A dining experience that sparkles in the Crystal Lounge.
Afternoon tea by its very nature should be an experience that engages all the senses.
Catching up with friends, tucking into delicious nibbles and of course, providing the perfect pick me up in elegant surroundings.
And when you’re in the capital searching for the aforementioned qualities, afternoon tea goes hand-in-hand with The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and Team Yalla had the great pleasure of sampling the venue’s A Journey of Scents and Flavours afternoon tea in association with The Library Fragrance Boutique.
Dressed in our finest (when you look good, you feel good), we are greeted by great sweeping, ornate staircases set off by the ornamental chandeliers. We head to the stylish St. Regis Bar where we are immediately charmed by a pianist’s smooth tunes, tasty canapés and a delicious, refreshing mixed drink.
Completely relaxed, we make our way to the wonderfully aesthetic Crystal Lounge, which is the epitome of sophistication in terms of design. The St. Regis staff are well versed in their offerings of the perfect marriage of perfumes, exotic teas and sweets, all of which blend harmoniously.
Combining six perfumes from The Library Fragrant Boutique, Tchaba teas consisting of the finest tea leaves and sumptuous sweets, with every course introduced with a paired perfume.
We begin with a palate cleansing cup of Roobios Heal before a spray of perfume teases the fragrant receptors of our brains to prepare us for our first tea, which is the Massala Chai black tea. Spicy, the tea is paired with Cardamon Éclair which has notes of cardamon (of course) and a touch of Jasmine. Yum!
Moving on, the Sabah Dubai white tea is served with Macaroon Rose de Petra, which is as dainty as it is tasty, before we go on a very sweet escape with the fruity, Current Dream green tea and Peach Berry Entremets. But before you tuck into this creamy bite, we guarantee that you will be reaching for a phone, since this dessert is in swan form and is simply a work of art.
Next up we have the Jasmine Mille Feuille. The menu tells us that this scrumptious nibble is inspired by the jasmine and bergamot notes of Aoudna fragrance and is paired with Jasmine Pearl white tea.
The Royal Darjeeling black tea works well with the Honey Melon Cake, revealing a sweet yet malty taste. And last but not least is the Emirates Spice black tea coffee and chilli velvet rouge which really rounds off the dining experience with a bang with the chilli providing such a wonderful kick.
Alas the afternoon has come to an end but before we wander back home, full of sweets and smelling rather splendidly, we pop into get a glimpse at the ultra-slick The Library Fragrant Boutique with its superb range of fragrances.
St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s afternoon tea is no ordinary affair and is truly an aesthetic and gastronomic experience that cleverly and uniquely pairs scent, tea and sweets.
To book of for more information visit St. Regis’ Abu Dhabi
