Experience a Parisian Affair at the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel
The Sheraton Melbourne Hotel, tucked away on the Parisian End of Little Collins Street, is not only home to luxury accommodation, but also a haven providing a high-end afternoon tea experience.
Going up to the first floor kindles your expectations of what high tea in the salons of Paris is like. Designed by Hecker Guthrie (Ivy Sydney, Longrain Melbourne, EAST Melbourne), the venue exudes a modern yet elegant style. Natural light pours in through large windows to accentuate this beautifully bright and open area.
Pastel themed bouquets and shiny silverware pop against sandy wood tables. The attention to detail make the space that much more special – even down to the arrangement of dainty teapots and kitchenware displayed in buffet cabinets around the dining area.
As gracefully designed as the Eiffel Tower, each buffet station is as beautiful as the Mona Lisa smile, with each dish illuminated to suggest just a touch of decadent pleasures that await. Taking it all in, I make a mental note of each morsel I want to try. In this case, everything.
The menu boasts traditional high tea items, such as scones and cucumber sandwiches, but has a distinct modern twist. A choice of sandwiches, savouries or the dessert buffet satisfies all palates and ensures you won’t be stuck for options.
The chicken and avocado croissant is a winner, with the perfect combination of buttery, flakey pastry, creamy avocado and tender chicken. The asparagus and ricotta quiche tartlet packs a punch for such a dainty little treat. Other delectable savoury goods include the Togarashi Spiced Open Beef Petit Four and the Smoked Salmon Crouton.
The crepe suzette station will have all your senses working in overdrive. Hear the sizzle of butter, watch the chef flip the crepe with dexterity, embrace the scent of orange and Grand Marnier and then taste the delicious finished product, crowned with juicy orange segments.
The goods on offer from Crux & Co. that include eclairs, macaroons and cakes, won’t disappoint. Particularly appealing are the carrot, matcha or chocolate gateauxs, standouts in both their colours and flavours, thanks to Master Pattissier Louise MK Lee.
Other mouth-watering sweets include the strawberry tartlet and the chia seed and raspberry pots. Already I am overwhelmed by the amazing goods on offer and am slightly disappointed that I can’t fit any more food in.
To drink, choose from the extensive range of La Maison du Thé teas. Unique varieties include a vibrant strawberry and cream, gorgeous geisha and green rose teas. For some bubbles, you will be delighted with the De Bortoli Lorimer Sparkling NV, Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV or the Bollinger Rosé .
Not only is the food impeccable at the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel Afternoon Tea, but the service too. At every glance, my champagne glass and tea cup remained full – but not I assure you, from a lack of thirst on my part!
With Afternoon Tea buffet available on weekends and classic Afternoon Tea Stands on weekdays, The Sheraton Melbourne Hotel is the ideal venue for your not-so-average afternoon tea. A journey to this place is like visiting the finest establishments in France sans passports. Bon voyage!
While you’re at the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel, it’s worth checking out EAST Restaurant and Bar for delicious modern Chinese cuisine.
Sheraton Melbourne Hotel
27 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
(03) 9290 1056
http://www.sheratonmelbourne.com/parisianafternoontea
Afternoon Tea Buffet – Saturday and Sunday from 3:00pm – 5:00pm
$69 per person with a glass of Australian sparkling wine on arrival
$84 per person with a glass of Champagne Bollinger on arrival
Afternoon Tea Stands – Monday to Friday from 3:00pm – 5:00pm.
$45 per person
$55 per person with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival