Sweet Like Chocolate: Valrhona-Themed Afternoon Tea at Sureño

Godiva may be the brand making a big noise in China at the moment, but chef's know that Valrhona is the top choice for artisan chocolate. It seems The Opposite House knows this too, because they have teamed up with Valrhona to offer a limited edition afternoon tea (RMB 158, plus service charge) at Sureño until February 15.

Since it's founding in 1922, Valrhona has focused on being a chocolate brand created by pastry chefs, for pastry chefs. One of the brand's major selling points, for professionals or otherwise, is their "Grand Crus" range, which feature the finest cocoas from around the world. Sureño's afternoon tea makes full use of these, so you'll find the 40 percent cocoa Jivara in a mango tart or the 30 percent cocoa "blond" Dulcey in a shot glass topped with stewed apricot (Ed's note: For nostalgic Brits, the Dulcey tastes just like Caramac).

I'm going to come right out and say that I am not ordinarily a fan of hot chocolate but the cup that kicked off our afternoon tea this time fully won me over, being rich and smooth without any of the powdery texture that usually puts me off lesser hot chocolate. I also loved the chocolate scone, which came with homemade hazlenut-chocolate spread, strawberry jam and organic acacia honey, but was actually just best on its own. Overall, I found the pastries a touch on the sweet side, but I doubt this will bother most.

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Photos: Courtesy of The Opposite House, Robynne Tindall