Tag Archives: champagne

The Golden Well, Prague

Posted on by

For our final meal in Prague we went somewhere quite special. The Golden Well, or U Zlate Studne in Czech, is known for its great location and wonderful views of the capital. With a glass of champagne in hand overlooking the beaming city, at last I could breathe a sign of relief and gather my thoughts. The weekend, albeit wonderful, had been a mad rush to see and do it all, but up here the adrenalin abated and we were able to spend a few totally relaxed hours enjoying a classy but relaxed meal.

The menu includes traditional Czech classics alongside more familiar dishes, it all sounded delicious and I struggled with the overload of information. Eventually deciding on a refreshing cucumber salad with parmesan crisps and pinenuts, and king prawns with avocado. Subtle seasoning flavoured these fresh and vibrant ingredients… both starters felt appropriately light for the summer heat.

Mains were a little richer – steak with foie gras and truffle and chicken schnitzel with mashed potato. As expected the steak was indulgent and full of flavour, we were thankful for the accompanying grilled vegetables. It arrived presented beautifully and sitting in a pool of marvellously tasty gravy! The chicken was a smarter version of the children’s classic breaded chicken, and I felt a little silly choosing such a plain dish, even though the Golden Well chef had done it justice.

Vanilla pannacotta with strawberry compote and luxurious chocolate brownie completed our most memorable meal in Prague. What a lovely restaurant and view, it still makes me smile thinking of it now.

More information here.

www.goldenwell.cz

Paramount High Tea, Tottenham Court Road

Posted on by

Although there are now many higher landmarks in the city from which to view London’s skyline, Paramount at Centre Point is still a very popular venue. Enjoy a meal, a cocktail, or indulge (as we did) in high tea – the perfect champagne celebration.

You zoom up 32 floors to the smart, slightly businesslike restaurant space. From our advantageous table by the window, on a thankfully clear day, we could see all the surrounding edifices and monuments that define London. We appreciated the foldout guide which stylishly explains each iconic building.

First, we were treated to flutes of extra bubbly champagne, which certainly made us feel special as you look out over, and toast, London. Once you’ve chosen your tea from the list of exotic combinations, the food arrives at once on a three tiered stand: sandwiches, scones, and cakes. There are four varieties of sandwich, however the menu description is a great deal more elaborate than the sandwiches appear. My favourite was the poached chicken with spring onion mayonnaise which had a particularly good flavour but was a bit stingy on the filling.

Fresh, warm scones were delicious but rather heavy, the dry texture benefitted from a generous layer of clotted cream and strawberry jam. Cakes displayed various levels of success, the red velvet and brownie came highest.

For £42 per person the food perhaps lacked allure but I think most will admit the Paramount setting makes this high tea unique and lovely for special occasions.

More information here.

http://www.paramount.uk.net/

The Dorchester, Afternoon Tea

Posted on by

Dining at the Dorchester has always been a distant dream for me, it’s regal reputation is worldwide and it grows in stature year after year. It serves perhaps the most prestigious afternoon tea in London and I had high expectations for our visit counting down the days for weeks before. It did not disappoint.

Stepping inside from the street, you are instantly transported to a bygone era of classic manners and lavish decor. The velvet is the softest, the silk the very finest, and the flowers the biggest in bloom. We were escorted to a quiet corner table, perfect for a voyeur like me. Out waiter’s infectious enthusiasm is memorable even now, he ensured every part of our tea was perfect.

There are several varieties of afternoon tea to choose from at the Dorchester, and their specially designed Chelsea Flower Show themed tea always receives critical acclaim. We tried the classic champagne Dorchester tea, served all year round with a delightful selection of sandwiches, scones and Parisian patisseries.

After a glass of Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne, we were offered a plate of immaculate sandwiches, each with a different filling, freshly-made, the bread in exact crustless rectangles. The flavours are far superior to any I’ve tasted before: seafood, roast chicken and tarragon, egg mayonnaise, cucumber and cream cheese and smoked salmon. On hearing I was a non-fish eater our waiter zoomed away, returning immediately with a selection of substitutions. These were more than adequate, especially the Italian mozzarella and tomato option.

Along with the delicate brew of Dorchester blend tea, came warm scones straight out of the oven, homemade jams and Cornish clotted cream. And then the pieces de resistance, the crown jewels… the cakes. I appreciated the modest servings which allow you to taste without overeating. Even the simplest patisseries were utterly divine, carefully constructed and expertly assembled. The best cake would have to be the chocolate coffee cup, though the strawberry and white chocolate layered torte was exquisite and the pistachio pastry was unique and delicious. The scones were perhaps my favourite though, buttery and crumbly (both plain and fruit), seriously extravagant loaded with thick cream and jam.

Unable to let us leave empty handed, our waiter presented us with a takeaway handbag of edible goodies.

Guests at the Dorchester expect the very best – the afternoon tea certainly delivers.

More information and book here.