Event planning - September 2007

High Tea

While the British might not be renowned for their cuisine, there's one culinary tradition they can take credit for: afternoon tea or High Tea. This civilised pastime usually involves loose-leaf tea (never ghastly teabags), cakes and pastries, scones with jam and cream, and dainty sandwiches (preferably cucumber or salmon).

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Thanks to British imperialism, the tradition can be enjoyed the world over, so if the Ritz in London is out of the question, don't despair - Spring is around the corner and there are a number of fabulous establishments right here in Brisbane which will have you feeling like a treasured guest at Buckingham Palace's Garden Party. So frock-up, add a slick of lip gloss and let's explore the High Tea establishments.

First stop is Stamford Plaza in Brisbane City. As they themselves declare, all the elegance and tradition of a bygone era return with one of their delectable High Teas or why not do as I did recently and book in for the wickedly indulgent Chocolate High Tea. Chocolate High Tea is now a permanent feature on the menu every Saturday and Sunday (3pm-5pm) due to popular demand. Offering a chocolate-infused buffet version of The Brasserie's Traditional High Tea, Chocolate High Tea features a selection of daintily prepared items.

As my visit was to celebrate a close friend's Birthday (don't worry I won't divulge the number!) the staff kindly arranged a special table with superb river views and surprise chocolate decorated Birthday Platter including Sparkler.

Tea Facts:

• Tea accounts for 18% of everything we drink in Australia.
  
  
• In Australia, 83% of households use tea-bags with 600 tea-bags, per household used every year.
  
  
• 80% of all cups of tea are brewed from tea-bags.
  
  
• 68% of people take their tea with milk, but only 38% take sugar in tea.

Why not head over to Clayfield and High Societea where service, quality and style are still on the menu. Savour a daily selection of sweet and savoury delights - from cucumber sandwiches and smoked salmon pinwheels to dainty cakes - served from an elegant gold three-tiered cake stand. With High Tea sittings 7 days a week it should be easy to find space in your diary but make sure you book well in advance as these sittings are popular.

With an emphasis on presentation and attention to detail each table is adorned with gracious antique china tea sets, fine silverware, crisp white linen tablecloths and fresh homegrown roses. High Societea was named the Best Themed Restaurant in the 2006 Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Australia Awards for Excellence and judging by the Testimonials and mouth watering menu you will see why. As well as deluxe and traditional High Tea they also cater for special dietary requirements with a Gluten Free High Tea and every little person's dream the Children's Tea Party featuring a plated selection of sweet and savoury delights, including a savoury quiche, decorated cupcake, and fairy bread.

All this talk of High Tea is making me hungry. My theory on High Tea is you can basically eat as much as you like and still not overindulge. With such delicate portions the laws of addition and volume no longer apply and when accompanied by Champagne anything goes!

So often High Tea immediately brings to mind a group of Ladies enjoying a much needed gossip with sustenance however, at Tisane on Doggett Street, Fortitude Valley along with the aptly British named High Teas they tempt the men folk with a diverse lunch menu designed to please. While her Highness is satiating herself with the Duchess of Bedford Sparkling Tea complete with choice of a Sparkling French (Champagne not Monsieur) his Highness can partake in a Ploughman's or Vicar's Lunch with an equally large choice of coffee. The prince and princess will find it hard to resist the Junior Tea featuring sandwiches, cupcake, some rocky road and flavoured milk.

High Tea is one of the easiest treats to prepare and serve at home. Starting with a three tier plated stand or some lovely feature plates display a suggested collection of small ribbon sandwiches with fillings of choice, small pastries sweet and/or savoury, jam tarts, small scones with jam and cream, fruit segments etc. in fact anything that takes your fancy. High Tea is all about small indulgent portions of delicious treats, so why not have High Tea regularly - who needs an excuse for a celebration?

Next month let's talk Melbourne Cup!

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