Wrigley Mansion serves the sweetest afternoon tea. On Wednesday and Thursday afternoons in Geordie’s luxurious Living Room, an upscale space surrounded by historic art and breathtaking views of the city, the elegance of London comes to you in the most sophisticated dining traditions. When else will you be encouraged to dwell on delicious sandwiches and decadent desserts while sipping tea? It’s not just little fingers in the air, however. How To Navigate Afternoon Tea In Today’s World. Unpack your poofy skirt and fancy hat – or not, afternoon tea can take you to another time and place. Add in the manicured gardens of the Wrigley Mansion and the Jane Austin feel of the living room and you can easily imagine that you are in the English countryside. In other words, it’s the perfect excuse to dress the part up. Of course there is no official dress code and no one is going to blink an eyelid if you wear jeans and a t-shirt, but how often do you have an excuse to wear your fancy clothes? click to enlarge So many teacups, so little time. Allison Young Stop and smell the tea Afternoon tea is a real treat for the senses. Yes, there is the live pianist filling the room with Steinway sounds, but it is the scent of tea that draws you in. The selection of teas ranges from a mixture of black teas from India and China with notes of rhubarb and wild strawberry to a velvety oolong that is reminiscent of butterscotch. You choose a tea for each course (your waiter can make suggestions that will improve both the taste of the food and the tea) and as soon as the sommelier mixes the loose leaf and pours it into your cup from the dotted jug, you will indulge yourself hit by a combination of earthy, floral and sweet notes. Who would have thought tea was so fragrant? click to enlarge Tea sandwiches, without crusts. Allison Young Not a little finger in the air, but you’ll feel like it The first course that comes out: tea sandwiches. A hearty selection of asparagus and caramelized onions, smoked salmon with capers and crème fraiche and egg salad with radish, of course all without a crust. It’s impossible to nibble on classic finger sandwiches and not feel la-di-da. Your second course gives permission for a double (even triple) dip, a selection of warm scones and tea cakes, is delivered with a trio of homemade spreads: fruity seasonal jams, creamy lemon curd and thick clotted cream. Don’t be afraid to top your plate with spoons full of accessories and load them onto bite-sized bites of scones. Try jam with cream, or cream first, then lemon curd, or all three at once. click to enlarge Top your scones with jam, lemon curd and clotted cream. Allison Young Eat Multiple Desserts (And Get A To-Go Box) As the final and best course, there is a tiered tray of bite-sized candies that all look too pretty to eat. There are mini macarons, petite cheesecakes, teensy opera cakes, and ornate petit fours, each more delicate and decadent than the other. Try as many as you want (nobody counts) and put what’s left in a to-go box. I Support Local Community Journalism Support the independent voice of Phoenix and help keep the future of the New Times clear. Drink, enjoy and socialize The pace of afternoon tea is slow and steady. The courses are served at a leisurely pace, with plenty of space in between to chat and enjoy bottomless pots of steaming tea. The whole relaxed affair takes about an hour and a half without anyone looking at their watch or phone. It is as if the demands of the outside world are disappearing into a noble brothel. click to enlarge Tea at the Wrigley Mansion. Wrigley Mansion Wrigley Mansion 2501 East Telawa Trail Afternoon Tea: Wednesday and Thursday at 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM
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