You are probably aware that I’m a huge fan of The Urban Tea Merchant and I’ve been fortunate to indulge in their themed tea services and share it with you all. There’s two celebrations happening in February, Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day, and The Urban Tea Merchant has curated two themed tea services that are different compared to their usual afternoon tea services.
If you’re scrambling to find last minute Valentine’s options for you and your partner, the Valentine Tea Service ($48 per person) will swoop her (and him!) off their feet. It is available only during Feb 13-15 and let me tell you a secret ladies, men DO like afternoon tea, though they may not admit it (my boyfriend loves it!). Sable fish, beef carpaccio, and desserts- I’d come here even if I was single!
For the Valentine Tea Service, The Urban Tea Merchant prepared a most filling platter, consisting of seafood, meat, and sweets.
Savouries:
- Miso Sablefish
- “1837 Black Tea“ Crusted Ahi Tuna, Wasabi Mayonnaise
- “Dignitary’s Tea“ Crusted Beef Carpaccio, Brioche, Truffle Aioli
- “Jade of Africa” Scented Pork Belly, Eau Noir Crisp, Fennel Slaw, Apple
- Beet Bread Pinewheel, “Timeless Tea” Scented Goat Cheese
- Carrot Bread Pinewheel, “Indian Night Tea” & Caramelized Onion Cheese Spread, Brasola
Sweets:
- “Weekend in Saint Tropez” Chocolate Truffle
- Lemon Meringue Tart, “Tokyo Singapore Tea“
- “Magic Moment Tea” Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Tuxedo Strawberries
- TWG Tea Macaron
My favourite savoury was the Miso Sablefish and the Ahi Tuna, whereas my boyfriend’s star food item was the Crusted Beef Carpaccio. Both the tuna and carpaccio had no raw taste; and the sauces were wonderfully paired with it. Instead of little sandwiches, the beet bread pinwheel and carrot bread pinwheel was a unique alternative.
The tea infused in the Chocolate Mousse Cake was Magic Moment Tea, which is a coconut earl grey tea. The cake contained white chocolate mousse, and though I don’t like white chocolate, the Magic Moment Tea infusion added a smoky earl grey taste to it so the sweetness was tuned down; it was so delicious! my favourite dessert of the tea service! I also tried the new macaron which is part of the Valentine’s Day Collection. This one is infused with Amour de The, Rose. and with a lychee in the middle; officially one of my favourite macarons at The Urban Tea Merchant!
If you aren’t feeling the Valentine vibe, the Chinese New Year Tea Service ($48 per person) might suit your palette more. Celebrating Chinese New Year is a HUGE deal; I already imagine lineups of family dinners happening in the next two weeks. The Chinese New Year Tea Service is a three tiered platter; with one plate of sweets on the bottom and two plates of savouries.
Savouries:
- “1837 Black Tea“ Crusted Ahi Tuna, Wasabi Mayonnaise
- “Jade of Africa” Scented Pork Belly, Eau Noir Crisp, Fennel Slaw, Apple
- Lobster Torchon, “Tokyo Singapore” Scallop Mousse
- Seared “Sakura! Sakura! Tea” Duck Breast, Marinated Cherries
- “Weekend in Singapore Tea” Stained Quails Egg, Soba Noodles
- Lap Chong Sausage, Beef Broth
Sweets
- “1837 Black Tea“ Cake, White Chocolate
- Fruit Tart, lemon curd
- “Magic Moment Tea” Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Tuxedo Strawberries
I think I went a little bug eyed when this was brought over to our table; the gold crisp at the top, the small cute bowls of noodles; the presentation was impressive. There are some crossovers between the Chinese New Year Tea service and Valentine Tea Service- the Ahi Tuna, Pork Belly, and the Magic Moment Tea Chocolate Mousse Cake.
My favourite bite here was the duck breast, as I’m a lover for all salty meats. (When I’m at a breakfast buffet, I’ll be hovering over all the salami.) I did eat the duck without the cherries, since my tastebuds are geared to eating it with plum sauce or soy sauce; but, I did eat the marinated cherries on its own.
Last but not least, there is not afternoon tea without tea, and I sampled a few before the meal started. The Amour de Thé was my favourite; it is a darjeeling tea with a blend of rose blossoms. Too perfumey for the boyfriend, but perfect for me! I prefer drinking flowers than wearing flower perfume. However, for my meal, I had the Pu-Erh Prestige, as there were a lot of flavorful food and I find Pu-Erh cleanses the palette the best (number once choice of tea at dim sum!) My boyfriend had the Valentine Breakfast Tea with his meal, and he really enjoyed the black tea with hints of fruity notes.
I guess it’s not surprising that I was stuffed after! Out of the two, I prefer the Valentine’s Tea Service, but to each and their own. How are you celebrating Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day?
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