ゆとりバカ
I use this Shangri-La Hotel's afternoon tea about once a year. This time, after successfully getting through a busy work period, my mother and I visited as a summer treat. On weekends, they serve afternoon tea from 13:00, so around 13:00, the guests who have made reservations start gathering in front of the lounge. We were promptly seated at 13:00, and I really like the lounge here because even if you're not by the window, you can still see outside. The afternoon tea staff all wear green suits that give off an international vibe, which is interesting. This time, we tried the Wellness Summer Afternoon Tea (including service charge 8,602 yen) held from 7/1 to 9/30, a healthy afternoon tea collaboration with a famous yoga instructor using materials that are good for the mind and body. I've been curious about it for a while, so I was thrilled to be able to go this time. As anyone who has experienced afternoon tea knows, you will get quite full. But even though I knew that, I couldn't resist ordering French fries on the à la carte menu, even though it wasn't listed (about 1,400 yen). First, we were served the Shangri-La Hotel's original Himalayan blend tea, which we enjoyed with the savory items. The afternoon tea is health-oriented, so I was delighted with the abundance of vegetables and grains. Everything was delicious, but what stood out were the "brown rice baked risotto with additive-free koji miso" and the "Kiryu yeast whole wheat bread avocado open sandwich". The brown rice risotto was chewy and slightly fragrant, which paired well with the koji miso. The open sandwich had a surprisingly soft and chewy bread, with a rich avocado and a nice touch of pink pepper. After the savory items, it was time for the sweets. All the sweets were delicious, but the "carrot cake" and the "cheesecake with koji and white miso" were particularly impressive. The carrot cake had a slightly spiced batter and a frosting of cheese that matched perfectly. The chocolate decoration shaped like a carrot on top was cute. The hotel's recommended cheesecake, which was made with koji and white miso, had a natural sweetness and richness that made it an outstanding rare cheesecake. Scones are a must-have for afternoon tea, and this time we had three types: plain, black sesame, and whole wheat raisin. The scone accompaniments were made from coconut milk and included kaya jam, white sesame paste, agave syrup, and strawberry jam. I love scones, and all three types were delicious, making it hard to choose a favorite. The jams to go with the scones were all delicious as well. The kaya jam had a comforting sweetness, but if you love peanut cream, you will surely be captivated by the combination of white sesame paste and agave syrup. By the way, the French fries I was munching on during the savory and sweet items were still delicious even when cold. They serve mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard with them. The portion of fries is generous, so be prepared if you want to order them! The highlight, of course, is the tea. My favorite was the "Garden of Eden," a mango and passion fruit-scented black tea, and my mother's favorite was the chestnut-like flavor of the "Tieguanyin tea." Afternoon tea is a two-hour affair, during which you can enjoy unlimited tea and coffee listed on the menu, so be sure to find your favorite drink. Recently, male customers have been increasing, not just women, so it seems like more and more people are enjoying afternoon tea.