential spot for a delicious break to share with lovers or friends.

This spot, once the stronghold of Quentin Lechat, now head pastry chef at the Royal Monceau, is a treasure trove of discoveries. Chef Moussa Ba is already serving up a chic, contemporary menu. From February 2, 2023, sweet tooths will be delighted to discover the new tea time imagined by its new Pastry Chef: Emilie Gerardi.

A graduate of the Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon, Emilie has worked her way up through the ranks of such fine establishments as La Table du Prieur and David Toutain's two-starred restaurant. These experiences have left their mark on her cuisine, giving character to our delicious discoveries. With its texture, acidity and fermentation process, it's fair to say that this is something to tantalize your taste buds.

So, what does this tea time have in store for us? 3 formulas are available:

• Pollinisation: choice of hot beverage and travel cake (16€)
  
• Germanization: Choice of hot beverage, shot of kombucha (David Toutain's parting gift) and a selection of sweet and savory items (29€).
  
• Floraison: Choice of hot beverage, homemade kombucha shot, selection of sweet and savory items and signature dessert (42€).
  

So, since we're not afraid of a little self-sacrifice, we went all out (yes, it's hard!). After our ideal cappuccino to wake us up, we treat ourselves to a shot of homemade kombucha, tangy with hints of honey, we love it. Then it's on to the savoury dishes, which we have to admit, are a little out of the ordinary, and we don't mind. The divine lobster roll and the smoked potato and coffee vinegar emulsion.

The farandole of sweet dishes has something to please us too. A sublime apple turnover with a stunning puff pastry, a cramberry scone and sweet club sandwiches with milk chocolate, caramel and melilot, there's plenty to melt with pleasure.

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We love the tangy lemon tartlet with its iodized oyster leaf. A perfect marriage which, combined with the crisp tart base, is simply divine.

Like a trou normand, the sparkling green tea citrus emulsion cleanses our taste buds to continue the discovery.

We finish the complete formula with the dessert à l'assiette, which is well worth the detour: a dessert like a crème brulée where vanilla takes pride of place. Beneath a creamy vanilla cream lies a gourmet praline to be savored with a vanilla bean reworked as a crispy mouillette.

In short, a superb discovery for a duo, with friends, with mom and all gourmands in search of something new. For regressive gourmands, note that cakes and the giant cookie are also available in click and collect, from February 02, also for sale online on the Jardin Privé website.

Tea time is open Thursday to Sunday, 3pm to 6pm. Don't forget to book - the bubble fills up fast.