Posted by Kath
Nestled in the back streets of Darlinghurst, quirky, old world charm is the backdrop for what is probably one of the most laid-back and unique high tea experiences around town: the vodka high tea at Food Society.
Table setting at Food Society, Riley Street, Darlinghurst |
An exciting arrangement of savoury and sweet canapés are matched with premium single origin teas, bubbles and/or vodka-based iced tea cocktails.
Watermelon Caipiroska (front) and Spiced Apple Pie (back) |
The Spiced Apple Pie cocktail was fuelled by house infused spiced apple juice, cinnamon, star anise, lemon zest and dangerously delicious Zubrowka bison grass vodka, served with crushed ice and a green apple garnish.
Goat's cheese tartlet |
The top layer of savoury canapés featured a delicate miniature tart of goat's cheese, pine nuts and mint; baked within a buttery shortcrust pastry shell and topped with a fine dice of caramelised fennel and parsnip, which added sweet notes to the creamy quiche.
Duck vol au vent |
Salmon pastrami on truffle salt toast (left) and mini beef pie (right) |
To finish was a relatively substantial mini beef pie with a house made relish that was just as moreish as the other tiny offerings of the day.
Classic cucumber sandwich (top) and "The best chicken sandwich" |
Providing a more filling end to the savoury course was "The best chicken sandwich". Sandwiched between buttery, charred brioche slices were flakes of smoky Lilydale chicken with its classic herb partner - tarragon - as well as nasturtium flowers, all held together with a creamy duck egg hollandaise. Best chicken sandwich? Pretty close.
Tea set |
Berry macaron, sweet tea trifle, alfajores and dark chocolate truffle |
The sweet tea trifle presented in a small glass jar was a nice transition from the darker, richer treats - and an exotic one at that. With a light custard of pomegranate and acai berry, a vodka-cured rhubarb jelly, vanilla sponge and sweet pickled Australian hibiscus flowers, the very modern trifle was finished with a salad of pomegranate and acai pearls.
Last of the small bites was the dulce de leche filled shortbread alfajores which had me wishing I could buy these by the box. Light buttery shortbread gave way to creamy dulce de leche that wasn't too sweet but bordering on the perfect, dreamy side of burnt caramel.
Czech style honey cake |
For a thoroughly delicious high tea experience that's not the same-old, Food Society provides a beautiful location and experience with a proper twist and all the quirk and flair you'd expect from an eastern European establishment - and with vodka, of course.
Food, Booze & Shoes dined at Food Society as a guest, with thanks to The Buzz Group.
3 comments:
First time I've seen grilled sandwiches on a high tea stand. They do sound tasty though!
Helen they were super tasty, i'm fairly sure due loads of butter.. :)
That honey cake looks delicious!
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