This summer, be mesmerized by the galore of Mediterranean dishes and desserts at Chihuly Lounge. Regulars of Ritz Carlton will know that the widely popular afternoon tea here are inspired by the seasons and once again, the talented Executive Pastry Chef Terence Pang has rolled out ten whimsical desserts, tricking not only your taste buds but also your eyes.
From Olive Macaron Starfish to Seaweed Slippers in cherry orange tones, these petite sweets definitely awaken your inner kid and drift you into a beautiful sandy landscape by a romantic sea.
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| Every lady's favourite--Caramel Mediterranean Salt Truffle Pearls |
Pop one of this silvered pearls into my mouth and you know this is worth more than the real thing. The bursting flow of Salted Caramel is irresistible.
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| Roasted Yellow Squash |
The Mediterranean focus extends to savoury delights and one of the must-try is the fist-sized Moroccan Style Stew Stuffed Chicken Wings permeated with herbaceous notes of coriander and some perky sour lemon. The innovative vegetable yellow pot was actually Roasted Yellow Squash stuffed with Pimiento and Manchego Cheese.
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| Canapes Selection: Marinated Feta Cheese with Olive Tapenade |
Apart from the above, I loved the buttery crumbly shell of the Chick Pea Hummus with Olive Oil in Caviar Tartlet. The Olive and Sun Dried Tomato Quiche was a sheer comfort food.
The Batata Harra (Spicy Potato) may resemble any other potato wedges but has absorbed the essence of garlic, chilli and olive oil. Other new dishes include Braised Chermoula Lamb Shank and Mint Couscous in Flaky Pastry and the Grilled King Prawns with Iberico Chorizo Butter Sauce that was bouncy on the bite.
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Get cheesy with the special crepe flavour of Ricotta Cheese Filling and Candied Fruit topped with Mascarpone Cheese Sorbet at the live station. |
Of course, nothing counts as afternoon tea without tea. Under my favourite category of green tea, there are already at least 6 types of blends. Alternatively, there are over thirty blends of loose leaf teas from the Ronnefeldt tea collection, served on elegant France-imported tea porcelain. A perfect complement for their lovely golden-raisin studded scones.
Satiated of savoury bites? Return to the desserts such as sourish Lemon and Vodka Lemon Cup or sail on calmly waves with the Raspberry and Fig Tart.
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| I was quite impressed with the Rosemary Panna Cotta with Peach Jelly as it was so luxuriantly creamy that it did not disintegrate instantly in the mouth. |
This summer weekend afternoon tea is available till 1 September from 2.30pm to 5.00pm, at S$52++ per adult and S$26++ per child (six to twelve years of age), inclusive of freshly brewed and decaffeinated coffee and a selection of teas. For weekdays, they are serving 3-tier afternoon tea at $42 per person.
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| Do not leave without this colourful beach ball filled with Pistachio Crème, nutty pistachios, buttery crumbles and ooh...juicy liquor-soaked cherries |
Having visited Ritz Carlton afternoon tea twice previously, I am truly impressed by how the quality and creativity of the food gets better each round. Not only the desserts but even the savoury selections are meticulously taken care of--both visual and the taste. That is why this place has always topped my list for afternoon tea recommendation(even before this round of tasting).
More than just whimsical. It's simply Mediterranean Magic.
Chihuly Lounge
The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore
7 Raffles Avenue
(Accessible from: Promenade/Esplanade/ City Hall MRT Station)
For dining reservations, please call (65) 6434 5288 or email rc.sinrz.restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com
*Special thanks to Ritz Carlton Singapore for the invite