A week after arriving from my European Tour, I met my good friend at the fountain outside the National Gallery of Victoria. It was a sunny and pleasant Sunday afternoon. I was still feeling jet-lagged, trying to transition back into the time-zone, while my friend was hung-over from a trashy late night. So we were both feeling ‘lazy Sunday-afternoon-ish’ which was perfect.

After basking in some of the sun’s rays, we took to the Gallery, as we were early for the Afternoon Tea. A very worthwhile exhibit featuring fans and levitating VHS cassette tape captured our attention for a decent span of time. We also saw some very interesting and colourful costumes by Viktor & Rolf, and casually strolled through the open spaces, appreciating as best as possible the classics by Rembrandt and Steen, and a favourite of mine: Little Red Riding Hood by Gustav Dore’. Despite such headliner acts our minds we focused on the tea, and 3pm couldn’t have come soon enough.

We took the escalators up to the Tea Room on Level 1 of the Gallery. It was a packed house and there was a hustle ‘n bustle busy café vibe going on. The décor was dark and modern with a classis twist, largely due to the gold-framed mirrors, which were the backdrop of our seats; two very comfortable black leather bucket seats.

Our host briefed us on the Afternoon Tea, and informed us that we could choose one blend from their impressive selection including Assam, Keemun, Melbourne Breakfast, and Pai Mu Tan. Tea would be accompanied by a three-tiered stand consisting of sandwiches, scones, and treats, all chosen from the ones on display at the counter.

The service was swift, which is always nice, although I felt it was a little too café-like for an afternoon tea. I opted for the Earl Grey blend, which compared to other Earl Greys was very strong. My friend went for the Genmaicha blend, which he described as “roasted rice loveliness”. He had initially chosen the Ti Kuan Yin blend (Iron Budda) however we were informed that it wasn’t available, which was a little disappointing, especially as it reminds him of his time in China.

The teas were served in standard café-like white and clear teapots and mugs. Though I quite liked the silver-like touch on the sugar bowl.

The three-tiered stand made its grand entrance and I instantly noticed and eyed off the bright, hot pink macaroon. It tasted just as a macaroon should, and my friend was also rather impressed with his delectable chocolate one. They were dusted with a hint of icing sugar, giving them a nice touch.

An interesting treat was the bite-sized marshmallow cake, and not being a fan of  marshmallows, off they went to my friend. The other item I passed on was the green Marzipan treat. I guess I’m not very keen of soft and gooey things! The mini vanilla cup cakes topped with a dollop of chocolate icing and a piece of chocolate were the pick of the bunch, delicious! And the mini cake tarts, which were topped with a nice syrupy glazing, were another favourite of mine.

On to tier no. 2: the scones. They were served with double cream and jam, and sprinkled with flour, a nice homemade look. I do like my scones rather petite-ish as they can be quite filling. These scones were quite large, although they were fluffy and still warm when we got to them, which compensated for their size. They also had the right amount of crispiness on the outside.

For the sandwiches I requested the vegetarian option, which was catered for adequately, particularly given we hadn’t requested it at the time of booking. The sandwiches consisted of cream cheese, and egg and mayonnaise ones. As part of the vegetarian option there were also mushroom and spinach mini quiches, which were very yummy. The non-vegetarian option included a salmon sandwich, a chicken and cucumber sandwich, and chicken ricotta mini-pastry rolls. The sandwiches were a combination of white and rye bread, and had a stale texture to them. I do love my sandwiches rather fresh, soft, and fluffy so they weren’t great. My friend on the other hand didn’t mind the sandwiches this way.

The National Gallery of Victoria’s Afternoon Tea rates 3 tea cups out of a possible 5. The service was good, the atmosphere is not really my cup of tea, and the sandwiches were a little disappointing. As a guest reviewer for Funk tea Time, my friend says “there were too many sweets and not enough sandwiches”. I tend to agree with my friend, though it’s still worth the visit.

The Tea Room at the Gallery serves up Afternoon Tea for $35 per person, and Sparkling Afternoon Tea, (which includes a glass of Sparkling Brut) at $45 per person. They also serve up Devonshire Tea for $15.50 per person, and they do packages consisting of Afternoon Tea and current exhibitions, if you fancy a package deal. The Tea Room is essentially a café where you can duck into for a coffee, cake, savoury snacks a glass of wine, and sandwiches.

Visit their website: http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/visit/places-to-eat/the-tea-room

Booking by email was very prompt!

Happy National Gallery of Victoria Afternoon Tea!

Nadalisa Tea-ser xx

National Gallery of Victoria Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea homecoming....you can never have too many Afternoon Teas! A week after arriving from my European Tour, I met my good friend at the fountain outside the National Gallery of Victoria. It was a sunny and pleasant Sunday afternoon. I was still feeling... Read more

Afternoon Tea at The Regent Hotel Berlin

What’s a Tea Lady to do while she’s on an Afternoon Tea tour of Europe? She lets that fine young gentleman know she’s in town, and accepts an invitation for a ‘Reunion Afternoon Tea’ and a tour of Berlin. How dainty…and cultural! Berlin in the... Read more

Feeling High from High Tea at The Chateau Yering

Funky Tea Time steps back in time to enjoy a high tea in the period splendour that is The Chateau Yering. So put on your vintage hat and fancy gloves for an afternoon of tantalising treats, prepared by the Chateau's Executive Chef Mathew Macartney and his team of pastry chefs.... Read more

Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Windsor

One of Melbourne’s premier Afternoon Tea destinations is The Hotel Windsor, where they serve up one of the daintiest tea-times in the world. Funky Tea Time checked it out on a rainy Wednesday afternoon and was taken by the scent of the fresh-out-of-the-oven... Read more

Afternoon Tea at the Amstel Intercontinental Hotel Amsterdam

What’s a girl to do when she is invited by a fine young gentleman to an afternoon of high tea and high society at one of the world’s most prestigious hotels? She accepts and puts on her best tea party dress! It was a cold winter’s afternoon and the snow was falling in Amsterdam... Read more

Key criteria include stickiness, distribution of the fruit, dough texture, amount of fruit, and spice content.

Be sure to check in with us regularly, as we’ll be adding reviews over the coming days. We’ll also be scoring the buns out of ten. The time starts now, hoppity-hop-hop-hop we go!

(1) Whisk & Grind, Beaumaris

If you’re a fan of currants and raisins then this bun is for you. The generous amount of fruit, combined with the perfect mix of spices made them a hit. They also had the right amount of stickiness, and the size was ideal. The smell of the spices was very alluring, and visually they looked moist and fluffy, which they were. A great choice, although I do like my hot cross buns vibrant-looking , and this one lacked the vibrancy criteria. Mel thought the thickness of the cross gave it a nice rustic appeal, and Amanda made it clear that she wouldn’t say no to another one!

These buns cost $2.00 each, and we hear from Mel that this place also makes a great jam doughnut – which she keeps promising us. Bring them on! Overall we scored this bun a 7 out of 10. Whisk & Grind is at 16 Keys Street Beaumaris, and can be contacted on 9589 6711

(2) Irma’s Delicious Delights, Glen Iris

For those who think plenty of spice is nice, then you will enjoy this bun. The concoction of nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices instantaneously hits one’s olfactory nodes, without being over-bearing on one’s taste buds. The fruit content was also generous, and distributed evenly throughout.

The texture of the dough was just right, and it ranked highly in the ‘stickiness stakes’. Mel thought the cross could have been a little thicker, and I liked the deeper colour and glazing on this bun.

The size of the bun was slightly bigger than I like, however at $1.15 each they’re good value. We scored this bun a 7 out of 10. Irma’s Delicious Delights are at 143 Burke Road, Glen Iris. Phone 9576 0717

(3) Hootsen’s Bakery, Malvern

Not only is this bun aesthetically pleasing and boasting lots of rustic appeal, it is also tastefully pleasing. Even though the buns were awaiting our consumption for hours due to other deadlines, they were still fresh at 6:00 on a Friday evening. The mixture of raisins and currants left a melt-in-my-mouth feeling, and the softness of the dough did not leave me feeling too full.

Whilst there was no prominent spice scent, the spice content, particularly cinnamon, was very evident upon first bite. The buns are a good size and the cross was proportionate, which we think is very important. The only thing I would have liked more of, is stickiness. They’re a colourful and delicious feature on the table for Good Friday, and certainly worth the trip if you’re not local to Malvern.

These buns cost $2.75 each, and we have scored Hootsen’s a 9 out of 10. Hootsen’s Bakery is at 179 Glenferrie Road Malvern. Phone 9509 1418

(4)  Bakery Lievito

This bun is packed with fruit aplenty without being over the top, due to the even distribution. The combination of aromatic spices and fruit gave it a very rich flavour, with some of our judges saying it was the tastiest bun of all. It was fresh, and very soft, and fluffy on the inside. A very rustic-looking bun with an adequately thick cross, although Amanda thought it could have done with a little more of the ‘sticky icky’ factor. Topped with butter, it left us feeling full, almost to the point that lunch was not necessary!

This bun cost $2.00 and scored a very delicious 9.5 out of 10. Bakery Lievito is a wholesale bakery and their products are stocked in a select number of cafes in Melbourne. For stockists go to bakerylievito.com

We got ours from Prospect Espresso 2a Prospect Hill Road Camberwell. Phone 9882 7359 

Happy Hot Cross Bun-ing!

Nadalisa Tea-ser (and Hot Cross Bun tasting crew)

xx

More Articles on Afternoon Tea Treats

Hot Cross Bun-a-thon

With Easter fast approaching, one thing's for sure: it's time to do a Hot Cross Bun-a-thon! Think of a marathon, except that there is no running involved. Instead there are a heap of hot cross buns to be devoured, and reviewed, especially for you. So my colleagues Mel, Amanda, Jen,... Read more

Appeltaart (Dutch for Apple Pie)

Another friend of Funky Tea Time shares with us an Afternoon Tea treat too good to pass! We feel very fortunate to be let in on this great simple home-made Appeltaart recipe, passed down from generations.  Read more

Zoe's Cherry Slice

Friend of Funky Tea Time, Zoe Newnan shares her scrumpt-di-di-liscious Cherry Slice recipe. In the legendary Cherry Slice maker's words, this recipe is "Simple simple and YUM". Cheers Zoe! You will require: Baking tin 250g Plain biscuits crushed 1 cup chopped... Read more

Funky Lamingtons for Australia Day

Forget spending aaaa-ges in the kitchen baking and dressing that good ol’ Aussie favourite; the lamington. Your time is best spent doing the more important things: having the traditional BBQ with plenty of snags, catching up with Dazza and Kazza, and of course with that drink…or... Read more

Berlin in the winter-time

Picture a grey, overcast, cold, and rainy day in Berlin. Now imagine walking around the city to all the historical sites, monuments and attractions, only having to stop every half hour or so for a hot chocolate, because your fingers are snap frozen, and your nose is as red as Rudolf’s.

After slurping yet another hot chocolate and having seen enough of the city, we made our way to the Regent Hotel Concierge. We arrived cold and shivery and much in need of a good cuppa.

A very dedicated ‘Tea Master’

The service was very friendly from the word go, particularly having just walked in off the street. Our host Roland Proh was as proud as punch of his Afternoon Tea, and had the exclusive title of ‘Tea Master’.  He led us through the large spacious foyer with marble floors and walls. The moment I entered the dedicated tea lounge I noticed the much-needed and cosily lit fireplace, which was decked out beautifully in Christmas decorations, and the grand piano in the corner. An elaborate chandelier lit up the intimate and small room, and was complimented with little lamps spread out along the walls and candles on each of the tables. Gold-framed paintings and mirrors also added to the charm of the room.

A choice of seating arrangements

What I really liked about the hotel’s tea lounge was that it was very small in comparison to other hotels I have visited. And despite this, it offered multiple seating arrangement options. There were a couple of table with chairs options, a small lounge area with its own couches and arm chairs, and a set of two cushioned arm chairs directly in front of the fireplace. We were offered the couches, conveniently located to the right of a very impressive tea collection – pole (tea) position.

So many teas, choose wisely!

Despite the number of teas on offer, aspart of the ‘Regent Afternoon Tea’ we were only able to choose from one tea blend each. I went for the Splendid Earl Grey, which has put me in the mood for this blend weeks after having the tea here. The fine young gentleman opted for the Wintermarchen blend, a winter fruit tea, and a mixture of apple pieces, rosehip, hibiscus, cinnamon and cloves, rounded off with fine vanilla and cinnamon flavour.

Our teas were served promptly, in shiny silverware, and on our serving plates we had a yummy chocolate bon bon, which we devoured instantaneously, and just as the three-tiered stand arrived.

The three-tiered stand makes its grand, yet petite entrance!

The stand consisted of bite-sized sandwiches; salmon, egg, ham, and cucumber. They were very fresh and literally bite-sized – which was ideal, as we were really after a petite-ish bite before we hit Kreuzberg for dinner that evening. The sandwiches were decorated with a salad arrangement, which added a nice and fresh touch. The sweets tier was not over-done and also consisted of bite-sized portions. There were mini raspberry tarts, generously topped with fresh raspberries, a hint of icing sugar, and small traces of pistachio shavings – perfection! The disproportionately-cut  fruit cake slices were moist and very airy, yum-o!

We shared the two truffles, one white chocolate, and one milk chocolate, which again, was a nice serving size, and had a ‘melt in your mouth’ texture. And the piece of Turkish Delight, I am told by the fine young gentleman was delish – I am not a Turkish Delight eater-ess. As with the sandwiches, the sweets were garnished with a bright violet coloured flower. I really like the detail here.

Finally, at the top of the stand were the scones, all of which contained raisins and were drizzled with a sprinkling of flour. They came with clotted cream, and a nice strawberry jam. I like me a good jam, though sometimes this can be overlooked. The clotted cream also had a few green leaves sprouting out of it. While the scones were fluffy and still moist upon peeling them open, they were quite large in comparison to the sandwiches and treats. There was one scone that was bite-sized, if they were all that size, and consistent with the rest of the items, it would have been perfect!

Although our Tea Master initially ushered us to the Tea Lounge, and took our requests, we were then taken care of by someone who appeared to be his Junior Master in training. Junior also looked like he enjoyed doing the tea thing. He checked in with us every now and then, and topped up our teacups.

Drum-roll!…Tea-cup rating 

The Regent Hotel’s Afternoon Tea easily scores 5 tea cups, out of a possible 5. I was very impressed with the service, the décor, and the tea itself was something I have perhaps been searching for: petite, bite-sized, and not over the top. This was one of my favourite Afternoon Teas in the world.

Afternoon Tea at The Regent Hotel is served daily from 2pm until 6pm and they have a few packages to choose from, including the ‘Regent Afternoon Tea’, which is 31 euros, and the Sächsischer Hof Tea, which includes a glass of champagne and costs 41 euros.

Visit their website: http://www.fischersfritzberlin.com/115.0.html?&L=1

Next time I’m in town, I’ll definitely check out their ‘Art & Tea’ package, which includes a visit to a current exhibition followed by Afternoon Tea. A Tea Lady needs an excuse to come back to see the fine young gentleman you know. Really, it’s about the tea!

Happy Regent Hotel Berlin Afternoon Tea!

Nadalissa Tea-ser xx

Gertrude & Alice is a quaint, cosy bookstore cafe located in Bondi, and is one of those places you could easily feel comfortable and at home in.

A Funky Tea Time favourite from years ago, the inspiration behind the bookstore cafe’s name is precisely Gertrude Stein, and Alice B. Toklas; publishers, writers, and art collectors dating back to the early 1900′s.

This is an intimate space filled with wall-to-wall books, aged wooden tables and stools, including a communal table. My favourite is the antique velvet couch with a gold-framed mirror above it, and set against a rough brick wall and numerous wall hangings.

The first thing I do upon entering this place is check that the couch is vacant, then comes the pot of tea and getting lost in a book. An equally nice visit to Gertrude and Alice’s is kicking back with some friends on a lazy Sunday arvo for lunch and some red vino, in a room full of books. The cafe serves up some delectable delights such as brownies, and croissants, as well as lunch and dinner. They also have a great selection of Chamellia Organic teas, and be sure to give Alice’s famous Chai a try. Chai Gift Packs are also available to take away, bliss!

Tea cup rating (out of a possible 5):

Gertrude & Alice
46 Hall Street
Bondi Beach Sydney Australia
gertrudeandalice.com.au
(02) 9310 5155

Happy reading and tea-sipping!
Nadalissa Tea-ser xx

Appeltaart is very popular in The Netherlands and is widely available in cafes and restaurants. If you’re ever in Amsterdam, be sure to get yourself a serving of Apple Pie from popular café Winkel in the trendy Jordaan precinct (see the picture on the right).

You will require:

• 500g of Butter cake mix
• 100g Butter or margarine
• 1 egg
• 850g soft sour apples (5 Granny Smiths)
• 50g raisins
• 50g sugar
• 2 or 3 teaspoons of cinnamon

Oven temperature:

Electric oven: 180 degrees celsiusConvention oven: 165 degrees celsius

Cooking time:

35 minutes preparation

45 minutes baking time

Utensils:

Baking pan 24cm in diameter

Mixer

Method:

1. Soak the raisins in lukewarm water for approx. 15 minutes, drain, and pat-dry with paper towel
2. Preheat the oven
3. Grease baking pan with butter or use a bake spray
4. Cut the butter into small cubes and place in a bowl
5. Add the Butter cake mix and combine with the mixer until you have a smooth dough
6. Add the egg and mix the dough
7. Place the dough in the fridge
8. Peel the apples, remove the cores and cut the apples into cubes
9. Mix the diced apples with the sugar, cinnamon and raisins
10. Lay out ¾ of the dough mixture into the baking tin, pressing it lightly to form a base and rim of about 2 cm
11. Pour the apple mixture into the baking tin
12. With the remaining ¼ of the dough, divide into even portions, and roll into long, thin strips – the same diameter as the baking tin
13. Lay out the strips of dough across the filling to form a criss-cross/lattice pattern
14. Bake the Appeltaart for about 45 minutes until tender and golden brown
15. Serve with cinnamon flavoured ice cream or whipped cream

A word of warning: not only is the end product addictive, so too is the dough so careful not to have too much!

Eet smakelijk! (Dutch for Bon Appetite!)

Happy Appeltaart-making!

Nadalissa Tea-ser xx

One could say I was in my high tea element whilst staying at The Chateau Yering recently. With a history dating back to the 1800’s, the Chateau is located in the heart of Victoria’s Yarra Valley, and is nothing short of alluring, charming, and stunning.

Beautifully decorated rooms

Whilst my review is centred around the high tea, it is important to set the scene and the surrounds; the lush green gardens with a croquet set – neatly scattered about the place, the lemon trees with lemons on the ground, the grass tennis court, the shiny wooden sweeping staircase, the wooden panelling throughout the corridors, the exquisite carpets, and the beautifully decorated rooms.

The Chateau is a heritage-listed mansion, offering period accommodation. It boasts 32 luxuriously decorated suites, a Library, Lounge, Drawing Room, Chinese Room, bar, and the Award-winning Eleonore’s Restaurant, some of these still in their original 1850’s form. The library features furnishings with warm tones, complimented by a cosy fireplace, elegant gold-trim velvet drapes, aged leather antique armchairs bearing creases, and gold-framed paintings.

Exuding effortlessness and timelessness

And then we come to the Drawing Room: the setting for our high tea! The decoration was remarkable; ornate ceilings, multiple sitting areas – each decorated individually, some with embossed and embroidered couches, and armchairs. A series of classic, rough-edged rugs lay about the room, exuding effortlessness and timelessness. The room was light and bright, thanks to the French doors and windows. The main window showcased some of the gardens and the huge Chilean Wine PalmTree.

We took our seats in the sitting area immediately in front of the white ornate fireplace, and half-sawn wooden barrel containing the firewood. The fireplace was decorated with antique vases and a fine painting. By the French windows, which were also beautifully draped, sat petite period tables and chairs. I could only imagine how the folk of yesteryear would come here to socialise.

Our lovely hostess brought us a glass of sparkling to start off with, and was quick to follow with a platter full of finger sandwiches and mini baguettes. They were filled with vibrantly coloured grilled vegetables (we had booked a vegetarian high tea), and smoked salmon. The savoury tarts, and smoked salmon boats topped with a yummy sauce and caviar, were quite unique among all the teas I’ve reviewed so far, and I must add – very delicious.

Packed with more treats than I could imagine devouring

The three-tiered stand with all the goodies then made a grand entrance. It was packed with more treats than I could imagine devouring. Where to start? Well, as poffertjes are a personal favourite of mine, and were on the very top tier, I’ll start there. At the risk of offending the Dutch, they were the yummiest, fluffiest, and most perfectly shaped poffertjes – dusted off with the requisite icing sugar. Beside them were the pistachio doughnuts and the Trifle with Mandarin Gel and topped with marshmallows. So again, you can see already it was like no other high tea I’ve experienced before. This was an interesting spin on the traditional teas. As I was working my way through the top tier, I had to stop for a rest as I had tiers 2 and 3 to go still.

The freshness was oozing out of them!

Tier 2: The brownies were dunked in a rich chocolate sauce and topped with perfect decorative dollops of cream, and chocolate chips. Amazing! The Berry Cheesecakes had just the right amount of biscuit layer, which made for a great tasting combination. There were specks of berry visible through the sides of the Cheesecakes, and they were also topped cream, and finished with berries and purple flower petals. They looked like something straight out of a glossy baking book. The lamingtons were sliced in half and were filled with cream and jam, which was sticking out beautifully imperfectly on the sides. The freshness was oozing out of them!

After polishing off all the above, it was a relief that the scones were rather petite, on tier 3. They were presented sliced in half but still intact, and served with fig jam, cream, and dusted off with icing sugar. They were light and fluffy, and hit the right tea-time spot!

Made with passion

We were offered tea after the cake stand came out, and there wasn’t such an emphasis on tea offerings here, which was fine by me. The tea was served in beautifully decorated chinaware, which reminded me of Delft Blue design. We chose a traditional afternoon tea and sipped away whilst enjoying the wonderful treats, which looked like they had been made with passion. This is what the emphasis was on. Renowned Chef Mathew Macartney was behind the high tea, together with his team of pastry chefs.

The service was fabulous and our hostess was more than obliging and happy to tell us about the contents of the high tea. It was service with a smile all the way.

With the Chateau being a one-hour drive from my place, this is somewhere I will definitely go back to on my own frequently, just to delve into the world of yesteryear (and another high tea or two!). The Chateau Yering’s High Tea scores 5 stars out of a possible 5.

High Tea is served every Sunday between 2:30pm and 4:30pm in the Drawing Room, the Library, or the Lounge room. It costs $55.00 per person, including a glass of sparkling wine 
or $79.00 per person including a glass of French Champagne.

Visit chateauyering.com.au and contact them on info@chateauyering.com.au or
+61 3 9237 3333.

Happy High Tea at the Chateau Yering!

Nadalissa Tea-ser xx

Cheers Zoe!

You will require:

Baking tin
250g Plain biscuits crushed
1 cup chopped glaced cherries
1 & 1/2 cups desiccated coconut
125g butter
1 & 1/2 cups choc milk melts
325g condensed milk

Methodology:

1) Line tin with baking paper
2) Crush biscuits and combine with fruit and coconut in a bowl
3) Put condensed milk and butter in a microwave jug and heat until melted
4) Pour milk and butter mixture into dry ingredients, mix and press into tin
5) Place in fridge until set
6) Melt choc bits and spread over slice
7) Sprinkle with coconut
8) Refrigerate

Now here’s a quirky and splendid (and I don’t use the word splendid sparingly) idea on how to give the gift of chocolate. It’s aimed at people about to be separated from their partner/child/loved one due to working abroad, long-distance relationships etc.

The one that goes away hides chocolates, one for every day or week or month (ouch!) and sends hints via email to the one they left behind sending them on a scavenger hunt for the hidden chocolate.

A fun activity to keep them occupied in your absence

The activity is three-fold;

(1) Giving them a fun activity to keep them occupied in your absence
(2) It’s a unique count-down calendar
(3) Enjoying the pleasure of chocolate, aiding with the pain of separation

Of course there’s nothing preventing one from using this (shall we call it “hiding chocolate method”) outside of these scenarios.

The below is taken from an actual card written for someone’s loved one, where the couple was about to embark on a four month separation due to being in a long-distance relationship.

“You did not think I was going to leave the funky headquarters just like that, did you? If one thing has become clear the last few months, it is that someone needs to defend the Funky Castle when I am not at my desk. Therefore I have installed a top-notch security system that looks over you until the days of waiting are over. Apart from two Knights in the Order of Ripe; Fefe Cherry and Rouby Dip (the house mates of the lady love that the card is written for), 17 Double-dipped Cherry Ripes will look over you this Springtime (there are 17 weeks to count down until the next meeting and the card (pictured) was actually a ‘Happy 17th Birthday’ card with the ‘Happy Birthday’ covered up with a cut-out of wrapping paper).

Yes, thou is surrounded by Double-dips…!  (the lady love’s favourite chocolate is Cadbury’s Double-dipped Cherry Ripe. Also take note of the quirky and clever manner in which all the characters are named within the Cherry Ripe spectrum).

One by one, the Double-dipped Cherry Ripes will reveal themselves

But not so fast! One by one, the Double-dipped Cherry Ripes will reveal themselves over the next weeks through the email account of the third Knight in the Order of Ripe, Gerry Ripe (the author of the card, going away).

The system has a few important rules that need to be followed in order for it to work at its best:

1. Every Saturday one Double-dipped Cherry Ripe will reveal itself with a clue. Keep
a lookout for these hints in your inbox.

2. In case you encounter a Cherry Ripe accidently (for example during
one of your famous Spring clean-ups): do not touch it. Wait till it is ripe otherwise
you’ll disturb the system.

3. Although the Knights do not think this is necessary, if the first
clue on the Saturday is not enough for you to find the Double-dipped Cherry Ripe,
you can request a second one on Sunday.

4. The Knights cannot be asked for additional clues. They are
instructed to keep silent about the system at all times, so your safety is secured.

Get your funky ass on an airplane

5. After the 17th Cherry Ripe has revealed itself: get your funky ass
on an airplane, so a new system can be discussed, possibly with Chokotoffs (a type of caramel chocolate toffee from Belgium).

To check if the system is working – and as a one-off exception to the
rules, the first Cherry Ripe will reveal itself before Saturday. In
fact, here is the first clue:

Cherry Ripe # 1: My address is 9 Rue d’al esia, Paris. I’ll see you
there!

Signed: The Knights in Shining Ripe”

You’ll be happy to know the first Cherry Ripe was located in a provincial-style bathroom cupboard with this address on it.

Make sure you use very creative and challenging clues and hiding spots, and very important: write down all the spots you’ve hidden the chocolates or you may forget!

They’ll be too busy looking for their favourite chocolate that before they know it, they’ll be getting their ass on the airplane to destination: YOU!

Happy chocolate hiding and hunting!
Nadalissa Tea-ser
xx

Funky Tea Time’s Bastille Day

To celebrate Bastille Day, the Funky Tea Time headquarters were transformed into little Paris complete with its very own, miniature Eiffel Tower. Frenchy wannabes were dressed in stripes, top hats, suspenders and berets. Blue, red, and white balloons together with a series of Parisian pictures filled the place so it was quite the French setting indeed.

Afternoon tea French-style: croissants and Nutella-filled crepes

The menu included fresh baguettes topped with olives and cheeses, plain croissants, chocolate filled croissants, French pastries supplied by traditional French bakery – Le Croissant, including Sacher Torte, Strawberry Custard Tarts, Coffee-flavoured Eclairs, and Operaaaah cake.

Crepes were also a favourite, which were prepared by resident crepe maker ‘Oui Oui Gerrie’, and guests were very creative with toppings and fillings: Nutella, jam, bananas, and icing sugar – yum yum! There was also an abundance of red wines, mini quiches, and vol au vents filled with cheese, mushrooms, and chicken to name but a few.

Vol au vents – for the ladies and gents!

As for the tea? A variety of offerings including French Vanilla Chai which was poured from Funky Tea Time’s exclusive ‘Paris’ teapot. Music ranged from Edith Piaf’s ‘Je ne regrette rien’ to the sultry sounds of Carla Bruni to Jay -Z and Kanye West’s latest Paris song offering.

All this called for an after-party, which was at Melbourne’s most Frenchy club – Red Bennies. The entertainment included a Cirque Du Soleil performer who twirled and swirled on a rope to an Edith Piaf remix, ye ye music -aka 60′s French pop music, Abbie Cardwell and her Leading Men, can-can dancers, and burlesque.

Once again, a great time was had by all, and as you can see, the French have a lot to do with tea!

Happy Frenchy Tea-Time!

Nadalissa Tea-ser xx

Melbourne’s historic Hotel Windsor dates back to 1883 and boasts absolutely delightful Victorian architecture. This, coupled with the exquisite and perfectly aged furniture – the brown leather armchairs adorning the dedicated and non-dedicated lounge areas, finely carved coffee tables, cosily-lit lamps, warm carpet tones, elaborate chandeliers, gold-embossed frames on wall hangings, and dated staircases with perfect imperfections – all make for an utterly splendid backdrop for an afternoon tea!

Afternoon tea has been a specialty of The Hotel Windsor since 1883 and is served in the hotel’s restaurant, which exudes a warm, welcoming, and cosy ambience that instantly hit me. Not to mention, it was a rainy, cold winter’s day.

Out of an olden day movie

After being ushered into the hotel by the very polite, top-hatted, waist-coated, suited, and booted concierge, Russell, the warmth of the hotel grew warmer as we were led to the restaurant. On the way I took in (and in sheer delight I must add), the shinny wooden concierge desk, which showed signs of its age yet very well maintained. Add a wrought iron staircase as a backdrop to the desk, and a gold-embossed bell and you have something out of an olden day movie. (As a side-step, the Ladies Powder Room was also well worth the visit).

When we got to the restaurant I noticed a glass cabinet filled with Moet & Chandon, but I was soon distracted by the friendly waiters who led us through the room filled with beautifully decorated tables, which were covered in very crisp, and thick white tablecloths. The chandeliers adorning the room were simple yet elaborate and their reflection shone off the wooden square poles and the framed mirrors. Elegant curtaining draped perfectly over the windows, and whilst the chairs were simple (yet very cushy) they looked somewhat majestic and royal.

The table was set up with beautiful white china, which carried a silver pattern resembling  the Hotel’s logo, and the cutlery was shiny and silver. First up we were treated to a glass of Hugo Capet Brut, and some delectable macaroons, chocolate ones, raspberry ones, combination-of-raspberry-and-vanilla ones, to name but a few!

Soft ‘n fluffy bread

We were then briefed about the teas that were available to choose from, which included their very own Hotel Windsor Blend, and some of my favourites: a Supreme Earl Grey – a little citrusy with hints of bergamot oil and marigold, Malabar Chai – a spicy concoction of cinnamon, cloves, rose petals, cardamom, star anise, and ginger. The usual suspects also made an appearance: Peppermint, Darjeeling, Jasmine, and the Hotel’s own Orange Pekoe tea.  They also serve up blossoming teas in glass teapots (for maximum viewing pleasure) to include the Peaceful Lotus and the Enchanted Heart.

As the first tea began to flow in, quite literally, so did the three-tiered silver stand filled with (from bottom-up) the traditional favourite finger sandwiches: egg with mayonnaise and snow pea sprouts, smoked salmon with creamy avocado and dill, chicken with apple and mayonnaise, virginia ham with dijon mustard, and cucumber with sour cream and chives. All the ingredients tasted fresh and crisp where appropriate, i.e. the cucumber. And who doesn’t love fresh bread? It was soft and fluffy, and despite the generous serving size it left me wanting more.

As they say it ‘aint over till the fat lady sings: Operaaaaa-ooo-ooo cakes!

The middle tier carried petite cakes and pastries: a pistachio financier sponge with white hazelnut mousseline, religieuse (a choux pastry filled with chocolate and caramel crème pâtissière), raspberry lamingtons, strawberry and white chocolate mousse tart, and plenty of opera cakes, some made from joconde sponge with chocolate ganache and coffee butter cream or green tea (to die for!).

As for the icing on the cake? The cherry on top? These would have to be the freshly baked raisin & vanilla scones, which were served with double cream, and a variety of jams. They too were also fluffy and moist on the inside.

Tempted? Here are the details

Catering is available for vegetarians and there are also gluten free options. The hotel is situated at 111 Spring Street Melbourne and Afternoon Tea times and prices are as follows:

Monday-Friday: 12pm – 2pm and 2:30pm – 4:30pm $59 per person

Saturday-Sunday: 12pm – 2pm and 2:30pm – 4:30pm $79 per person and this includes an dessert buffet

Reservations are essential, and due to popular demand, allow at least 3-4 weeks advance notice for weekend bookings.

For telephone reservations (+61 3) 9633 6004

For email reservations restaurantreservations@thehotelwindsor.com.au

The Hotel Windsor Afternoon Tea rates a 10/10 and next time round, it’ll be the Weekend Afternoon Tea.

Funky Tea Time Dignitaries & VIPs

Happy Hotel Windsor Afternoon Tea!

Nadalissa Tea-ser xx