(L-R) Shubra Singh, Principal Resident Commissioner Rajasthan, Laurent Samandari, Kazem Samandari, H.E. Emmanuel Lenain, Dheeraj Srivastava, Hon. Minister Meenakshi Lekhi, Géraldine Lenain
Saxophonist Mr. Elton enchanting the guests
The Hon. Minister of State Meenakshi Lekhi and H.E. Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain of France officially inaugurated the L’Opéra Art Café at Bikaner House on 25 March 2023. The ceremony took place in the presence of over 250 invited guests who gathered for the Grand Opening Brunch under the spring sun on the premises of L’Opéra at Bikaner House. The guests included ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, high ranking officials, representatives of arts and culture, prominent businesspeople, representatives of the media, loyal customers of L’Opéra and friends of the Founding Family. The diplomatic community was present in force, with H.E. Dr. Ralf Heckner, Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Peggy Frantzen, Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Hans Jacob Frydenlund, Ambassador of Norway, H.E. David Puig, Ambassador of Dominican Republic and his wife, Eileen Puig, H.E. Teodoro Maldonado, Ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Javier Paulinich, Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Milinda Moragoda, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, H.E. Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Alberto A. Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay.H.E. Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand, Dimitri Chebaline, Second Secretary Cultural Department Embassy of Russia, H.E Alem Tsesaye Woldemariam, Ambassador of Eritrea, H. E. Diana Mickevičienė, Ambassador of Lithuania, H.E. Major General Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan, H.E. Francisco Teodoro Maldonado Guevara, Ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Hugo Javier Gobbi, Ambassador of Argentina, Béatrice Gobbi; Hyun Hee Ban, Chief, Social Policy, UNICEF India, Mrs. and Mr. Marks Deitons, First Secretary Political and Economic Affairs Embassy of Latvia, Hyun Hee Ban, Chief, Social Policy, UNICEF India, H.E. Sinisa Pavic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia and daughter, H.E. Sinisa Pavic, Ambassador of Serbia, H.E. Milinda Moragoda, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and Jennifer Moragoda, H.E. Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta, Patricia A. Lacina, Deputy Chief of Mission U.S.A, Fabio Subia, Embassy of Peru.
Girija Sinha and Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, Chief Information Commissioner of India; Christine Samandari
Alisha Bedi, Head of Operations L’Opéra; Prabjeet Bedi, Catch Water
Kazem Samandari, Vrinda Grover, Lawyer and Human Rights Activist; Christine Samandari
“L’Opéra is delighted by this latest addition to its collection of French Cafés and Patisseries in the city” said Laurent Samandari, Co-Founder of L’Opéra. “Located in an oasis right in the hustle of Delhi, at the hub of culture, this newest outlet is one of the well-guarded secrets at the iconic Bikaner House with a most stunning view” he continued.
Gita Ranjan; H.E Peggy Frantzen, Ambassador of Luxembourg; Christine Samandari
Shreya Swarup, L’Opéra; Rupa Baiga, Granddaughter of Jodhaiya Bai Baiga; Nimish Swami; Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, Padma Shri Awardee 2023 for Tribal Art; Christine Samandari, Co-Founder L’Opéra
Mrs. and Mr. Marks Deitons, First Secretary Political and Economic Affairs Embassy of Latvia
Overseeing the lush green gardens and the French vibe which L’Opéra has always been known to spread, this Salon de Thé is the perfect spot for any purpose ranging from a lavish business or leisure breakfast to a full authentic menu of French dishes or just for a tea or coffee, or an evening get together with loved ones.
Jérôme Puech, Director Dassault Aviation; Christine Samandari
H.E. Sinisa Pavic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia and daughter; Kazem Samandari; Christine Samandari; Sangeeta Verma; Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) Ministry of External Affairs
“Staying true to its name, The Art Café is designed with French aesthetics and beauty” added Kazem Samandari, Executive Chairman of L’Opéra, and added “on its walls are magnificent pieces of art which instantly draw on to the Café”.
Accompanied by a generous menu consisting of Soups – including the world-famous French Onion Soup – French classics such as Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame, Salads, Quiches, Crêpes, savoury Mediterranean meals such as Risotto, Pasta, and Pizza just to name a few, along with its exclusive menu of drinks and desserts, this place is definitely a must visit for all Delhiites and visitors.
Zahir Khan, Program Coordinator Bikaner House; Piyali Das Gupta, Program Director Bikaner House; H.E. Sinisa Pavic, Ambassador of Serbia; Shubra Singh, Principal Resident Commissioner Rajasthan; Christine Samandari, Chef Amit Kumar, Culinary Chef at L’Opéra.
H.E. Milinda Moragoda, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka; Jennifer Moragoda; Kazem Samandari
About the Company
L’Opéra, an authentic Pastry & Bakery house, Salon de Thé and Café Restaurant, specialising in French products in India since its inception, has always stood for quality and excellence.
Kazem Samandari, Minister Meenakshi Lekhi, Neelima Agrawal
Patricia A. Lacina, Deputy Chief of Mission U.S.A; Kazem Samandari
Christine Samandari welcoming H.E. Major General Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan
L’Opéra is the brainchild of Frenchman Laurent Samandari, who envisioned the demand for authentic, high-quality French bakery & pastry products while on an internship in India. Later, Laurent’s parents, Kazem & Christine Samandari also joined him to help make his vision a reality. The family is actively involved in running the business & maintaining the high standards of service and excellence that it has set for itself.
Group Picture of L’Opéra staff
Each of the offerings, from cakes and pastries to breads, quiches and croissants, adhere to the strictest standards of perfection and elegance using high quality products. From the quaint little Macarons to L’Opéra’s majestic Galette des Rois and its Mille Feuille, there is hardly a French delicacy that you can give a miss at L’Opéra. Inspired by the quintessential French ‘Salon de Thé’, L’Opéra remains a trendsetter in the Indian market for high-end culinary offerings.
