[invite] Bianca: We get pretty excitable over Christmas here at FFS, particularly Alex who gets rather swept up in the whole festive spirit. Our tree went up in early November and Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Wrapped in Red’ started making rotations in September. And for those that have never listened to it…shame on you!
Once we got wind of Shangri-la’s – Festive High Tea and with pastry chef extraordinaire Anna Polyviou helming the pastry kitchen, we knew we were in for a treat. From now till the 31st of December $55pp gets you the high tea experience but we say splurge and go the champagne option at $75pp, it is the holidays after all.
It’s always difficult to bypass the sweeties and start with the savouries. We are our mother’s children after all. Sugar courses through our veins! Starting with the finger sandwiches, our stand-outs were the Tomato/caramelised onion tart and Mini turkey rolls. We did find the prawn rolls on the bready side, with the proportions being a little off.
It was in this time that we had a quick location change, up to the Horizon Club, where we could overlook Sydney Harbour (Note: this isn’t available to the public). In the time we took the elevator up our High Tea stand had been replenished with more sandwiches and scones.
I am a sucker for scones and the Vanilla buttermilk scones were particularly good. My only gripe would be that one just wasn’t enough. We may be a little uncouth here but what is the correct procedure? Cream or jam first? Fruit Mince Pies encapsulate Christmas and these are good-uns.
And now down to business. The cakes! Hands down our absolute favourite were the Santa’s Hats – mixed berry cremeau, berry compote, sable biscuit. With the varying textures providing interest with each bite. The Summer Trifle will make the fruit mad crowd happy, with tropical jelly, coconut crème and popping mango. Perfect for our summer Christmas.
Probably the most photogenic aspect of the Festive High Tea is the ‘Christmas Presents under the Tree’. Tricked up Gingerbread Ninjas in true Anna P style and petit four chocolates, jelly and nougat. Make sure you save space for the caramel chocolate and the nougat. You can thank us later!
You only have a limited amount of time to experience the High Tea, so get in quick.
Bianca
Photos by Alex
*For Food’s Sake dined as guests of Shangri-la.
Haha I’ve never heard that song but All I Want For Christmas is definitely in high rotation here!