I Don't Eat, I Devour

Afternoon tea is a Mother's Day tradition in my family. Over the years, I have taken my mum to most of the afternoon tea purveyors in Sydney, and Mode Kitchen at the Four Seasons stands out for its beautiful, romantic atmosphere.  Situated on the second floor complete with a harpist and directly across a wall of beautiful ceramic ware, the afternoon tea set up is at once private (because you're not looking directly at any other table) yet on display (comme Marie Antoinette) because you are seated right above the hotel foyer.  The tea selection is small, but curated; and ceremoniously brought to the table for selection. The purveyor is Jing Tea. I highly recommend the Flowering Osmanthus, which is a green tea with osmanthus flower, giving the tea a subtle yet warm sweetness.  Unlike most afternoon teas, the savoury layer is in the middle tier, rather than the bottom tier. From left to right, we have a lemon stracciatella and broccolini vol au vent with caviar (at an additi...

Frankly, I don't know how an afternoon tea could be simply a between-meal filler, ever. Every time I go to afternoon tea, I almost roll out, groaning with fullness. A little bit here, a little nibble there, add up very quickly. That's part of the charm of an afternoon tea: enjoying morsels of different texture, flavour profiles, all packaged up in dainty, almost-too-pretty-to-eat packages.  As delightful as afternoon teas generally are, it is not often the case that every single component of an afternoon tea is exquisitely executed. The Langham's afternoon tea manages exactly that: every component of this Christmas themed afternoon tea is beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious.  From front to back, let's start with the chicken and leek pie topped with onion jam. Served still slightly warm (though it would be just as delicious stone-cold), this is one of the best pies I have had, tiny as it is. The onion jam is on the sweet side, which rather perfectly balances ...

Everyone who has Instagram in Sydney has taken some happy or sultry snaps at the Grounds of Alexandria, a place so pictureque a filter is hardly required. The CBD venue is like a more mature, worldly sister reminiscent of the softly-glamorous bistros of the gilded age. When I found out it serves an afternoon tea, I had to go with some girlfriends - after all, is there a better way to wile away an afternoon with the family we each chose for ourselves? The afternoon tea at the Grounds of the City is an affordable version of the traditional afternoon tea, coming in at $35 per person with tea or coffee, and an additional $5 if you'd like to add a glass of sparkling wine. I am not a sparkling wine drinker, but I thought you'd like to know there is the option of gently boozing the occasion up. I have reviewed a few other afternoon tea (or "high" tea  - though the history nerd in me can't resist pointing out that "high tea" is not the correct terminology)...

Cafe Cre Asian is hidden in an unassuming little lane way right next door to the hole-in-the-wall Berta, which is one of my favourite restaurants of all time (check out my review here ). Cre Asian is joining its esteemed neighbour among the rank of my favourite places in Sydney to satiate my love of fine food. Although it truly is tiny - not much bigger than what is shown in this picture - the quality and variety of food coming out of this kitchen is amazing. The most famous item on Cre Asian's menu is its matcha latte, which comes in an artisanal-looking bowl with a generous serving. This is hands down the best matcha latte I have ever had. When you first drink it, it is quite sweet - but the high quality matcha flavour chases up quickly and leaves a distinctive bitterness behind that is oh-so-satisfying. I think this has ruined all other matcha lattes for me - in comparison, the others just taste too milky, too watery, and generally of low quality. Matcha latte, $5 ...

Afternoon tea for Mother's Day has become a proud tradition for mama and me - I have vowed to take her to every reputable afternoon tea establishment in Sydney. Afternoon tea (or 'low tea', not 'high tea', contrary to common usage)  was meant as a means of filling the stomach and allowing aristocratic ladies to wile away the hours between luncheon and dinner (thank you, Duchess of Bedford). However, I suggest going on an empty stomach - the bite sized morsels add up to become quite filling! Sir Stamford at Circular Quay boasts 'the best afternoon tea in Sydney' (mere puffery, I think - however it is admittedly excellent). Despite the location of the hotel, tea is served in The Bar, which does not afford a view of the Habour. The interior, however, is very luxurious and intimate - dark colours, fire place, wall paper. The Elegant High Tea is served with a glass of champagne, a selection of tea or coffee, and the three-tiered selection of savoury items, ...