Everywhere I travel afternoon tea is a part of my itinerary. Last week, I traveled to New Orleans. Granted, with all the excitement the Big Easy is known for one doesn’t picture the refinement of an afternoon tea. But remember, southern refinement is a constant even in New Orleans.
As a New Yorker, I’ve had a variety of tea experiences and I’m always curious about how others “take tea.” For the last ten years, the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans has taken the tradition of afternoon tea and fashioned it their way. Served on the third floor in the Davenport Lounge, with the sounds of Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong in the background - guests are escorted to a living-room setting with low tables set to a tea. Fine china by Fortessa, complimented by silverware designed by RO accented with a single red rose evoke an understated elegance.
The Royal Tea Service begins with your selection of (3) teas for the table. All tea blends are by luxury tea purveyor, Tealeaves. My favorite teas on the menu - Earl Grey With Lavender and Organic Vanilla Rooibos. The lavender gives a floral highlight to the natural bergamot oil in the Earl Grey. While the vanilla adds a rich creamy finish to the Rooibos. Lemons wrapped in cheesecloth, milk, orange blossom honey, and the option of sugar cubes or sugar packets (for the non-traditionalists) are all on hand to accent or sweeten your tea.
The first course consisted of delicate open sandwiches, such as Salmon on Pumpernickel with Dill Crème and Lemon Zest. I appreciated the gluten-free options such as the Cucumber Roll with Pesto Cream and Capers and the Creole Deviled Egg with Caviar and Green Onion. The second course was a choice of Blueberry and Vanilla Scones served with Raspberry Jam, Devonshire Cream and Lemon Curd. Delicious, especially if you mix the Raspberry jam and lemon curd together. By the third course we were treated to bite-sized Raspberry Macaroons, Swedish Chocolate Almond Tart, Moelleux Chocolate and a Mango Brownie. With the added bonus of gluten-free dessert options such as Carrot Cake, Raspberry Sorbet, Chocolate Brownies and Vanilla Cupcakes. My compliments to Executive Chef Thierry Connault for the perfect blend of contemporary American and French tradition.
As with most Ritz-Carlton properties, the service was first rate and my guests and I were left to enjoy the ambiance, listen to the music and reflect on the experience. Can you think of a better way to spend a rainy Monday afternoon?
THE RITZ-CARLTON NEW ORLEANS
Afternoon Tea Daily - Seating 11:00am or 2:30pm
Royal Tea $32.00 per person – Reservations Required