May is an important month for me. Many of my family members were born in this month including me.
Trying to celebrate my birthday has often resulted in the opposite of fun. No details needed except sometimes expectations are unreasonable and may never be met.
This year I requested something simpler than the last. Afternoon Tea has changed a great deal in Canberra. But now The White Rabbit Room is offering a Tipsy Tea on weekends. I had tried to book it previously but due to the popularity it was after planning and booking a month in advance, attendance was possible.
Yes, I love Afternoon Tea and have experienced some memorable experiences. Sandwiches, savouries, cakes and scone. What could be nicer? And also, the ‘tipsy’ part?
On a blustery Saturday, Harper and I arrived, hoping for something pleasant. Despite being situated on busy Northbourne Avenue, the interior was protected from the traffic noise. We were shown to our table and sat in the comfortable chairs.
The White Rabbit Room is based on Alice in Wonderland and is quite different from many other afternoon tea venues I have visited. A video of the Disney Alice in Wonderland movie is often shown as well as some cartoons from an earlier era.
Ordering is easy as it is a set menu. The staff also ask if the patron has any food allergies and due to the joy of having an ever expanding list I did not feel as ‘precious’ as I regularly do when clarifying the hated or allergic ingredients would be absent.
When the tiered stand appeared, it would be wrong to deny the preference to eat rather than photograph overtook me, thus the pictures do not reflect the original visual impact. Harper and I agreed to swap items which did not appeal to our individual taste, which meant I was not limited on my desire for cake.
Harper bravely volunteered to eat the Italian Pork Sausage Roll and Sticky Ginger and Shallot Pork Belly. Conversation implied it was not really a sacrifice and observation indicated the taste was pleasing as both vanished very quickly. The Curried Cauliflower Tart contained the right amount of curry and the cauliflower was neither too squishy of rock hard. Yum.
For some reason the Roast Chicken and Cress Sandwiches vanished… or they were eaten very fast. Arancini Balls are not my favourite but these were pleasant.
The savoury tier was a success.
The sweet tier had a few misses. The Raspberry Cinnamon Donuts were very filling, and a little too dense. Over the years I have tired of my one time favourite Lemon Meringue Pie and while this did meet the criteria, it did not restore my delight. Sticky Fig Pudding and Butterscotch was enjoyable but very filling. The Dutch chocolate Pannacotta was very rich and we took the macarons home as we could not finish everything.
To accompany the tea, Harper chose coffee which disappeared quickly due to enjoyment. I chose the Peaches and Cream and The Liddell Tequila. Both were very pleasant, but I admit a preference for the Liddell Tequila. It came in a tea cup and the flavour was very satisfying.
Did we enjoy the experience?
The following month we went again, accompanied by Lindsay who was also delighted with the experience. Perhaps we may reserve this again for an occasion this year.
Overall:
It was nearly a year ago but we did enjoy the experience. I am not certain if the price has increased but it will cost approximately $75.00 per person but increases if you desire champagne. I believe for a festive occasion, if you can afford it, it is worth the money and did not disappoint me.
Score: 4.5/5
(Sorry for the blurred images).
Clean the Plate 