My nan and I love afternoon tea. In any situation, if there is tea and scones on offer, we are there at the drop of a hat. There is something about getting dressed up in pretty sundresses and drinking coconut oolong out of fine china, while a dapper young gentleman in coat and tails serves you plate after plate of miniature treats with silver ornate servingware.
Oh and not to mention the grand pianist, heavy wooden velvet armchairs, and distinct air of class sitting in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton.
We love afternoon tea, and for my nan’s 70th birthday my mum and I took her to the Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix to celebrate.
We picked a number of different teas from the large tea menu – the host and tea sommelier, Jeffrey, had his own special tea blends, some of which were used as infusions in the delicious morsel sized treats on offer. I chose coconut oolong, Nan chose chocolate chai, and mum the delicate pink Plum Berry.
First up came a large tray of savouries. There was cheddar mousse tarts infused with peach blossom tea, peach chutney and candied pecan; inverted cucumber sandwiches with jasmine green tea cream cheese; poached shrimp on lemongrass black tea cornbread; tangerine chicken salad on marble rye; and puff pastries filled with peanut butter and Plum Berry white tea gelee.
Next up were tea scented scones, raspberry jam, Devonshire Cream and lemon curd, all served in flower shaped chocolate cups. Afterwards was the sweets stand. We almost made our way through this one as well, but couldn’t quite do it. I think I ate all but a half of one – I shouldn’t have gone for seconds on the savouries.
The stand held blueberry rooibos cheesecakes on sponge; French macarons with cardamom and mint infused chocolate ganache; black current shortbreads with Yuletide black tea infused Bavarian cream; summer Provence pistachio opera cakes with apricot mousse and notes of blueberry, hibiscus and lavender; and chocolate chai flourless tortes.
We sat there all afternoon chatting, sipping and daintily nibbling. We decided we could see ourselves as ladies of leisure, dining at the Ritz for afternoon tea on a weekly basis. That sounds good to me!