Starting off with a cup of warm Jasmin Monkey King Tea which is one of the newest tea offerings specifically for Chinese New Year. This tea service is a wonderful way to celebrate the Year of the Monkey and Chinese New Year; I indulged in the Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea service.
Although I chose the Jasmin Monkey King Tea you can choose any TWG tea from their extensive list.
After my selection of tea was served, I then indulged with a selection of Chinese themed savouries and sweets served on a three-tiered platter.
The savouries included a Pork and Chive Wontons, Chicken and Ginger Broth, “1837 Black Tea” Oil; “Imperial Lapsang Souchong Tea” Chicken Salad, Black Sesame Basket, Pea Shoots ; “Lemon Bush Tea” Alantic Lobster Torchon, Tobiko Aioli, Yuzu Gel Brome Lake Duck Breast, Amerena Cherry, “White Secret Tea” Shooter; and Foie Gras Mousse, Truffle Aioli, “New York Singapore Tea” Cracker, Plum Essence.
The sweets included a delicious “Alfonso Tea” infused Mango Panna Cotta, Honey Milk Caviar ; “Weekend in Venice” Strawberry Tartlette, Creme Anglaise ; White and Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberry ; “Almond Tea” infused Petit Four, Vanilla Sugar Almonds TWG Tea Macaron Mélange of Fresh Fruit and a freshly Baked Scone, Victorian Créme,, “1837 Black Tea” Jelly.
This special Lunar New Year Tea service runs through to the end of February and is $48 per person (minimum 2 people). Make your reservations soon and enjoy this years Chinese New Year celebration. The Urban Tea Merchant is located at 1070 West Georgia, in downtown Vancouver.
By: Richard Wolak