Review: Mariage Freres

Mariage Freres
30 rue du Bourg-Tibourg
Paris, 4e
+33(0)1 42 72 28 11
http://www.mariagefreres.com/

"The fragrance of adventure and poetry
endlessly pervades each cup of tea"
~Henri Mariage

I can think of few better places to have a perfect cup of tea than Paris. With it's narrow streets steeped in history and tradition, it was quite a pleasure to find this charming tea shop while wandering along the medieval streets of the 4eme.

Established in 1854, Mariage Freres is the oldest importer of tea in France. They have since expanded to several locations in Paris, more across France and a representation in both Berlin, Tokyo and online.

This spot, along the rue du Bourg-Tibourg, with it's distinguished wood exterior and cozy anteroom, welcome the passerby inside, promising a comfortable chair, a warm pot of tea and a million ways to spend your money. Once inside, you are drawn to an imposing wall of canisters, each holding one of their special blend of teas. The helpful (and I might add attractive) besuited gentlemen are ready and willing to help you select your favorite blend from the over 500 varieties offered.

Side Note: Try your French. They won't laugh at you (right away, or to your face), but will be more willing to assist you in your native tongue once they see you're willing to make an effort in theirs.

Their dining room is comfortable, abeit a tad overcrowded, and is a wonderful opportunity to sit a moment and savor one of the lovely teas that has made the Mariage Freres is so respected in it's natural environment. I recommend Nil Rouge, a South African rooibus with citrus, and oriental spices mixed with marigold petals. I took several bags of this home, and have been savoring this heady blend ever since.

The menu is an offering of quiches, salads, cakes and scones, and the waitstaff, handsome and dressed in all white, will bring your perfectly steeped pot of tea with flourish and decorum.

Enjoy your time here. Chances are, once you've visited, you'll be counting the moments until you can return. Bon Appetite!