Royal High Tea With A View – Mote Aquarium In Sarasota, FL
If a trip across the pond isn’t in your budget this year, you can still experience an authentic Royal High Tea thanks to Larry Barrett and his team from Simply Gourmet Caterers.
This year, the Royal Tea Service takes place at the Mote Marine Aquarium and Museum. “Royal Tea by the Bay” includes an array of sweet and savory offerings and unlimited tea served in an eclectic collection of old-fashioned tea sets. Guests will enjoy the Royal Tea at its new waterfront location that showcases everything that is special about Sarasota and her islands. Tea guests are treated like royalty with first-class service and food at Mote Aquarium.
When my mom and I arrived for Tea on Tuesday, we were greeted by the friendly Simply Gourmet Catering staff who seated us at a charming table for two with a stunning view of the Gulf. The Keating Center event space was the perfect setting to enjoy an afternoon of tea, sweets and treats.
The room was at capacity, with about 130 guests in attendance on this, the opening day. Many ladies sported English style hats. I had the pleasure of meeting Tula Watt who was seated at a nearby table. She wore the most lovely hat I had seen all day!
Our server, Stephanie, poured our tea and brought us tea sandwiches. There was an assortment including cucumber with cream cheese, egg salad, chicken salad and a sundered tomato turkey pinwheel. Chef Larry prepared a special platter for me to accommodate my vegan dietary needs. I was presented with a delicious red pepper hummus with lots of vegetables for dipping. After we snacked on the savory, we were treated to a sweets platter and some fresh fruit and nuts. Bite size treats included a chocolate walnut brownie, which my mom said tasted exactly like fudge. She also nibbled on a currant scone, a white chocolate mousse fruit tartlet and a cassis marinated mini strawberry parfait.
Maybe it’s time to start a new tradition with your mom, daughter or a group of girlfriends. There are still more dates this month and next. You can call 941-225-9122 to reserve your tickets for March 5 and 12. Tickets are $35 and include valet parking.
Photos courtesy of Simply Gourmet Catering and Heidi Schild.
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