On the weekend of October 5th and 6th, a remarkable culinary event will unfold at Atlantis The Royal, where Executive Pastry Chef Christophe Devoille will partner with esteemed French chocolatier Nicolas Berger. This exclusive afternoon tea experience will take place at The Royal Tearoom, nestled in the lobby of one of the World’s 50 Best Hotels, and promises a delightful blend of sweet and savory delights alongside an exquisite selection of single-origin chocolates.
Guests can indulge in this luxurious affair for AED 680 for two, starting with an innovative truffle smoked sunchoke adorned with cocoa nibs. The savory offerings will showcase gourmet dishes, including foie gras torchon infused with black cocoa, birch syrup, and Maldon salt; wagyu beef tartare complemented by mushroom duxelles and cocoa; Kaluga caviar paired with pickled cauliflower and dark brioche cream; and Balik smoked salmon garnished with beetroot and trout roe. Sweet lovers will be treated to an array of decadent desserts, such as an old-fashioned chocolate mousse enriched with granola, cocoa nibs, and olive oil, alongside a captivating assortment of handcrafted mini cakes made from premium chocolate sourced from Peru, Madagascar, Cuba, and Vietnam. Guests will also savor toasted brioche spread with a delightful chocolate butter and cocoa nibs granita, served in a fresh cocoa pod. To top it off, a unique chocolate bar featuring orange blossom and pistachio will be gifted to guests, allowing them to continue the experience at home.
Nicolas Berger, celebrated for his collaborations with cocoa farmers in Ecuador, Madagascar, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cuba, is dedicated to sourcing the finest quality cocoa beans while promoting sustainable practices. His meticulous approach, from selecting the best cocoa pods to overseeing fermentation and natural drying processes, results in luxurious chocolate couvertures that reflect the distinct character of each region.
Christophe Devoille brings a wealth of experience to the table. Hailing from Strasbourg, France, he has honed his craft in some of the world’s finest kitchens. Devoille’s journey began at the Michelin-starred La Côte Basque in New York, followed by over a decade working with renowned chef Alain Ducasse, where he led dessert teams across 27 establishments worldwide. After contributing to the success of Wynn Palace in Macao, he directed the pastry kitchen at London’s exclusive Annabel’s before embracing a career as a consultant. His recent projects include opening Amazónico in London and Dubai and developing a chocolate bonbon and macaron menu for the Saudi chocolatier Aani & Dani.
Today, Devoille oversees a talented team of bakers and pastry chefs at Atlantis The Royal, where he is responsible for the resort’s extensive pastry offerings. This includes the all-day pastry counter and signature afternoon tea at The Royal Tearoom, a lavish breakfast selection featuring an impressive variety of croissants, Danish pastries, and brioches, and an extensive range of handcrafted desserts for the resort’s dining venues.
The Christophe Devoille x Nicolas Berger afternoon tea will take place from 1 PM to 5 PM on October 5th and 6th, priced at AED 680 for two. Given the exclusivity of this event, early reservations are highly encouraged.