Photograph by Carly Cooper
My 6-year-old daughter Sydney and I arrived on the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead for the Queen of Hearts Excessive Tea not realizing what to anticipate. In my thoughts, it may be over-the-top and kitschy, or elevated to the purpose of snobbery, or infantile, or geared toward day drinkers. Ultimately, it was really none of those.
Wearing our Sunday finest – a sparkles and tutu for her, a really sheer outfit for me – we dropped the automotive off with the valet and headed down the corridor previous Brassica’s bar to an occasion area overlooking the English Gardens. The very first thing I observed was the sense of peace that enveloped us. The delicate chatter amongst patrons spaced broadly across the room was largely muted by the soothing sounds of a violin taking part in. We walked previous Alice in Wonderland themed backdrops adorned with elaborate taking part in playing cards, treasure containers, croquet units and bunnies on a desk match for a queen. Two high-backed, velvet chairs welcomed us. The centerpiece was intricate with stacked miniature teacups, flowers, and matching teapots and dishes—cute but stylish.
Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria
Though there’s a menu on the desk, it’s extra of a information, because the tea is pay as you go. Everybody begins with a citrusy mocktail or a cocktail garnished with an edible sugar butterfly. Subsequent, the server brings in a picket field a small glass of tea leaves to odor. Youngsters (and influencers) will likely be entranced by Woman Blue Earl Grey and pink diamonds poured from a particular tea cart. Every participant will get his personal pot of tea. There’s additionally a tri-color sand timer to observe the tea steep. Sydney liked the tiny purple piece titled “Drink Me” which, in accordance with the server, was meant to make her shrink. Connected to the bottle was a minuscule key, which he used to open a small door hidden in plain sight alongside a wall.
Photograph by Carly Cooper
Photograph by Carly Cooper
We began with buttery raisin scones, delivered in a particular field. Subsequent got here a three-tiered tray of mini sandwiches and pastries, created by new government chef Burmison Dorville with Alice Roast Turkey, Laurina Hen Salad, Purple Queen Egg Salad and White Rabbit Cucumber. (Vegetarian choices can be found.) The bread-to-protein ratio is uneven, so put together to nibble moderately than chow down. Desserts are richly adorned with white chocolate and fruit. This can be a nice unfold to share with a gaggle.
“The Waldorf Astoria is commonly credited with popularizing afternoon tea in the USA, and we’re proud to increase such a famend providing to Atlanta locals and resort guests alike,” mentioned Sally Ablettner, director of gross sales and advertising.
Photograph by Carly Koop
The resort affords afternoon tea service each weekend from 12:30pm to 3pm Earlier themes embody Bridgerton, Queen’s Jubilee and Galentines, with Howl-O-Win coming quickly. Individuals are all the time invited to decorate up. When Sydney and I have been there, a lot of the tea drinkers wore fancy garments, some with themed hats.
The Queen of Hearts Excessive Tea runs from now till September 29 on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and prices $108 per grownup and $78 per baby beneath 11. Reservations can be found by OpenTable.
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