With New York’s tennis season in full swing, The Plaza recently partnered with Lacoste to present a fresh take on a beloved tradition: the Tennis Inspired Afternoon Tea. This limited-time offering combines the elegance of the sport, Lacoste’s French heritage and the timeless ritual of afternoon tea for a refined seasonal experience.
© The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
The Tennis Inspired Afternoon Tea takes guests from the court to The Palm Court and is available through Sept. 10. The curated menu draws inspiration from Le Café Lacoste, a new concept by Executive Chef Muhannad Al Ateem and Executive Pastry Chef Kevin Clemenceau. The menu honors French style while capturing the energetic spirit of Lacoste’s sporting legacy.
© The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
At the heart of the menu is Le Café Lacoste’s signature dessert, Le Crocodile, a refined pistachio entremet. Savory selections include delicate finger sandwiches such as The Court Side Cucumber and Le “Croc” Monsieur—a playful reinterpretation of the classic French Croque Monsieur that tips its hat to the Lacoste crocodile. Sweets complete the spread with choices like the Game. Set. Citrus lemon cake and Earl Grey Tea Break macarons. Beyond flavor, presentation is key: each tea is served on The Palm Court’s sterling-silver three-tier stand, elevating the entire experience.
Beverage offerings range from curated teas and Champagne to inventive C(r)ocktails. The Palm Court setting enhances the occasion with original vintage racquets—including designs associated with René Lacoste—Lacoste-green accents incorporated into the iconic stained-glass dome, and a soundtrack chosen to evoke a relaxed courtside atmosphere.
This collaboration between The Plaza and Lacoste presents a thoughtful, stylish twist on afternoon tea that will appeal to fans of fine patisserie, French-inspired cuisine and tennis tradition alike. With a carefully composed menu and an elegant setting, the Tennis Inspired Afternoon Tea delivers both culinary creativity and a sense of sporting heritage for a memorable seasonal outing.