Flavour or presentation: which is more critical for fine dining? I always go for flavour but with the Archibald Prize-inspired high tea at the Sofitel Wentworth, you get both.
Taking artistic inspiration from Clown Jewels, Andrea Huelin’s Packing Room Prize 2023 winning portrait of comedian Cal Wilson, the high tea features a dazzling array of cakes and canapés with a “French twist”. From smoked salmon blinis with finger lime and crème fraîche to quiche with smoked duck and porcini, home made scones and jewel-coloured macarons, it’s a feast for the palate and the palette.
We particularly loved the raspberry religieuse, described as a “crème pâtissière-filled choux pastry flavoured with raspberry”. “Religieuse” is French for nun: it consists of a smaller profiterole stacked on top of a larger profiterole, supposedly looking like a fat holy sister. This was the Mother Superior of the cake convent, with the raspberry crust providing the perfect contrast to the soft custard within, sandwiched with rich raspberry buttercream.
High Tea at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is complemented by an assortment of premium Silver Jubilee by Dilmah teas and is priced at $69 per person, or $89 with bottomless bubbly. The Archibald High Tea runs until 3rd September, with bookings essential 48 hours in advance. Booking link here
