 |
Time For Tea
Afternoon tea raises a cup to tradition
|
By Veronica Boodhan |
Whether it’s hot or iced, green,
black or herbal, tea has been a favourite beverage for many. With its worldly origins, it has become a
beloved beverage, allowing people to select a tea based on their mood or preference.
The increasing popularity of tea
has sparked the trend of afternoon tea, a service that uses the drink as the focal point in one’s dining
experience. Paying tribute to tea’s historical tradition, afternoon tea provides guests with a regal
experience that is reminiscent of the Victorian era.
Originating in the 1800s,
afternoon tea was created by Anna Maria Stanhope, the Duchess of Bedford. The duchess would often complain of
hunger pains in the late afternoon, and would sneak some bread with a pot of tea to satisfy her hunger until
dinnertime. Inspired by the European tea service, she began to invite her friends for an afternoon meal of
tea, small sandwiches and sweet desserts. As the event became more popular, she turned it into a more social
event — a tradition that has carried on and inspired different afternoon tea services around the
world.
Served with a combination
platter of sweet and savoury foods, the tea is often enjoyed with small sandwiches and pastries, such as
scones, muffins or croissants. The sweet foods are served with jam or Devonshire cream, a thick cream
condiment that adds decadence to the foods and enhances their flavour. The cream is named after the
Devonshire region in southwestern England, further paying tribute to the English origin of afternoon
tea.
For guests looking to experience
the traditional tea service first-hand, afternoon tea in North America is an emerging trend. In Canada, the
tea service is offered by various luxury hotels and restaurants, and often adheres to the royal tradition,
adding elegance, class and a sense of formality to provide guests with a decadent dining
experience.
However, The Fairmont Algonquin
in St. Andrews, N.B., prides itself on treating its guests to a relaxed style of afternoon tea. In what they
refer to as “resort casual,” the hotel has put a Maritime spin on the tradition. The more casual environment
is a result of the fusion of the traditional Old World charm of afternoon tea with the hotel’s modern
luxuries.
Offered in the hotel since 1889,
afternoon tea is served throughout the year to provide its guests with a relaxing escape from their daily
routines. “It’s a different style of relaxation… a very quaint and quiet little place,” says Ryan Dunne,
director of food and beverage at The Fairmont Algonquin. “It’s a neat place to get away from the hustle and
bustle and stress of the city, and just relax and rejuvenate, kick back and get some
rest.”
The Grand Algonquin Tea is
served on the hotel’s Front Veranda, as well as in the dining room of the hotel’s Library Lounge and
Bistro.
“It’s been served here for so
long… It’s a very classic type of service,” says Dunne. “It’s such a tradition. It’s pretty neat when you
come here… to step into hotels that were built 100 years ago, sit in a dining room that was there 100 years
ago, and be part of something that is [still] being done today… There is a very nostalgic feel to
that.”
Although the tradition of
afternoon tea has carried on at the hotel, The Fairmont Algonquin’s menu has changed throughout the years. In
a modern twist, the hotel strives to provide its guests with local ingredients on the afternoon tea menu. The
tea service begins with the serving of port-marinated peaches with whipped cream. The three-tier course
includes fresh baked scones served with clotted cream, the hotel’s homemade New Brunswick Blueberry Preserve
and assorted jams. The finger sandwiches contain Maritime lobster and salmon, as well as cucumber with mini
yogurt, and prosciutto and asparagus. An assortment of freshly baked desserts concludes the tea
service.
As for the selection of teas,
the hotel provides fruity, herbal teas such as Berry Berry Herb and Fruit Tea, described as “full-flavoured
with deep berry notes,” and Kyoto Cherry Rose Green Tea, through which “sweet cherry and morning rose flavour
meander.” Traditional favourites include The Fairmont Breakfast, Earl Grey or Empress Blend, which is “malty
and full-bodied with hints of floral flavour and a touch of oakiness.”
To have, as Dunne says, “a
little bit of an even more relaxing afternoon,” he suggests the option of upgrading the tea to either Grand
Marnier & Amaretto with Earl Grey tea, or a glass of champagne that is finished with a delectable serving
of chocolate truffles.
For a more children-friendly tea
service, The Fairmont Algonquin offers the “Mad Hatter Tea Party” to provide younger guests with a menu that
is catered to children. The Alice in Wonderland-themed menu includes the “Drink This” Potion, a choice of
iced tea, juice, milk or hot chocolate. Alice’s Fruit Cups are mixed berries served with melon. The White
Rabbit’s Happy Sandwiches provide three types of miniature sandwiches, including peanut butter and jelly,
cheddar cheese and sliced ham. For the dessert course, The Queen of Heart’s Tarts include fresh berry tarts,
chocolate mini cream puffs and shortbread wafers.
Unlike some of the other
afternoon tea services offered across Canada, The Fairmont Algonquin does not have a dress code for its
guests, making it a more casual environment to enjoy the tea.
“Resort people come here for
rest and vacation, and they can experience the same type of service and same quality of tea and food that you
would get at any other Fairmont across the country. It’s a different sort of casual,” explains
Dunne.
With its rich history and
trademark elegance, afternoon tea is a tradition worth experiencing.
For more information on
afternoon tea rooms across Canada, visit lifestylemagazine.ca
Do-It-Yourself
Tea
Making tea a made-for-me
experience
Planning afternoon tea in the
comfort of your own home can be easier than you think. Depending on how formal the event is, it can be a
great way to invite guests over for a cup of tea in a fun and social environment.
To help prepare an afternoon tea
that is sure to be a hit with guests, Ryan Dunne, food and beverage director at The Fairmont Algonquin, says
emulating the hotel’s tea service is all about the menu.
To make the serving of the
beverage an easy and entertaining event, he suggests offering a variety of different types of tea — fruity,
herbal, antioxidant, traditional and decaffeinated teas.
Although the food can be a
little more complex, Dunne says freshness is first priority when it comes to offering guests a selection of
pastries and soft sandwiches. Presentation is key, so he suggests using a three-tier tea tower to display the
delectable treats.
Creating the right atmosphere
for afternoon tea is crucial, to provide guests with a fun and memorable tea experience. The setting for the
tea includes using fine china, shiny cutlery and linen table settings.
“It’s about creating that
experience of elegance in your home,” says Dunne.
Designating a theme, such as a
Garden Tea Party, can be perfect for the spring and summer, as on warmer days the soiree can be held outside
on a patio, with a nearby garden. Floral-designed plates and teacups can accompany this theme, along with a
dress code such as floral prints and bright colours, or even white-only clothing, to allow the splash of
colours of the floral decor to take over.
For a gender-neutral occasion, a
theme that centres around the tea regions of the world can be a fun way to make the event a social one.
People can try samples from different regions and, perhaps, play a guessing game. You may have a few tea
connoisseurs on your hands!
A chic alternative to going to
the local coffee or tea shop, afternoon tea is a trendy dining experience that can make tea even more
enjoyable for everyone. •
Photos Courtesy The Fairmont Algonquin
|
|
© 2012 Web Impact Inc., All Rights Reserved