Tea time at the new Palm Court of Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O) Penang harks back to the halcyon days when well-heeled ladies,
lovey-dovey couples and even an immaculately garbed gentleman or two gather for a cuppa and light refreshments prior to dinner.
Named after the legendary Palm Court Bar that used to
operate below the echo dome in the lobby during the Sarkies Brothers’ era, the
new Palm Court retains its charming old world ambience: overstuffed
sofa lounges, wingback chairs, ottomans and coffee tables intersperse with starched white tableclothed tables
make it a welcoming haven to escape the tropical weather.
In the old days, bachelors, planters, traders
and sailors converge at the Palm Court for their glass of stengah (equal measures of whisky and soda water, served over ice), today it's business and leisure travellers, close girlfriends and small families who are drawn to the resto's a
la carte assortment of Indian and Malay inspired dishes, Chinese noodles and casual
international favourites for lunch or dinner.
The
Afternoon Tea (RM88 nett per person) is a favourite mainstay here, featuring
triple-tier stands of finger sandwiches and dainty pastries. For a touch of
luxe, the Champagne English Afternoon Tea is RM168 nett per person inclusive of
1 glass of champagne.
Out of the 13 varieties of tea, we selected Orange
Passionfruit, Japanese Sencha and Organic Earl Grey to accompany our selection
of savoury and sweet temptations.
From the appealing assortment of sandwiches presented,
it was obvious much thought has gone into the whole repertoire. Upping the ante
on the plain ol’ cucumber sandwich, the Palm Court team proffered Cucumber,
Dill and Cream Cheese Pullman Sandwich, Smoked Salmon Tartare Wholemeal Finger
Sandwich, Marinated Tuna Flake Sandwich, Crab Meat Slaw Sandwich, Corn Fed
Chicken Ragout Gougères (cheese choux pastry), Truffle Scented Egg on Poppy Seed Butter Bun,
and Organic Spinach Quiche to set the ball rolling.
Being waited on hand and foot,
luxuriating in the hallowed setting made the experience thoroughly enjoyable. After
the on-point savoury appetite pleasers, we made short work of the Raisin and Plain Scones with clotted cream, house-made strawberry jam and for a touch of
the tropics, pineapple jam.
By the time we were ready to hit on the Red Velvet,
Opera Cake and Fruit Cake, we had struggled a little. There were still Fruit
Tartlets and Millefeuille to contend with but alas, it was a lost cause as having
downed copious cups of our tea, we were hard pressed to make short work of
everything. Overall, it was an exceptional afternoon to remember.
Note:
Review conducted prior to Malaysia's Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
The English Afternoon Tea is now available every Saturday & Sunday from
3pm to 5pm at Palm Court, E & O Hotel Penang. Limited seats available; to reserve click: http://bit.ly/PalmCourtBooking
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