Afternoon Tea at Chihuly Lounge @Ritz Carlton Hotel

Catch up with a friend over a leisurely afternoon tea...back when I was clearing my leaves in Dec. We didn't want the buffet type Hi-tea where we need to leave the table to get food, so the Chihuly's 8-COURSE CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA SET $49++ seems like a good choice.

It has been a while since I last had tea here at Chihuly, the stunning interiors are still as breathtaking as I remembered it to be.

The elaborate table setting for afternoon tea. Everything is served in luxury French porcelain tableware from Bernardaud, with matching embroidered napkins.

For starters, a refreshing sweet Apple mocktail was served with assorted Crackers and XO chilli sambal. Quite addictive to munch on.

Following that, we had the Turkey Ballotine, made with Maple Glazed Bacon, Smoked Foie Gras, Mushroom Farce and served with Giblet Sauce & Chestnut. This was really delicious.

Then, a 3-tier Tea stand was presented to us, with Gingerbread Spiced Scones and Raisin Scones on top, an array of savory sandwiches in the middle, and 4 kinds of desserts at the bottom.

The scones were served with clotted cream and honey or fruit jam. Tasted alright, doesn't leave much of an impression with us though.

The sandwiches were quite forgettable. Served with typical western fillings such as Smoked salmon, Ham and Turkey, and Egg mayo stuffed in different types of breads and rolls. We couldn't finish them in the end.

The pretty looking desserts were mostly too sweet, except for the Dark chocolate dome which was bittersweet and densely chocolaty. Too bad we can't have refill for this one.

The dessert course continues with Raspberry, Fig & Cinnamon w/ Chantilly Cream and Lime Sorbet w/ Red Wine Poached Pear. We both preferred the tangy sorbet over the creamy fig.

Lastly, a Pass Around Trolley, loaded with X'mas Stollen, Fruit Cakes, assorted Chocolate Pralines and Christmas Cookies, arrived at our table where we each picked out a few items we fancied to end the tea session.

We loved the Chocolate and green tea kueh lapis but the rest were just overly sweet confectioneries. Fortunately, we didn't asked for too many items on our plates!

Overall, this afternoon tea experience was a borderline case of excellent ambiance and service being let down by not-so-impressive food. I wish they would review the savory menu to include more interesting open-faced finger food or quiches rather than just breads and rolls with regular fillings. And, also look into reducing sweetness level of the desserts items. Would I be back again? Well, not in the near future for sure.


Chihuly Lounge @Ritz Carlton Hotel
7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799
Tel: 63378888

Weekday Afternoon Tea from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m (Mon - Fri)

Dinner at ANGELINA @Capitol Piazza

I've been super excited about Angelina's opening at Capitol Piazza cos I can finally try the signature Hot chocolate drink that resembles melted chocolate bar in a cup! Finally managed to go with a friend during the X'mas festive season.

The restaurant cum retail store has two entrances, one from outside directly into the retail shop, and the restaurant from inside the building, which is an open concept design. The decor is a replica of the charming century old tearoom from Paris, exuding elegance and refinement from the Belle Epoque era.

The serving staffs here are all formally dressed and well versed with the menu (food menu changes from time to time) and dishes. I immediately ordered the Angelina's Hot chocolate $13++ (for one pax), served with whip cream on the side.

The pricey beverage contained in a tiny teapot serves two portions of dark chocolate drink in a regular teacup. Sipping this on its own is like drinking melted chocolate bar, insanely thick and indulgent. Add in the whip cream to smoothen the texture and lighten the thickness for a more enjoyable experience!

Complimentary bread was served before my main course. I had the Pork Rack $35++, served with garlic potato purée and honey mustard cream sauce. The pork chop was nicely done, tender and juicy despite its thickness, very delicious.

It's dessert time! Since the famous Mont Blanc had not-so-good reviews, we decided to avoid it and ordered the Éclair Chocolat $10++ and the Tarte au Citron $10++. The eclair, laced with dense dark chocolate ganache, wasn't overly sweet. And, the lemon tart was refreshingly tangy-sweet, a delightful way to end the pleasant dinner!

Angelina is indeed a nice place to chill and hang out with girlfriends over a cuppa and sweet treats. The iconic Hot chocolate is to-die-for for all chocolate addicts, it will be my must order for my future visits. Having said that, the main dishes are highly recommended too. Do check this place out if a Paris holiday is not in your plans in the near future.


ANGELINA @Capitol Piazza
Capitol Piazza, 15 Stamford Rd, #01-82
Singapore 178905
Tel: 6384 0481

Hours
Mon - Fri 11:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m
Sat & Sun 10:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m