On a recent trip to Las Vegas attending the World Tea Expo, I knew I couldn't leave without scheduling Afternoon Tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. I enjoyed my first experience there in February, 2010, and knew then it would be a future haven from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip.
This non-gaming hotel on Las Vegas Blvd. South is located in the City Center and exudes a luxury like few others. Gold, glitz and glitter are replaced by lovely minimalist Asian decor: cool, modern and serene.
Afternoon Tea is served daily in the 23rd Floor Sky Lounge starting at 2:30pm with the last seating at 5:00pm. Reservations are recommended, especially if you wish to take advantage of the breath-taking views of the city skyline. One may choose Classic English Afternoon Tea or Veuve Clicquot Afternoon Tea (Classic with Champagne).
Classic English Afternoon Tea includes the following courses: sandwiches, scones & pastries. The first order of business is to choose a tea from their many loose leaf selections. All varieties are represented well: Jasmine Pearl (White), Mandarin Blossoms, Organic Lychee, Matcha (Green), Mandarin Orange Blend, (Black), Artisan Blend Jasmine Earl Grey (Black & Green) Jasmine Green, Osmanthus (Oolong) and Tou-Cha (Pu'erh). I chose Jasmine Earl Grey, a delightful blend of black & green leaves scented with Jasmine, accented with blue Cornflower petals, and flavored with citrusy Bergamot ~ a Mediterranean fruit thought to be a sour orange and lemon hybrid. Tea is delivered to the table in an attractive glass pot and warming stand with tea candle.
The first course consisted of 4 different sandwiches: below, clockwise from left they are Curried Chicken Salad, Black Forest Ham & Horseradish Cream, Salmon, Cucumber & Watercress Spread, and Egg Salad & Chives on Brioche. All nicely crafted and delicious.
Next came two moist and rich Buttermilk Scones. These were accompanied by freshly made condiments including Tea Rose Petal Spread, Devonshire Cream, and Citrus Zest, an orange & lemon spread closely resembling the consistency of curd or preserves. The Tea Rose Petal Spread was an instant hit. Its delicate rose scent and deep pink color, along with actual bits of petals, made it unique to anything I've ever tried.
Last, but always best in my book, were the pastries. Usually changing day to day, I couldn't have been happier with that day's selections. Below, clockwise from left they are: Raspberry Rose Jam Macaroon, Raspberry Lavender Tart, Opera Cake adorned with Cubed Gelee & White Chocolate Straw, Lemon Ginger Madeline, Tea Berry Tart made with Chocolate Ganache & topped with a Blueberry, and in the center, Passion Fruit Cake with Mango Cream. Believe me when I say it doesn't get any better than this.
Servers Ava and Nancy were courteous, attentive and knowledgeable; not once flinching at my numerous questions. Stella, Tea Lounge Manager, also stopped by to chat and make sure my experience was nothing less than enjoyable and relaxing. I was genuinely surprised when presented with a gift bag made up solely for the attendees of the World Tea Expo. In it was a full size tin of their signature Mandarin Orange Blend ~ mandarin orange flavored black tea, with the crisp aroma of freshly squeezed oranges.
I highly recommend staying, or at least, visiting this hotel on your next trip to Las Vegas. If you're not a fan of Afternoon Tea, be sure to try one of their tea cocktails served from 10:00am-10:00pm. The Mandarin Bar on the same floor has equally amazing views, while offering cocktails and dining.
I overheard a couple in the elevator saying how impressed they were with the guest rooms. Even the Ladies Lounge has a spa-like quality to it, which made me feel the need to go home and de-clutter my house.
For more information about Afternoon Tea and the Hotel's features, please follow the links below.
