InterContinental Hong Kong serves small bites with tea in contemporary Chinese-style red boxes .
A sleek stainless-steel stand characterizes tea SilverNeedle Collection properties use a wooden service at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in stand for tea service rather than the more standard Hong Kong . stainless steel .
Afternoon tea at The Palace
Lounge at
Palace Hotel Tokyo features various treats in layered lacquered boxes — a jyubako presentation .
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Tea may be the star of the show , but the food served during afternoon tea is taking on an increasingly prominent role , and it has the service pieces to match .
At The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong , Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus chose a glossy stainless-steel stand to complement the hotel ’ s sleek , minimalist design . “ I wanted to move away from the typical three-tier stand ,” Ekkebus notes .
The SilverNeedle Collection , which includes three hotels in Thailand and Laos , uses wood for its tea service stands to highlight the properties ’ natural settings . “ Wood generates the warmth and languorous feel that heighten the afternoon tea experience ,” explains Chris Stafford , vice president , hotel operations – Southeast Asia for SilverNeedle Hospitality .
Sometimes service pieces for food are inspired by local culture and customs . InterContinental Hong Kong serves small bites with tea in contemporary Chinese-style red boxes that harken back to the way people carried food in ancient China .
In The Palace Lounge at Palace Hotel Tokyo , kimono-clad servers offer a jyubako presentation of layered lacquered boxes filled with treats including scones , sushi and Japanese sweets . “ We chose the jyubako presentation because it ’ s original to Japan ,” explains Executive Chef Masatoshi Saito . “ We were very intentional about wanting to keep the ‘ Japanese-ness ’ of certain design and service elements — all the while being original as well .”
38 HOTELS March 2014 www . hotelsmag . com