High Tea at Abode Bistro and Bar: Review

Today was an exceptional experience shared with a special guest for Josie's Juice.

And here, my review of the experience.

I will admit: it has been a long while since I have been to a high tea. I rode the wave with everyone else when the high tea was a 'thing', and indulged in several rounds of it at the various incarnations of it around Sydney. It was wonderful, it was a new taste sensation, it was mini cake and teeny sandwich overload, and I loved it. Lapped it up with gusto like everyone else. It was decadent and delicious.

So, when I was presented with the opportunity to come try the all new high tea at Abode, I wanted to rekindle my little teeny morsel of heaven love affair… and introduce my mini me to the experience. My daughter.

Estella watching her tea being poured

And so, off we went to park at the Parkroyal Darling Harbour (at the end of Day Street) and we were warmly welcomed by utterly lovely staff, excited to be kicking off the all new big tea at the beautifully, recently refurbed Abode (it used to be called 'Connections' and looked vastly different).

Today, the decor of Abode is decidedly cool and looks all Hamptons-style, with gorgeous white shutters and luxe fringing and beautiful big arm chairs sitting opposite comfy booths.

The menu is divine.

Today, we trialled it all, with the added bonus of chef Peter Kuruvita giving us the rundown of all tea-inspired loveliness of the menu items (hence the presence of hugely successful tea brand Dilmah, the brew of choice here, served up in various incarnations throughout the high tea.

My daughter Estella declared she "wanted to start the day right from now on" and "have tea every morning, Mummy!". Solid foundations being being here!

Here is the wonderful Peter Kuruvita:

And here is the menu:

          Arrival

• -  Selection of Sri Lankan snacks
  
• -  Mini Peach iced tea bottles
  
• -  Moroccan mint tea and Hendrick’s julep cocktail
  
  High tea
  
• 
  -  Lively lime and orange tea infused duck rillette pots served with parmesan crostini
  - Rosemary with peppermint tea infused slow cooked lamb shoulder pie, mashed pea
  - Crab and avocado salad
  - Ceylon dust in baby gem lettuce cups finger roll of extravagant I’artisan triple brie, smoked ham, dijion mustard, olive dust
  
  Sandwiches
  
  
  - Earl Grey poached chicken, herb aioli - King prawn salad, lemon and dill aioli
  
  Dessert
  
  
  - Lemon, pistachio and almond macarons
  - Mini apple mille feullie, rose and French vanilla cream
  - Abode's opera cake
  - White chocolate and spiced chai fudge
  - Bitter chocolate mousse pots, sable and hazelnut crumb
  - Individual Eaton mess with blueberry and pomegranate jelly 
  

And so, here we are guys and girls (yes: boys… come too! It is not the girly, pink high tea of old): a new destination to have high tea in Sydney. It's a must-visit for any occasion, and you can head there on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Go to this site here for more: Abode Bistro and Bar.

The menu is designed by Peter Kuruvita and Ryan Hong which includes a selection of tea infused cocktails, a modern twist on traditional favourites and delectable desserts all served with fresh loose leaf tea.

Booking and pre-payment essential. Call them on 02 9260 2945 or email RSVP@ABODEBISTRO.COM. Price starts from $45 AUD.

Here we are, the delicious menu in pictures:

Estella and Jenny, our host for the day

 

Finishing off with the 'Eaton Mess'. divine:

A selfie is imperative!