"You know those days when you get the mean reds? The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling? Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's..."
For Holly Golightly, a quick cab ride to Tiffany's does the trick each time she gets the "mean reds." Or you can go to Writers Bar for afternoon tea. Writers Bar presents the latest in their successful Pret-a-PorTea series, New York State of Mind, drawing inspiration from New York's iconic Tiffany's. And it's the best way to get rid of the mean reds. Breakfast at Tiffany's? Make that afternoon tea at Tiffany's...at Writers Bar.
Afternoon tea at Writers Bar is one of the metro's best kept secrets (more on my first visit on my post, Afternoon Tea at Writers Bar). And it was great to be back at Writers Bar, for yet another round of soothing tea paired with savory and sweet treats with a unique New York spin.
A vanilla-infused tea blend kicks off my New York experience at Writers Bar, gracefully poured by the courteous staff. As you enjoy your tea, the staff regularly checks your pot for a refill.
After a refreshing sip, the first course of New York-inspired savory tea sandwiches were served, including Bagels and Lox, Pastrami on Rye, Soft Pretzels, and Pigs-in-a-Blanket, tasty small bites with big flavors. And it doesn't get more New York than that, with soft bagels filled with creamy brined salmon and cream cheese, pastrami on rye and pretzels. And it's tea for two, so all the savory and sweet treats come in pairs...
Our friendly server, Neri, then returned with the classic three-tiered cake stand loaded with indulgent treats, and our afternoon tea goes into high gear...
The top tier includes a variety of sweets reflecting an indulgent homage to New York, like the Red Velvet Cronut, Caramel Apple-filled Chocolate, Caramel Petit-Fours shaped in the iconic Tiffany Blue Box and a White Chocolate Tiffany T Bangle, just what Holly Golightly needs to chase off the mean reds. The Red Velvet Cronut, a lightly crisp and flaky pastry with a creamy filling topped with red velvet cake and white chocolate shards deliver a richness that pairs so well with tea, while the dainty apple-shaped chocolate bursts with bold chocolate and caramel notes. Pick up the intricate Tiffany Blue Box for a taste of pure sinful indulgence, and finish it off with the sweet white chocolate Tiffany T Bangle. The top tier gets you in that New York State of Mind in no time...at Writers Bar.
The homage to The Big Apple and Tiffany's continue down the elaborate tier, as you pour a second cup of tea. On the second tier, you'll find a sweet and tart Strawberry Cakewith Creme Brulee Crust, Lemon Meringue Pie, and Macarons, each one delicately crafted by the skilled pastry chefs of the Fairmont and Raffles Hotels. The creme brulee crust of the Strawberry Cake adds a layer of texture and flavor capped by the fresh strawberry, the bite-sized Lemon Meringue Pie delivers vibrant and zesty notes, and the intricate Macaron with its Tiffany-blue filling caps the second round of indulgent sweet bites.
At the bottom tier, you'll find the Vanilla Cupcake striped with the familiar Tiffany blue tones, the classic New York Cheesecake with fresh blueberries, and playfully inventive Sour Cherry Whoopie Pie. The soft Vanilla Cupcake topped with smooth fondant with Tiffany blue stripes releases a buttery richness with each bite, and the Sour Cherry Whoopie Pie delivers balanced yet contrasting notes from the cherry and chocolate, while the New York Cheesecake is moist and creamy perfectly tempered by the sweet and tart fresh blueberries.
Cap your afternoon tea experience at Writers Bar with traditional Scones served with Clotted Cream and Strawberry Preserve, perfect with another cup of tea from a never empty tea pot. The scones add that classic vibe to your afternoon tea experience at Writers Bar.
As you enjoy your tea, the piano player at Writers Bar plays the melodic tunes of Holly Golightly's memorable film, on cue to complete another elegant afternoon tea experience with a distinct New York state of mind.
Get in the New York State of Mind with Afternoon Tea at Writers Bar from September 1 to November 30, 2016, 2:30pm to 5:30pm daily for only P 1,500 for two persons. Add P 900 for a sparkling glass of Champagne for that ultimate New York vibe, and kick off the mean reds. Holly Golightly would definitely approve...
Writers Bar is located at Raffles Hotel, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati or call Restaurant Reservations at 795-1840 or email dining.makati@raffles.com for more information and reservations.
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