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If you’ve been craving for some traditional British classics like scones and English Breakfast Tea but your travel plans were cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, look no further than the Classic Afternoon Tea—InterContinental Singapore’s newest collaboration with luxury makeup brand Chantecaille.
The month of May is a special one for Chantecaille, as it is the only time that their most beloved flower—the precious Rose de Mai—blooms for a mere three weeks in Grasse, France. This rose was found to possess unprecedented anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits, and it is hand-harvested every year to present the most potent and efficient botanical skincare and colour cosmetics.
Eric Neo, the Executive Chef of InterContinental Singapore, explained that they wanted to ‘partner with a sustainable beauty brand, to bring out the best of (their) pastry craftsmanship and highlight (their) own commitment to sustainability’, and a custom menu inspired by and crafted around the Rose de Mai was curated.
This collaboration showcases both sweet and savoury delicacies that are inspired by the Rose de Mai, aiming to highlight Chantecaille’s dedication to environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation.
After an introduction to the inspiration behind the Classic Afternoon Tea (S$88++, S$118++) and the intention behind this collaboration, I was eager to finally try out this custom menu. There were a total of 14 items, eight sweets and six savouries.
The tea set for two is priced at two prices—S$88++ and S$118++—of which the latter includes champagne. Both tea sets come with a complimentary Chantecaille gift bag—the S$88++ tea set comes with Chantecaille Jasmine & Lily Healing Mask 8ml, Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine Lily Emulsion 8ml, Chantecaille Rose Makeup Remover 8ml and S$20 Chantecaille Voucher.
Meanwhile, the S$118++ tea set comes with Chantecaille Anti-Pollution Mattifying Cream 8ml, Chantecaille Bio Lifting Cream+ 5ml, Chantecaille Rose de Mai Face Oil 4ml and S$50 Chantecaille Voucher.
One of my favourites was the Strawberry, Orange Blossom Mousse Tart, topped with chocolate in the shape of a flower. The pink white chocolate shell was so delicate that it melted in my mouth, giving way to the sweetness of the strawberry and orange blossom mouse within that strangely reminded me more of mango.
The biscuit base also added to help a varying texture to the creamy mousse that filled my mouth, resulting in a simply delectable treat.
Another sweet I really enjoyed was the Rose Macaron, with the black Chantecaille bee logo emblazoned on the white meringue-based macaron shell. The meringue shell was easy to bite into and ended in an explosion of sweet rose flavour from the inner filling.
The Salmon Confit, Caramelised Onions, Raisins, Yuzu Mayo was my favourite savoury, with a pink shell that held all the ingredients, reminiscent of kueh pie tee cups. The contrast of the salty salmon, the citrusy yuzu mayo, the sweetness of the raisins and the charred yet sweet onions made for an interesting and yummy combination of flavours.
I appreciated that all the treats came in bite-sized pieces, so I could try one of each without feeling too full. The tea set for two (S$118++) is also inclusive of two flutes of Taittinger Brut Champagne, a choice of fine loose-leaf tea or coffee and unlimited ice cream. The tasting notes of raisin and fruits in the champagne complemented the sweets well, but its subtle sweetness provided a nice balance to prevent sugar overload.
If you’re worried about your health and personal hygiene, fret not because InterContinental Singapore has changed the layout of the Lobby Lounge for safe distancing measures, ensuring that seating areas are widely spaced apart. With your fears allayed, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying this high tea for yourself, launching from 1 April to 30 June 2020.
An outing at the Classic Afternoon Tea will bring you out of your worries for the day—the best way to relax and catch up with the girls!
Dates & Times: Available from 1 April to 30 June 2020 at The Lobby Lounge | 2pm – 5pm (Mon to Thurs), 1pm – 3pm & 3.30pm – 5.30pm (Fri to Sun, and PH)
Price: S$88++ for two, S$118++ for two
