Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection (1-10-30 Kaigan, Minato-ku), which resonates with the dynamism and wavelength of Tokyo and welcomes guests with a number of unique touches that captivate the senses, will be offering "Pearl," which evokes the world of 17th-century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer's masterpiece "Girl with a Pearl Earring," as the sixth installment of its popular "Afternoon Exhibition" afternoon tea series, which is based on famous paintings.The tea will be served at Whisk, the bar and lounge on the 16th floor, with a limited number of 15 servings available on weekdays from July 1 to October 31, 2022.
... We've further evolved our previous menu, creating a set menu that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the life of the painter Vermeer, as well as the lifestyles and food culture of the people of that time. The menu features eight sweets and savory dishes that capture the spirit of 17th-century Holland, the time when Vermeer lived, as well as mocktails to pair with the dishes, and a photogenic cake inspired by his masterpiece, "Girl with a Pearl Earring," all homemade. As the name "Afternoon Exhibition" suggests, you can immerse yourself in the world of Vermeer while enjoying the stunning waterfront views, just like spending an afternoon appreciating art.
Eight Sweets and Savory Dishes
The 17th-century Netherlands, the time when Johannes Vermeer, a representative painter of the Baroque period, lived, is expressed through eight sweets and savory dishes and pairing mocktails. Enjoy a moment that feels like you're traveling to the Netherlands during its so-called Golden Age.
8 Sweet & Savory Dishes
From left:
Tiger Bread Burger
This juicy homemade coarsely ground hamburger steak and cheddar cheese are sandwiched between Tiger Bread, a bread said to have originated in the Netherlands and characterized by its crispy patterned surface. Around 1632, when Vermeer was born, spices obtained through trade with other countries are said to have been in active circulation in the Netherlands following the end of the Thirty Years' War. By mixing spices such as nutmeg and black pepper into the hamburger steak, the historical context of that time is recreated.
Semolina Pudding
Semolina pudding is a beloved dessert in the Netherlands. It is made by slowly simmering semolina flour and milk, then baking it and topping it off with a berry sauce. Enjoy the exquisite balance with the cinnamon flavoring and the chewy texture that is unique to semolina.
Fruit Pie
Vermeer, who was living a stable life in his 20s and 30s, incorporated ultramarine, a pigment made from lapis lazuli, which was a luxury item not used as an art material, into his paintings. This eye-catching ultramarine color, which is also featured in his masterpiece "Girl with a Pearl Earring," is expressed using fruit pie, a refreshingly flavored jelly made from grapefruit and lychee.
Bread Pudding
This bread pudding recreates the ingredients depicted in "The Milkmaid," one of Vermeer's most famous works. The moist flavor and simple sweetness of the pain de campagne (country bread) soaked in milk evokes the eating habits of the time and the everyday lives of the people depicted in the painting.
Wine Jelly Sorbet
This dish was inspired by the painting "A Gentleman and a Woman Drinking Wine." While the alcohol content evaporates, the rich red grape flavor unique to red wine fills your mouth. Inspired by the time when well water was not yet available, wine was a popular way to stay hydrated, and this cool dessert is perfect for the upcoming season.
Speculaas Sale
In the Netherlands, these cookies are eaten on St. Nicholas's Day and Christmas. In recent years, Vermeer's early masterpiece, "Woman Reading a Letter at an Open Window," was restored, revealing the figure of Cupid with a bow and arrow in the background. This angel-shaped cookie is a nod to the restoration. These cookies, crafted with spices like cinnamon and ginger for a fragrant flavor, have a firm, crunchy texture, recreating the classic Dutch treat of the time when long-term storage was essential.
Pannekoeken
Pannekoeken, a Dutch home-cooked dish, are a slightly thick, crepe-like treat characterized by their chewy texture. Enjoy the rich flavor of Gouda cheese, a Dutch specialty, along with the crunchy texture of Dutch spinach and chicory, a long-standing favorite in the Netherlands.
Tarte Prune
This tarte prune is a recreation of a recipe from a cookbook published in the Netherlands around the 17th century. This exquisite dish features the sweet and sour taste of prunes, which are in season from summer to autumn, and a texture that fully conveys the fleshy texture, along with the gentle sweetness of the moist almond cream dough.
Pairing Mocktail: Hibiscus Tea / Apple Juice / Whey / Soda / Lemon
A non-alcoholic mocktail inspired by apples, one of the Netherlands' famous products. Based on vibrant ruby-colored hibiscus tea and apple juice, whey syrup gives the drink a soft, mellow acidity. The addition of soda and lemon makes it the perfect drink for the hot season. Garnished with dried apple, it looks just like an actual apple, making it look adorable.
Cake and mocktail inspired by "Girl with a Pearl Earring"
Cake
This cake boldly depicts the striking silhouette of "Girl with a Pearl Earring," a masterpiece by Vermeer, who is also known as the magician of light. This cake, which was well received in the second Afternoon Exhibition last year, has been upgraded to offer an even wider variety of textures and a perfect balance with the eight sweet and savory dishes.
"Girl with a Pearl Earring" is housed in the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, Netherlands, near Delft, where Vermeer lived, and is characterized by its simple composition of a girl wearing a blue turban against a jet-black background. The enigmatic expression of the girl looking back, the vivid and distinctive deep blue Turkish turban painted using ultramarine pigment known as "Vermeer blue," and the lustrous pearl earrings create a work that never fails to captivate the viewer.
【Cake Details】
The soft rose mousse has a gentle, elegant, and feminine flavor, reminiscent of the girl in the painting. The gorgeous marriage of the rose aroma and the tartness of raspberry and blueberry fills your mouth. The mascarpone outer layer has a soft and fluffy texture, creating a delicate and light flavor. The puff pastry on the bottom has a crispy texture like a mille-feuille, and is perfectly balanced with the sweet cream.
It is surrounded by white chocolate and crepes finished in Vermeer blue, inspired by the striking blue and yellow turban that stands out against the black background in the painting. Enjoy the beautiful and elegantly reproduced texture, as if you were looking at the painting itself.
[Pearl Candy]
Each pearl is handmade. When you crack open the pearl, a fragrant sauce bursts out, combining the tartness and sweetness of passion fruit and orange with the richness of butter. If you dip the accompanying crepe in the rich sauce, you can enjoy it as a French dessert, "Crêpe Suzette."
Pairing Mocktail: Elderflower / Muscat / Lemon / Soda
A mocktail inspired by elderflower cordial, a classic summer drink in Europe, including the Netherlands. Muscat juice and soda are added to homemade syrup made by steeping elderflowers in sugar water, and lemon is added to create a drink with a strong acidity. Enjoy the exquisite harmony of the sweetness of the cake and the sourness of the drink.
Afternoon Exhibition Overview
Serving period: Weekdays from Friday, July 1st to Monday, October 31st, 2022 *Limited to 15 servings per day
Serving time: From 14:00 / From 15:00
Serving location: Bar & Lounge "Whisk", 16th floor, mesm Tokyo
Price: 5,350 yen (tax and 15% service charge included)
Cancellation fee: 50% the day before / 100% on the day
Reservations: https://www.mesm.jp/restaurant/whisk.html
(Reservations must be made by 17:00 the day before)
【Bar & Lounge "Whisk"】
Based on the concept of an artist's atelier, this bar and lounge offers a variety of conceptual original mixology cocktails inspired by paintings that will stimulate the senses, as well as afternoon tea. True to the word "whisk" (=to mix), this bar and lounge blends tradition and innovation, excitement and elegance, and stillness and movement, offering an artistic and creative experience. During the day, it resembles a comfortable waterside cafe overlooking Tokyo's beautiful waterfront, and at night, it transforms into a bar and lounge where you can enjoy live music and art performances alongside the glittering night view. It's a new and exciting public space, full of excitement and playfulness. Opening hours: 11:00 - 27:00 (L.O. 26:30) *Seating capacity: 56 *Please check the official website for the latest opening hours.
Bar & Lounge "Whisk"
About mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection】
Based on the concept of "TOKYO WAVES," this 265-room hotel provides guests with new inspiration through specially designed services and original content that capture the wavelength of Tokyo's ever-changing "now." The hotel opened on April 27, 2020, within the JR East Group's WATERS takeshiba complex in Takeshiba, Minato Ward. By utilizing the rich local resources, such as Tokyo's beautiful waterfront and the historic Hama-Rikyu Gardens, and the arts, such as art and music, which pleasantly captivate the senses, the hotel aims to become an icon of Tokyo's lifestyle, where urban energy and creativity intersect. Furthermore, mesm Tokyo is a member of the Autograph Collection Hotels, developed by Marriott International, and is an "Exactly like nothing else" hotel. In its first year of operation, the hotel was listed as one of "4 Pavilions" representing "Top Class Comfort" in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2021, which introduces carefully selected restaurants and hotels in Tokyo. Official website: https://www.mesm.jp/
Official website: https://www.mesm.jp/
https://youtu.be/vxavXQZ6kUk
【About Autograph Collection Hotels】
Autograph Collection Hotels champions the original, celebrating the unique character of its more than 200 independent hotels in exquisite locations in more than 30 countries and territories. Each hotel embodies the passion and vision of its founders, making it unique and special—"Exactly like nothing else." Autograph Collection hotels are carefully selected for their unique architecture and commitment to design and hospitality, delivering colorful experiences that leave a lasting impression. For more information, visit www.autographhotels.com. Also, follow us on our social media channels: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where you can share your #ExactlyLikeNothingElse moments. Autograph Collection hotels participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new Marriott travel program replacing Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG). Marriott Bonvoy offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.
... We've further evolved our previous menu, creating a set menu that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the life of the painter Vermeer, as well as the lifestyles and food culture of the people of that time. The menu features eight sweets and savory dishes that capture the spirit of 17th-century Holland, the time when Vermeer lived, as well as mocktails to pair with the dishes, and a photogenic cake inspired by his masterpiece, "Girl with a Pearl Earring," all homemade. As the name "Afternoon Exhibition" suggests, you can immerse yourself in the world of Vermeer while enjoying the stunning waterfront views, just like spending an afternoon appreciating art.
Eight Sweets and Savory Dishes and Mocktails Reminiscent of Vermeer's 17th-Century Holland
Eight Sweets and Savory Dishes
The 17th-century Netherlands, the time when Johannes Vermeer, a representative painter of the Baroque period, lived, is expressed through eight sweets and savory dishes and pairing mocktails. Enjoy a moment that feels like you're traveling to the Netherlands during its so-called Golden Age.
8 Sweet & Savory DishesFrom left:
Tiger Bread Burger
This juicy homemade coarsely ground hamburger steak and cheddar cheese are sandwiched between Tiger Bread, a bread said to have originated in the Netherlands and characterized by its crispy patterned surface. Around 1632, when Vermeer was born, spices obtained through trade with other countries are said to have been in active circulation in the Netherlands following the end of the Thirty Years' War. By mixing spices such as nutmeg and black pepper into the hamburger steak, the historical context of that time is recreated.
Semolina Pudding
Semolina pudding is a beloved dessert in the Netherlands. It is made by slowly simmering semolina flour and milk, then baking it and topping it off with a berry sauce. Enjoy the exquisite balance with the cinnamon flavoring and the chewy texture that is unique to semolina.
Fruit Pie
Vermeer, who was living a stable life in his 20s and 30s, incorporated ultramarine, a pigment made from lapis lazuli, which was a luxury item not used as an art material, into his paintings. This eye-catching ultramarine color, which is also featured in his masterpiece "Girl with a Pearl Earring," is expressed using fruit pie, a refreshingly flavored jelly made from grapefruit and lychee.
Bread Pudding
This bread pudding recreates the ingredients depicted in "The Milkmaid," one of Vermeer's most famous works. The moist flavor and simple sweetness of the pain de campagne (country bread) soaked in milk evokes the eating habits of the time and the everyday lives of the people depicted in the painting.
Wine Jelly Sorbet
This dish was inspired by the painting "A Gentleman and a Woman Drinking Wine." While the alcohol content evaporates, the rich red grape flavor unique to red wine fills your mouth. Inspired by the time when well water was not yet available, wine was a popular way to stay hydrated, and this cool dessert is perfect for the upcoming season.
Speculaas Sale
In the Netherlands, these cookies are eaten on St. Nicholas's Day and Christmas. In recent years, Vermeer's early masterpiece, "Woman Reading a Letter at an Open Window," was restored, revealing the figure of Cupid with a bow and arrow in the background. This angel-shaped cookie is a nod to the restoration. These cookies, crafted with spices like cinnamon and ginger for a fragrant flavor, have a firm, crunchy texture, recreating the classic Dutch treat of the time when long-term storage was essential.
Pannekoeken
Pannekoeken, a Dutch home-cooked dish, are a slightly thick, crepe-like treat characterized by their chewy texture. Enjoy the rich flavor of Gouda cheese, a Dutch specialty, along with the crunchy texture of Dutch spinach and chicory, a long-standing favorite in the Netherlands.
Tarte Prune
This tarte prune is a recreation of a recipe from a cookbook published in the Netherlands around the 17th century. This exquisite dish features the sweet and sour taste of prunes, which are in season from summer to autumn, and a texture that fully conveys the fleshy texture, along with the gentle sweetness of the moist almond cream dough.
Pairing Mocktail: Hibiscus Tea / Apple Juice / Whey / Soda / Lemon
A non-alcoholic mocktail inspired by apples, one of the Netherlands' famous products. Based on vibrant ruby-colored hibiscus tea and apple juice, whey syrup gives the drink a soft, mellow acidity. The addition of soda and lemon makes it the perfect drink for the hot season. Garnished with dried apple, it looks just like an actual apple, making it look adorable.
Cake and mocktail inspired by "Girl with a Pearl Earring"
Cake
This cake boldly depicts the striking silhouette of "Girl with a Pearl Earring," a masterpiece by Vermeer, who is also known as the magician of light. This cake, which was well received in the second Afternoon Exhibition last year, has been upgraded to offer an even wider variety of textures and a perfect balance with the eight sweet and savory dishes.
"Girl with a Pearl Earring" is housed in the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, Netherlands, near Delft, where Vermeer lived, and is characterized by its simple composition of a girl wearing a blue turban against a jet-black background. The enigmatic expression of the girl looking back, the vivid and distinctive deep blue Turkish turban painted using ultramarine pigment known as "Vermeer blue," and the lustrous pearl earrings create a work that never fails to captivate the viewer.
【Cake Details】
The soft rose mousse has a gentle, elegant, and feminine flavor, reminiscent of the girl in the painting. The gorgeous marriage of the rose aroma and the tartness of raspberry and blueberry fills your mouth. The mascarpone outer layer has a soft and fluffy texture, creating a delicate and light flavor. The puff pastry on the bottom has a crispy texture like a mille-feuille, and is perfectly balanced with the sweet cream.
It is surrounded by white chocolate and crepes finished in Vermeer blue, inspired by the striking blue and yellow turban that stands out against the black background in the painting. Enjoy the beautiful and elegantly reproduced texture, as if you were looking at the painting itself.
[Pearl Candy]
Each pearl is handmade. When you crack open the pearl, a fragrant sauce bursts out, combining the tartness and sweetness of passion fruit and orange with the richness of butter. If you dip the accompanying crepe in the rich sauce, you can enjoy it as a French dessert, "Crêpe Suzette."
Pairing Mocktail: Elderflower / Muscat / Lemon / Soda
A mocktail inspired by elderflower cordial, a classic summer drink in Europe, including the Netherlands. Muscat juice and soda are added to homemade syrup made by steeping elderflowers in sugar water, and lemon is added to create a drink with a strong acidity. Enjoy the exquisite harmony of the sweetness of the cake and the sourness of the drink.
Afternoon Exhibition Overview
Serving period: Weekdays from Friday, July 1st to Monday, October 31st, 2022 *Limited to 15 servings per day
Serving time: From 14:00 / From 15:00
Serving location: Bar & Lounge "Whisk", 16th floor, mesm Tokyo
Price: 5,350 yen (tax and 15% service charge included)
Cancellation fee: 50% the day before / 100% on the day
Reservations: https://www.mesm.jp/restaurant/whisk.html
(Reservations must be made by 17:00 the day before)
【Bar & Lounge "Whisk"】
Based on the concept of an artist's atelier, this bar and lounge offers a variety of conceptual original mixology cocktails inspired by paintings that will stimulate the senses, as well as afternoon tea. True to the word "whisk" (=to mix), this bar and lounge blends tradition and innovation, excitement and elegance, and stillness and movement, offering an artistic and creative experience. During the day, it resembles a comfortable waterside cafe overlooking Tokyo's beautiful waterfront, and at night, it transforms into a bar and lounge where you can enjoy live music and art performances alongside the glittering night view. It's a new and exciting public space, full of excitement and playfulness. Opening hours: 11:00 - 27:00 (L.O. 26:30) *Seating capacity: 56 *Please check the official website for the latest opening hours.
Bar & Lounge "Whisk"About mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection】
Based on the concept of "TOKYO WAVES," this 265-room hotel provides guests with new inspiration through specially designed services and original content that capture the wavelength of Tokyo's ever-changing "now." The hotel opened on April 27, 2020, within the JR East Group's WATERS takeshiba complex in Takeshiba, Minato Ward. By utilizing the rich local resources, such as Tokyo's beautiful waterfront and the historic Hama-Rikyu Gardens, and the arts, such as art and music, which pleasantly captivate the senses, the hotel aims to become an icon of Tokyo's lifestyle, where urban energy and creativity intersect. Furthermore, mesm Tokyo is a member of the Autograph Collection Hotels, developed by Marriott International, and is an "Exactly like nothing else" hotel. In its first year of operation, the hotel was listed as one of "4 Pavilions" representing "Top Class Comfort" in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2021, which introduces carefully selected restaurants and hotels in Tokyo. Official website: https://www.mesm.jp/
Official website: https://www.mesm.jp/
https://youtu.be/vxavXQZ6kUk
【About Autograph Collection Hotels】
Autograph Collection Hotels champions the original, celebrating the unique character of its more than 200 independent hotels in exquisite locations in more than 30 countries and territories. Each hotel embodies the passion and vision of its founders, making it unique and special—"Exactly like nothing else." Autograph Collection hotels are carefully selected for their unique architecture and commitment to design and hospitality, delivering colorful experiences that leave a lasting impression. For more information, visit www.autographhotels.com. Also, follow us on our social media channels: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where you can share your #ExactlyLikeNothingElse moments. Autograph Collection hotels participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new Marriott travel program replacing Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG). Marriott Bonvoy offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.
