There's a scene in the movie Invictus dramatizing this whole conversation between Nelson Mandela and Francois Pienaar over an afternoon tea. While pouring a cup for the South African rugby union captain, Nelson Mandela said, "The English have given us many things, including rugby, but afternoon tea, that is the greatest."
Having a cup of tea on my own is relaxing enough, but in a nicer setting, it becomes so much better! I recently went for an afternoon tea at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Connect Lounge, and the whole experience was a really good one.
Connect Lounge only serves afternoon tea, not high tea. Even though the line is blurred between the two, afternoon tea is, as the name suggests, served in the afternoon. In British tradition, afternoon tea or low tea is the more sophisticated version, popularized by the Royals. So pinky up for the afternoon tea? Hard no.
Connect Lounge is located on the 24th floor {same floor as Cucina} of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. Sectioned sitting areas fill up the space with the one near the floor-to-ceiling windows as my favorite.
An afternoon tea traditionally comes with sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries, and of course, premium tea. The open sandwiches are tailor made to your preference. You can choose three among the five colorful baguettes - corn, parsley, squid ink, tomato, and the original. The toppings comes next followed by your choice of tea.
The Mango and Raspberry Sorbet amuse-bouche were the first ones served. The refreshingly light duo kept our palates primed for what's to come.
The 3-tier stand of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Connect Lounge Afternoon Tea goodies include two pieces of scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam; three open sandwiches {smoked salmon, prosciutto, and salami}; and coffee jelly, tres crema, peach crumble, raspberry mousse, and sausage rolls. I liked all except for the scones. The ones we got were too crumbly; the taste, however, was very satisfying. MPM's clotted cream deserves a good clap, too!
The Afternoon Tea set also comes with this magnificent Chocolate Soufflé! It's a pair, actually. One for you, and the other for your afternoon tea partner. The rich, creamy-cored dessert is heavenly! Come to think of it, MPM makes fine sweet treats.
I let my son choose the flavor since he is, for some unknown reason, a tea enthusiast. He got us an English Breakfast. He really enjoys tea a lot! I'm more of a coffee drinker. If you are like me, you have the option to choose the latter. For those who are not feeling both, you can upgrade your drink to a smoothie, iced tea, champagne, or their cocktail of the week {below}! MPM aims to please!
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| Pink Blossom - Cocktail of the Week |
The Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Connect Lounge Afternoon Tea is available daily from 2 until 6 PM. For the total experience, including service and the ambiance, I find that the price {PhP 788 for 2 persons} is definitely reasonable.
Connect Lounge
24th Floor Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s
Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street,
Ortigas Centre, Pasig City,1600
Website: www.marcopolohotels.com
Contact No.: (+632) 720.77.77
Facebook: Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
Twitter: @marcopolomanila
Onward and Upward!
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