Afternoon
Tea in
Phoenix
By Maralyn D. Hill
Many may be amazed that afternoon
tea is served in Phoenix, Arizona.
Since I’ve moved here in 2006, I’ve
enjoyed it on a regular basis. For me,
I considered it “High Tea,” but here,
it is generally referred to as
“Afternoon Tea.”
The greater Phoenix area has more
luxury hotels than one can imagine.
When thinking about them, it is
often the casual environment that
comes to mind, but don’t be fooled,
residents and visitors alike enjoy a
refined and elegant experience as
much as anywhere else.
More hotels may feature Afternoon Tea,
but I am going to focus on the three
that feature it in the summertime, as I
tend to take guests during summer as
well as winter. My sister-in-law visits in
the summer and one of her favorite
activities is Afternoon Tea. So we tried
all three venues.
The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria
Resort, started serving Afternoon Tea
when they opened in 1929. But for a
while, like many of the hotels, they
stopped during the summer. Last
summer, for the first time, they started
their Summer Tea with iced tea
selections. Because it was so well
received, it is returning this year.
Tea Sommelier Kevin Doyle welcomes
you and explains the Biltmore’s
variety of six hot or iced teas. My
husband and his sister, traditionalists
with a preference for hot tea, stayed
with a hot service, but I ventured to
the cold service with blackberry
pomegranate. Like the hot tea, it is
steeped at the table and served over
ice when ready.
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This is accompanied with a
presentation of finger sandwiches, a
scone and teacake and ample desserts.
Kevin does an exceptional job
explaining all aspects of the service.
Seatings for Afternoon Tea are at 12
noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Thursday
through Sunday. For the 2014
season, the cost is $39, or $49 with
the addition of Kir Royale or a
Mimosa. An 18 percent gratuity is
added and reservations can be made
at 602.381.7632.
Next on our Afternoon Tea adventure
was The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix, with
Tea Sommelier Jeffrey Hatrick. The
cozy atmosphere of its Lobby Lounge
duplicates everything you would
want and expect from an English
High Tea experience. Jeffrey’s ability
to put you at immediate ease and
relaxation enables him to provide
each guest what seems to be an
individual experience.
Jeffery’s passion for tea shows
through. He has won many awards
and travels to share his tea
knowledge through private and
public functions. To quote him, “Tea
is a vessel by which we can navigate
our mood. It can enhance the space
we are in or guide us to a place we
would rather be. Tea is an experience
that engages all of the senses and
allows us to enjoy an art of living.”
Jeffery is usually available for most
afternoon teas.
Like most High Teas, The Ritz
Carlton Afternoon Tea is comprised
of the savory, scones, and sweets
selection. An important addition is