Showing posts with label High Tea Set. Show all posts
Showing posts with label High Tea Set. Show all posts

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Jean-Paul Hèvin Taipei 101

Located at 4-5 floor of Taipei 101 Mall, Jean Paul Hèvin Chocolatier is a French manufacturer of high-end chocolate in Paris. The small restaurant and shop is decorated with a modern blend of dark wood tables, cabinetry and leathers sofas. An open area ideal for those who want to see and be seen sorrounded by expensive premium luxury brand.
Arranged in an elegant tiered tray, the special set for 2 person include tea of your choice.
Top tier: We were served a 2 chocolate cake, 2 macarons, 2 fruit salads that is refreshing & looks beautiful in a mini glass.
The middle layer of sweets was a millefeuille, mont blanc, 2 canele and another piece of cake and it was almost too nice to eat.
The last level of the three-tiered was a egg, chicken and cucumber sandwiches with a touch of mustard, soft creamy cheese and fresh thinly sliced tomatoes.
The black tea it was incredibly fragrant and simultaneously soothing for a sensation.
They give us a free sample with this piece of chocolate.
My husband favorite part is the chocolate macaron with chocolate ganache inside was just magnificent. Over all, the experience at Jean-Paul Hèvin is quite good, but a little bit expensive being told that their macarons in store are imported from Paris.
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Jean Paul Hèvin Chocolatier
Taipei 101 Mall, 4-5 floor Xinyi District Taipei.
CLOSED

Sunday, July 31, 2011

The Terrace Bar Harrod's London

We had the pleasure of visiting Harrods I was just blown away, Harrod's has opened a branch in Taiwan as we have nothing like this in Taipei or in other major cities in Taiwan. We had a lot of computers, ipod, solar cell or advanced hi-technology but we don't have like this (Harrods) here, that you can find-buy anything as in everything or you can get what you want or not want at the time in one place. They also have many laptop computers, mobile phones are made in Taiwan. Quite frankly, the food hall is amazing. But the interior of the department store is,,,,,, for me Taipei 101 is much more elegance and well organized inside. We don't shop that much in Harrod's as we done it already in Paris. Just bought something as a gifts back home and some good stuff for my kids. Then we arranged a special afternoon tea at Georgian Restaurant before watching the night show of Phantom of the Opera.
The ambiance and decor created a really intimate vibe that will definitely leave the guests amazed of how glamour and style, classy sipping on tea can be, is where the aristocracy used to dine.
Upon the time we make reservation, the staff she so kindly to suggest and recommend to us that we were seated at the Terrace Bar. Where most British people spent their tea outside or patio's is the way to enjoy a truly traditional afternoon tea experience.
Of course, being afternoon tea, the first thing that came is this oozing bubbling glass of champagne for me and for my husband and cheers for us, that we made our journey in Paris and London by ourselves without any tour guide. The champagne was great, but were not really a champagne lovers. I prefer sweet ice wine. The taste of champagne described as mingled with refreshing I love the fragrance. However if you let it taste on your tongue for too long it gets a litter bitter.
Shortly after the champagne flute, the platter of sandwiches and assortment of sweets came in 3 tier presentation. Everything looked delicious and pretty, and this is a platter for 4 people.
So how was the food, let's do it layer by layer. First layer, Harrod's freshly made sandwiches which was a food finger sandwiches: Goat's cheese mousse on pumpernickel, ham and pickle sandwich, smoked salmon-spinach and cream cheese wrap, cucumber dill and yogurt shooter, coronation chicken sandwich were good but not spectacular. We found it disappointing relative to the other Afternoon Teas we have experienced in Taiwan. The cucumber dill and yogurt shooter it taste like grass!
Second layer, the home-baked English scones served with clotted cream, Harrod's rose petal jelly and strawberry preserves. I love how the scones were still warm when served. The clotted cream and jam it's was perfect with the scones.
Third or top layer is the selection of tea pastries from the Harrod's Patisserie: We had fresh fruit tart, green apple macaroon, afternoon tea fruit cake, chocolate delice slice, raspberry fragipan etc. The fruit tart shell was very hard, macaroon was delicious, fruit cake was overly sweet but were good too. The chocolate delice slice was absolutely sweet heaven.
Back to the tea, the desserts, scones and sandwiches are missed without steaming tea pots. There were four of us so we got to choose tea flavors. The first thing that came is the tea, I chose blackcurrant and hibiscus tea.
For my husband and kids they chose a kind of tea that can add sugar and milk. A steaming silver pot of afternoon special- a combine medium elevations teas from pristine Dimbula region in Sri Lanka. Georgian blend tea- combine darjeeling, assam and chinese tea for its fragrance. Earl grey tea-lightly scented with oil bergamot. This is the real deal milk tea lovers, we’re not talking about the ordinary tea.
Accompanied by white and brown sugar cubes, a real authentic English style milk tea, not too sweet and not too bland. But probably not of the best milk teas we have had. Overall, I personally loved the experience, sitting there sipping a cup of hot tea and chatting with family for what we have done on this vacation. For the price £26 per person and £33 with champagne flute it was enjoyable tea time with them. The food it wasn't spectacular but delicious nevertheless, surroundings were beautiful, and the staff were so attentive. Highly recommend for Mother's Day or just a romantic tea party for you and your lover. We had a lovely time and plan on returning again in the UK but not very soon. I would definitely do it again, but will try a new restaurant.
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Terrace Bar Harrod's London
87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge London,
United Kingdom
Website:
Harrod's Restaurant

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Madam Rose Coffee & Tea Salon

We came upon this place after seeing about it from magazine while having lunch at Aunt Stella a few months ago. Since we loved afternoon tea, we just made our way on this elegant place tea house. Madam Rose is design fully inherited the characteristic of European palace style, showing some ornaments, classical music, high ceiling are hand detailed in gold. every detail of the architecture and decor, and the best marbles. This sensual elegance and classical design is very French and you either love it or hate it. With its fine fabric, textures and colors combined in the extravagant classical Victorian style.
As you enter the lobby has a wow factor, you’ll admire the lofty space with its elegant staircase. Like I said the elegant art deco interior is stunning and makes you feel so glamorous to be there.
When you walk in, the place itself is a really pretty, comfortable furnishings and lavish displays of tea product including varieties of the French brands Mariage Frères, Dammann Freres and finebone porcelain. Straight ahead you can see the tea room with its marble floor.
We make a reservation before coming here and they are kindly enough to give us a very nice seating area. Specially when they know that your not from Taipei. We were greeted at the door by the staff and shown to our seats. We were seated at a table next to the window, with lovely views of the garden and the fountain. Its comfortable enough to indulge the afternoon tea.
Madam Rose offers classic dining amidst the grandeur of European ambiance. Even coffee-tea pots and tableware come with Versace China porcelain. So if you are addicted brand of Versace this is a place for you. There is an extensive menu with deluxe afternoon tea set, as well as a la carte items such as a waffle, sandwiches and cakes.
We began our visit by enjoying a 2 fantastic French High Tea for includes a three tiered set selection of sweet and savoury delicacies, serviced with tea and fresh coffee and tempting those with a sweet tooth.
The top plate was a freshly sliced of watermelon, pineapple, manzinitas or tiny green apple and peach.
The middle plate had a white roll cake, canelli, macaroon, fruit jelly and fruits tart on it.
The bottom plate held mini bacon and cheese tart, tuna burger, raisin scone and small vegetable sandwiches or canape, rose jelly jam and butter.
 A light refreshing mini fruit jelly.
The second three tiered  is similar with the first one.
The second layer had a almond chiffon and confections on it.
The third layer almost similar on our first order of three tiered featured sandwich and pastries.
We also try their ice cream and fruit waffle for my son, they were so moist and delicious.
As usual, we have our tea and coffee. The earl grey milk tea being served in a gorgeous Versace Le Jardin tea set. And like always, it was top notch.
Then I’ll have that, a cup of espresso macchiato is pretty simple, espresso beverages and outstandingly delicious.
Marco Polo tea it came with Versace Medusa Blue and Red tea set.
Assam Superior G.F.O.P. Tea has a nice, strong malty aroma and taste.
***
The service standard is high with a very calm atmosphere, it was clear that presentation is important. We were not harassed to leave and so we don't stay for that long. A good value high tea offering a generous serving of both sweet and savoury treats. Everything melted in our mouths as we emptied the plates. We like this place and plan to go again to try the full set meal course for a very special occasion. I highly recommend Madam Rose as this is a perfect execution. Worth to visit as we enjoy the Saturday afternoon.
***
Madam Rose Coffee &Tea Salon-玫瑰夫人
台北市104南京東路三段77號
No. 77, Section 3, Nanjing (Nanking) East Road, Taipei City
Contact No: 026608-1333
Website:
http://www.madamrose.com.tw/

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Summer Flower

We was here 2 weeks ago just last saturday afternoon. I almost didn’t want to share my experience with you and a bit busy this past few days. This summer flowers Italian Restaurant located in Hsinchu, Dong Da Road. It serves a variant of Italian cuisine and plenty of pasta to choose from on the menu.
The interior of the restaurant is littered with a modern, relaxing minimalistic intimate feel with comfortable chairs. We had the standard high tea, and the family staff quickly attended to us, offering water and a bit of time to look over the menu. Then took our order, we waited a 35 minutes and the lady got back to us said soon your order will be arrived shortly. It was annoying for 2 person who are handling a few order it takes time to prepare. We never had this kind of experienced in any other restaurants. Most of the restaurants here in Taiwan they moved quick with efficient service.
Then after another 10 minutes our three tiers, and a plate of sandwich, pizza, bread and cake showed up with the wild berries fruit tea for the price of NT$500.
The sliced of tossed baguette with garlic and olive paste and tiramisu was ok.
 The seafood pizza was dried out!
The tuna, egg and ham (spam) with cucumber and vegetables salad was disappointed.
The tuna were not perfectly fresh. I suspect they had been prepared from the can and left on the fridge, and some of had a distinctly day old. The sandwich fingers were weak and tasteless.
I do love hot fruit tea, especially when the weather turns cooler. Tastes full-bodied, mouth-watering dark red infusion with the piquancy of hibiscus, rose hips, apple, elderberries, strawberry-blackcurrant leaves, bilberry natural flavor. This fruit tea reminds me of my favorite Wild Berry Fruit Tea from Germany that we always buy several times in Hola.
This a tad of Royal Vienna Coffee it takes 1 hour to make (imagine!) This normal drink isn't Vienna coffee but ordinary coffee.
Then another 15 minutes more after serving the high tea tray my kids milk tea was arrived on our table. They consume a lot of time and we wait with patient. The milk tea was smooth however it was definitely not the best milk tea.
***
The foods was bland and the service it was very slow, we waited for 1.5 minutes. It's dark when we finish it was a disappointing dining experience and not worth to wait. This is a common failing we wouldn’t go back otherwise. All in all a nice try by the Summer Flower but definitely a miss. There are much better afternoon teas to be had in the other place.
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Summer Flower-夏朵
No. 8 Dongda Road, Hsinchu City
新竹市東大路二段8號
Contact No: 03-531-8111
CLOSED!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Rose House Tea & Art Hsinchu

Rose House is located at the corner of Niupu Road near Homebox in Jingou Road Hsinchu, provides a wonderful and simply elegant tea experience for ladies and gents of all ages. Offers a selections of traditional english tea in pot or tin, and porcelain tea set or individual cups and saucers from England.
The Rose House Tea Room was a bit smaller room decorated with crystal chandelier in the center of the ceiling. On opposite sides were large wall mirrors and portraits which showed Queen Elizabeth II. It is quite formal and an excellent treat for a special occasion. The tables and chairs are comfortable enough is quite very British.
 
Having tea with family is always our favorite way to spend for sometime. On our table we try their afternoon tea set meal. We started off with our teas then came a 3 tiered golden stand of classic Rose House afternoon tea.  My daughter ordered the high tea compliments with summer pudding milk tea, between four of us we shared the desserts .
The summer pudding milk tea was served in vintage rose design cup and saucer compliment with rose jelly. It has more of a fragrant and creamy taste. It was really good and is a much better deal than the other tea shops. Claire loves every single sip of her tea choice.
On the top layer of Classic Rose House afternoon tea. We had  mango mousse cake, rose milk pudding, and fruits was fantastic.
The second layer, British style freshly baked handmade rose biscuit, plain waffle, scone with rose petal tea jelly and whipped cream. The scone are amazingly good! Moist, dense, but still fluffy at the same time. 
The last layer, it had a ham and cheese sandwich have turned into traditional finger sandwiches with smoked chicken and vegetable salad. I love the sour taste of the sauce quite pleasant for my linking in dressing salad.
For my self, I had the Scottish afternoon tea and quite similar to my daughter high tea set meal.
I order the hot fresh fruit tea for my drink, which was fresh fruit cut. Base on black tea with oranges, lemon and lime, slices of apple added with honey to sweeten it. Quite pleasant citrus drink on cold season and delicious!
For my boy had a Ice cream with warm waffles served with butter whipped cream, the combination of cold ice cream with warm, crispy waffles was great! But the chocolate ice cream is not quite excellent compare to Haagen Dazs and Movenpick. If you coming here, I suggest to choose their waffle with Haagen Dazs ice cream.
And compliment with caffe latte.
Waffle with seasonal fresh fruit and hot summer pudding milk tea for my husband. We left full and very satisfied. We will definitely revisit Rose House next time for lunch or afternoon tea with my daughter for sometime. Staff very attentive and the food was great ... Will certainly recommend it! Coming up Madame Rose in Taipei.
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Rose House Tea Room-新竹經國店
新竹市香山區牛埔路135號
 No 135 Nuipu Road, Siangshan District Hsinchu City
Contact No: 03-5305-690
Website: