Tea for two

And two for tea.

A few weeks ago Mike and I took a look at the calendar and noticed something special. We’d been goofing around together and teasing each other for nearly 12 full months! We decided that was cause for a little celebration at the Burj Al Arab.

Visiting the Burj Al Arab is kind of a big deal. When you make reservations (which are required to enter) you are given a secret code. Without that code, there’s no getting past security or through the gate. Even though I’m not too impressed by exclusivity, I must admit handing over the secret password did give me a bit of a thrill.

Once inside the hotel we were able to do a bit of exploring before sitting down to the Ultimate Afternoon Tea. The service is comprised of 7 courses and costs 325AED ($90) without champagne, 375AED ($103) with champagne.

It was easy to lose count of the courses but I did my best to get photos of all the pretty food.

We started off with sparkling date juice.

Next, fresh berries and cream.

Then, we were brought a selection of meat filled and vegetarian sandwiches.

The sandwiches were followed by a vegetarian carvery course consisting of little spinach puffs, a mushroom quiche, and greens. (The meat selection was a salmon bake.)

A little sorbet to cleanse the pallet.

At this point the actual “tea” or hot drinks were served. I chose a simple strawberry ceylon. Mike opted to be a bit more luxurious. His cappuccino came with gold flakes on top.

The hot drinks were accompanied by scones with cream and jams.

The last two courses consisted of French pastries and truffles on a Ferris wheel.

Near the end of our meal, a server brought over a rose and a card in honor of our anniversary. We couldn’t stop giggling. It was clear they thought we were married.

For the record, I did not elope. And rest assured, if I did, my maiden name would reign!

The tea lasted nearly 3 hours and was certainly a little piece of luxury. My only disappointment was that despite stating on the phone and upon arrival that I required a vegetarian option, I was still served meat. It was all sorted (after my third request) and the food was superb. I guess I just assumed that a “5 Star Deluxe” hotel would get it right the first time.

It was definitely a special afternoon.xo, jill

PS more photos of the interior to come.