It was an event high on culture & a rendez-vous with the finest French Food in India as L’Opéra, the French Pâtisserie, Boulangerie and Salon de Thé (Tea Room) that is known for bringing the original bakery and pastry flavours of France to India launched its sixth Salon de Thé & the first-ever outlet across two floors at Basant Lok, Delhi.
Formally inaugurated by H.E. Emmanuel Lenain, the Ambassador of France to India in a glittering ceremony on Saturday, the Grand Opening witnessed over 100 guests including Ambassadors, personalities from the world of business to arts and fashion, patrons that heaped praise on the state-of-the-art outlet. The guests marvelled at the infrastructure and the beauty of the spacious outlet while enjoying the exclusive high tea organised by the Samandari family – the founding family of L’Opéra.
H.E. Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain, on the occasion said “It’s a pleasure to be with you on this Saturday. It’s a nice way to come back to Paris. I have a good feeling; I don’t know if it’s Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Rue de Rivoli but it’s really Paris. It’s a good blend of French charm and more Indian luxury, it’s well done. All my congratulations.”
Speaking on the occasion, Kazem Samandari, Executive Chairman, L’Opéra said, “L’Opéra is becoming bigger and even more beautiful with each outlet. It is overwhelming to enter the Basant Lok Market with a 2 floored outlet. We will also have our outlet in Civil Lines and our first-ever outlets in Mumbai and Chennai coming up very soon.”
Seen at the event were the various ambassadors & eminent personalities of the town including the names like the Ambassador of The Czech Republic, H.E. Milan Hovorka, the Ambassador of Greece, H.E. Dionussios Kyvetos, the Ambassador of Chile H.E. Mr. Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Columbia H.E. Mr Alvaro Sandoval Bernal, Deputy Chief of Mission, South Africa Mr. Ben Joubert and obviously the Chief Guest, H.E. Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain of France and many more diplomats and prominent guests.
Located in the heart of Basant Lok (Priya Market) and situated close to various embassies in Vasant Vihar, it is an authentic French style Salon de Thé spread over two floors that can accommodate up to 42 seated guests. The mezzanine floor comprises comfortable seating arrangements featuring leather-like sofas, bar chairs and tables that lend an elegant touch to the space.
Fitted with Louis XVI style furniture in carved wood and marble top tables adorning carnations in pastels, the outlet exudes Parisian refinement and luxury at its finest. From the beautiful chandelier to elegantly framed portraits on the wall depicting the city of Paris, everything adds to the plush décor and ambience. Huge glass mirrors make the space look virtually bigger while the chic woodwork accentuates the walls. To add to the charm, the sophisticated lighting concept such as the stunning pendant lights over the counter make the space even brighter and livelier while the generous glass facades elegantly adjoin the inner and outer spaces and recreate the Parisian sidewalk café experience.
“L’Opéra has entered a new phase of its development. By the end of the current financial year, we shall operate over 20 outlets in Delhi-NCR and most probably have opened our first Salon de Thé in Mumbai,” says Kazem Samandari, Executive Chairman, L’Opéra. “I am also pleased to introduce our new resident French Pastry Chef, Robin Bessege for New Product Development and Quality Assurance,” he adds.
“From doing our initial product trials in the kitchen of the French Embassy to opening over a dozen outlets and a production facility in Noida, we have always worked towards making the brand one of the best French bakery and pastry chains in India”, says Laurent Samandari, Managing Director, L’Opéra. “There are so many achievements we had along the way such as making 8000 (eight) thousand macarons for a wedding, catering for the international Formula one race, hosting the MBA students from Oxford University at our production facility which keep us all motivated,” he continues.
At L’Opéra’s Basant Lok outlet, one can enjoy the aroma of the freshly baked croissants, artisanal breads and a whole range of traditional French specialities wafting through the air. The eclectic menu caters to a diverse range of food palate that is reasonably priced with an excellent value proposition. For those looking for classic French quick bites, there’s Croque Monsieur (made with in-house bread and filled with béchamel sauce, ham and cheese), Vol-au-Vent, Onion and Tomato Tarts with Goat Cheese and healthy soups such as Pumpkin and Coconut Milk soup. Partake in the newly-launched products such as the brand’s maiden Vegan Range, Chocolate Tart and the much loved Orange & Almond Tart that one can pair with an impressive selection of juices and freshly brewed coffee, teas and infusions while soaking in the beautiful ambience.
An all-day dining destination, it also offers a gourmet all-day breakfast menu that features classic French breakfast options such as French Toast with organic honey, fluffy French omelette with luxurious fillings and hot croissant sandwiches to name a few. For the health-conscious, there is a range of fresh juices, cereal breads, eggs and salads, organic granola served with yoghurt and choice of milk and heart-warming vegan soups that are wholesome and make for a delicious substitute. With this, the brand hopes to reach out to a wide customer base.
