Chow Down Atlanta

It’s been tradition for me, my sister, and my mom to go to afternoon tea. Just us girls. We’ve been like that ever since I can remember. Even when we’re traveling and wherever we are, we have to set aside a day or two or more for high tea. Here in Atlanta, we do a regular rotation — the Ritz, Four Seasons, Vintage Tea … Last week, it was Park 75’s turn. Anchored inside the Four Seasons hotel, afternoon tea is served daily from 2-4pm.

I like their assortment, albeit conservative choices, of loose tea leaves. There’s the usual English breakfast, black, green, and other flavored types. I prefer unflavored teas but the Vanilla Oolong they have is pretty mild, smooth, and actually refreshing. We each tried three teas each and all of them were pretty good (although none really made a lasting impression). But I like that they use French presses so you can control the strength of your tea.

Over the years, I’ve noticed a decline in the quality of Park 75’s afternoon tea. Unfortunately, this past visit may be our last. Everything on this particular visit was mediocre at best. The sconce was blah and the bread on the sandwiches were so dry you needed several gulps of tea to help it go down. Even the desserts were just ordinary. Honestly, it wasn’t worth the $28 per person price tag. I’m sad that it’s gotten to be like this. It didn’t use to be. To top it off, the valet attendant didn’t even have the courtesy to move my seat back to the original position! And this has never happened to me. I’ve been valet parking all my life and to think this happened at Four Seasons is, actually, an abomination!

With Park 75 crossed off our list (for now) and Vintage Tea closing its doors permanently on January 26, that makes our rotation list a very short one. Incidentally, the best afternoon tea we’ve ever had on this planet was at the Sky View bar on the 27th floor of the 6-star Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. The breathtaking view of the ocean, exotic selection of loose tea leaves, the most delicious savory finger sandwiches, to-die-for desserts, and the exceptional hand-and-foot service make this place unrivaled. Of course, it doesn’t come cheap. The $107 per person charge may be steep but believe me, it’s worth every single penny. By the way, the Burj is only open to hotel guests dining or staying in the hotel. Other notable places: The Dorchester in London and Park Hyatt in Tokyo.

Insider tip:
Valet parking free (have your ticket validated prior to collecting your car).

The scoop:
Park 75 at the Four Seasons Atlanta
75 Fourteenth Street,
Atlanta, GA 303o9
(404) 881-9898

Technorati Tags: Afternoon tea, high tea, Park 75, Four Seasons hotel, Atlanta