Okay. I am a tea drinker.
I am always on the "look-out" of the best and finest tea in town. This healthy beverage picks up my sagging energy especially in the afternoon when I am almost consumed with stress. But sometimes I would kick the habit of grabbing a cup of hot green tea in the morning when my breakfast consists of fatty or too-sweet foods, the bitter taste of tea balances everything and helps prevent my appetite from blowing up!
I love this exquisite British tradition - Afternoon Tea Party! Because it has something to do with my fascination in life--the British monarchy haha!
The fashionable Afternoon Tea Party, which has been continued by the Queen in the Buckingham Palace every summer, started during the time of Queen Victoria of England in the 19th century when one of her ladies-in-waiting, the Duchess of Bedford, initiated the tradition by inviting her aristocratic friends to the palace to have an Afternoon tea.
Okay...
So after our arrival from Calatagan, Batangas, (and because we wanted to attend the Sunday afternoon mass at the Mary Mother of Hope chapel in Landmark, Makati), we hopped in at Ayala station from Taft.
After attending the mass (we left our pack bags at Landmark's baggage counter :-P), we excitedly proceeded to Greenbelt 5 and giggled upon reaching the lobby where TWG Tea situated.
It's an opulent Tea Cafe originally established in Singapore, so luxurious that by looking at its design and interior, you would instantly feel the aura of grandeur and glamour that the cafe exemplifies.
It's an opulent Tea Cafe originally established in Singapore, so luxurious that by looking at its design and interior, you would instantly feel the aura of grandeur and glamour that the cafe exemplifies.
I was nervous. You know what? Because I was afraid the rate per order at this magnificent Tea Cafe might left my wallet bleeding in disaster lol! Good that my friend, Rowie, foot the bill, it was her treat for my birthday because I always wanted to have an Afternoon Tea Party but never got a time to organize it.
We entered the cafe with a hesitant mind but with an excited heart!
Finally, we settled in a remote corner because we wanted to observe how the richy richy patrons behaved, we did not dream to put ourselves into great embarrassment so a little observation was a good idea :-D
Finally, we settled in a remote corner because we wanted to observe how the richy richy patrons behaved, we did not dream to put ourselves into great embarrassment so a little observation was a good idea :-D
TWG Tea, though Asian in nature, follows a very European attitude in dining, the etiquette, the setting, the mode and all those intricate details in holding cutlery and tea cups.
TWG Tea at Greenbelt 5
Tea Party!! :-P
All smile while waiting for our Tea!!
But here's the funny thing. As the waiter handed down the menu list, I and Rowie exchanged curious and hilarious glances. My eyes rolled in anxiety. Honestly, we don't know how to choose our order, so confusing because the list has several options and decorative terms lol! Our huge fear was that we might order all Teas with no tea food, shocksss!
The waiter sensed our hesitations, so he moved forward and explained the complicated list hahaha! It saved us from trouble!
Not sure if this is the correct etiquette of holding a tea cup ahaha!
European setting is quite amusing when it comes to table manners. Unlike other culture, Europe has a sophisticated and tricky rules and codes in table etiquette, code and behavior. There should always be a certain process of delivering food, placing a set of cutlery, goblets, taking foods, blurting orders, etcetera.
The complication sometimes lies on holding correctly the tea cup, other races never follow an etiquette in sipping tea, but in Europe that's a different story. You must absorb the dimension of the Tea etiquette or else you will be bitterly judged as socially ill-mannered.
When I made a research years back about an Afternoon Tea Party, I learned that most experts suggested that when sipping tea, you must bring the saucer when raising the tea cup and sip it leisurely (oh please don't gulp it!), the tea spoon must be placed vertically in a 6:00 0'clock manner. Use only the tea spoon when putting honey, milk or sugar into the tea and please do not occasionally stir the tea!
Okay, after few minutes, lots of observation, frequent browsing on the menu list, finally, our nerves settled down and everything went smoothly.
I suggested to Rowie that we chose scones and tea cucumber sandwich because these are perfect afternoon tea partners. Scones are buttery and a little sweet, so it can perfectly balance the bitter taste of tea.
Per order is not really bad. At 540.00 you have four cups of Green Tea, three thinly sliced cucumber sandwich and two scones with cream and jelly.
Impressive!!
Okay, after few minutes, lots of observation, frequent browsing on the menu list, finally, our nerves settled down and everything went smoothly.
I suggested to Rowie that we chose scones and tea cucumber sandwich because these are perfect afternoon tea partners. Scones are buttery and a little sweet, so it can perfectly balance the bitter taste of tea.
Per order is not really bad. At 540.00 you have four cups of Green Tea, three thinly sliced cucumber sandwich and two scones with cream and jelly.
Impressive!!
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