Snapshots from the UK: Earl Grey Sorbet
Photograph from speechlessson on Flickr
Recently at Bumpkin, I cringed to hear an American tourist ask the waiter for an iced tea. They may do tea well in England, but they sure don’t do it iced. But I found an even better replacement.
London's extravagant and wonderful Italian corner Locanda Locatelli does Earl Grey sorbet. I would have taken a picture as proof, only they don't allow cameras in the restaurant. The bitter bergamot of the tea was pierced with a sweetness requisite to all sorbets, and the cold assuaged my American cravings for tea leaves brewed on ice. It was delicate, unexpected, tricultural, and a bit downright impertinent. For me, it was love at first bite. From a hot Southern wrap-around porch to the patio of an Italian villa to my London table.
The English may not serve iced tea, but Earl Grey is very, very cool.
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5 Comments:
I've also had this, in Las Vegas of all places. I also enjoyed it very much. It's a very surprising taste (it was part of a tasting menu and I'd missed the waiter's introduction) and the sweet-bitter doesn't leave that lingering, cloying sweetness you find in some sorbets. delish
eRicou at 2:56PM on 11/28/08
sounds delicious
katnsatoshi at 7:44PM on 11/28/08
Ummm.. iced tea has become increasingly popular in the UK, has been for six or seven years. You really need to get around more, and work on this need of yours to overcompensate.
Mares at 11:59PM on 11/28/08
"Cringed"? You must be very sensitive.
brobin at 10:26AM on 11/30/08
Cringed at the thought of Iced Tea in the UK? They do Ice Tea here, especially when it's hot outside.
twcaac at 8:36PM on 12/15/08