Knife Pleat’s Afternoon Tea is an exquisite display of this time-honored English tradition
If you’re looking for a weekend brunch Knife Pleat’s Afternoon Tea is an exquisite display of this time-honored English tradition. I’m already predicting Knife Pleat to be honored as the new restaurant of the year. With chef Tony Esnaults perfectly executed dishes during their lunch and dinner service, I knew their afternoon tea would not disappoint.
Fragrant notes of raspberry and apple were perfect for an afternoon tea on the patio.
First, you’ll begin your service by selecting from a variety of fine tea selections. I wanted to try something invigorating and colorful so I opted for Rooibus Rasberry Vanilla and the Granny’s Apple Pie. Other intriguing tea selections include the China Pai Mu White Peony and strong black Assam. The fragrant notes of raspberry and apple were perfect for an afternoon tea on the patio. I also opted to upgrade to a glass of the Nicolas Feuillatte champagne because no brunch is complete without a good glass of champagne.
Each sphere is hand made and placed on a bed of ice to encapsulate a generous caviar topped brioche..
The Tsai Nicolai Plaza Hackleback Cavier, beautifully presented in an ice sphere, is another fabulous upgrade. A generous caviar topped brioche with lemon and dill butter is placed in each handmade sphere and placed on a bed of ice. If you love caviar as much as I, you will not want to pass on this $18 upgrade!
these are the best scones I’ve had in my life and the visit is worth it alone for these.
Next, your table will enjoy a towering display of desserts, finger sandwiches, and scones. These are the best scones I’ve had in my life and the visit is worth it alone for these. If you’ve ever wondered why Europeans love their scones, a visit to Knife Pleat’s Afternoon Tea will put everything into perceptive for you. They are light, yet dense, dry, yet moist. The perfect balance that every scone should encompass. You’ll be able to top your scones with fresh housemade clotted cream, fig jam, and pear marmalade.
you’ll taste four different variations of tea sandwiches.
Then for their elevated tea sandwiches, you’ll taste four different variations. Each tray is adorned with traditional Persian Cucumber, Colorful Beet Cured Salmon, Chicken Salad, and my personal favorite, Egg Salad.
no afternoon tea would be complete without a selection of desserts.
Finally, no afternoon tea would be complete without a selection of desserts. Knife Pleat’s Afternoon Tea desserts are fantastic and include a season fruit tart, macaroon, cream puff, and Louis XV. The Louis XV was easily my favorite, stealing the show with its hazelnut praline, chocolate cremuex, mousse, and gold flakes. I don’t know how any of the staff can be in the presence of these without eating them all. My restraint would not be strong enough!
Knife Pleat’s Afternoon Tea is now available every weekend and is a steal at $57 per person. Reservations are very highly recommended. You can find Knife Pleat on the penthouse level of South Coast Plaza.
Sondra Barker
