It may sound girly and a little cutesy, but we’re really digging some of the city’s latest afternoon teas. More than just a pick me-up when blood sugar levels drop, tea is the perfect way to try high end joints—Alkaff Mansion, Pollen and Salt grill have just launched some worthwhile new tea sets—on a budget.
Alkaff Mansion’s Afternoon Tea (Saturday 11:30am-3:30pm; $40) is the most filling of the lot and starts with a hot plate of pasta made ala minute, followed by a tiered tea tray and a dessert buffet (with a hot crepe station).
Pollen’s Afternoon Tea (Saturday and Sunday 2:30-5:30pm; $38) at their bistro, offers a great view of the Flower Dome. It’s a pretty setup (except for the photo-happy tourists who have no qualms about snapping shots of diners). And besides some well-made tea sandwiches, pastries and Gryphon tea, you also get entry to the Flower Dome. You won’t find a better value meal at the joint were dinner mains cost $70 on average.
One of our few gripes about tea is that the menu usually skews more savory than sweet. So, Salt grill’s new Afternoon Platter (daily 2-6pm; $40 for two) sounds real appealing. You get to pick four items from an abbreviated tapas selection including natural oysters, saucisson, prawn toast, and lemon tart.
