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Michelin-starred pastry chef creates desserts for Royal Opera House

Claire Clark's delicious desserts and Afternoon Tea are part of tempting new dining options.

By Lottie Butler (Assistant Content Producer)

6 August 2012 at 1.12pm | Comment on this article

From heart-shaped Pavlovas with white chocolate and vodka mousse, to Sugar Plum Fairy Afternoon Tea, an exciting selection of desserts and cakes are coming to the Royal Opera House.

In September, Royal Opera House Restaurants will launch a tantalising range of menus that include desserts specially created for the Royal Opera House Restaurants by Claire Clark MBE.

Claire, who originally wanted to pursue a career in music, is now considered one of the top three pastry chefs in the world. Firmly established in the vanguard of patisserie, she has worked in some of the world’s best restaurants, including the Claridges Hotel in Mayfair (where she became the only female recipient of the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de la Grand-Bretagne), and The Wolseley in Piccadilly, one of London’s hottest venues.

In 2005 she moved to California to take up the position as head pastry chef at the three-Michelin-star The French Laundry where, working alongside culinary legend Thomas Keller, she experimented with new ingredients and flavours.

Claire’s first book, 100 Perfect Desserts, was voted the Best Dessert Book in the 2007 World Gourmand Awards. Read some of her recipes here.

The desserts she has created for Royal Opera House Restaurants include mini-Pavlovas, served at matinee performances of Swan Lake in the Swan Lake Afternoon Tea, and a selection of Christmas treats.

There are a wide range of menus, which, created to complement each production on stage, will suit all tastes and budgets.  Find out more about the new dining options.

  • Passionfruit and yoghurt mousee in the Balconies Restaurant © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • White Swan champagne cocktails and Black Swan Bellinis © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • Smoked Salmon belinis served as part of a Russian-inspired menu © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • Wine and tapas selection © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • One of the dishes served to complement The Ring Cycle © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • A heart-shaped Pavlova with chocolate and vodka mousse served to complement L'elisir d'amore © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • Lobster served in the private dining rooms © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • A Nutcracker Christmas Lunch and Sugar Plum Fairy Afternoon Tea © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • A pizzette served in the Amphitheatre Restaurant © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • A Swan Lake dessert © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • Light bites in the Amphitheatre Bar © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • Christmas pudding with eggnog © La Vittone/ROH 2012
  • Smoked salmon sandwiches © La Vittone/ROH 2012
  • Lentil and goats cheese salad © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • Mulled wine and mince pies © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012
  • Salmon salad © Lia Vittone/ROH 2012

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