I won a prize last year, which happened to be High Tea in the Sugar Room at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga. I decided to book for my husband and myself for our 22 year wedding anniversary. My husband Goonga is an electrician by day and a baker by night. He always says he loves to cook or bake with Taste, Colour and Emotion. Due to it being our anniversary and we as spouses always need to look at things from one another’s perspective, I thought it only fitting that I would take you through a tour of the High Tea through his eyes.
Taste
The beautiful display tables at the Beverly Hills Hotel, of decadent and delectable Finger Foods, looked so inviting. The savoury table is more to my liking as I do not have a sweet tooth but I did have to try some of the sweet treats. Prawn cocktails served in individual bowls. Mini croissants with different savoury fillings. Roasted sausage and pepper skewers.
Even I could attempt to make this for a dinner party. Simple and yet so elegant. Salmon and cream cheese on sliced baguettes were some of the choices available. I personally loved the little pastries filled with mushroom and spinach. They serve a selection of Pure leaf teas. I opted for the Earl Grey and of course, Goonga chose the Gunpowder Green tea.
“To drink tea is to forget the noise of the world” Tien Yi Heng.
Colour
I did not know that each of their High Tea’s is themed. We were part of the Christmas in July Theme. I am inspired to now have my own Christmas in July Party just for fun. Popping Christmas colours of Gold, Red and Green adorned the tables. It being our anniversary The Hotel even scattered scented red rose petals on our table and we had white and gold balloons with the words Happy Anniversary on them. All small details had not gone unnoticed. The teacups and plates themselves also had pretty designs and it felt as if we were like eating and drinking out of art.
Emotion
Wonder, Joy, Surprise, Excitement are all emotions that come to mind during this experience. The attentive and friendly staff made us feel very relaxed and welcome. The beauty of the Beverly Hills Hotel itself and the backdrop of the ocean behind us provide an opulent and exclusive atmosphere. Even the beautiful fragrance in the bathrooms, flowers, black and white Marilyn Monroe pictures and perfectly folded linen towels just add that extra feeling of luxury. Of course, the overriding feeling was one of love because I was sharing this experience with my husband.
Beverly Hills Hotel
Overall The Beverly Hills hotel and staff contributed to us having a memorable and special Anniversary that we will forever treasure. We will definitely return. I urge you to put it on your to-do list if you live in or if you visit Durban.
Looks very creative and delicious