The world’s gone gaga for Gatsby. Sure, Baz can pull off a world where flapper dresses, Champagne towers and feather boas are de rigueur but there’s not too many places that would fly right in here in the 20th Century.
Sadly Leo won’t be in residence but Crown Tower’s The Waiting Room does a pretty good job of bringing old world glamour back to Melbourne.
And what better way than the time-honoured tradition of Afternoon Tea?
Nothing is ever done by halves at the Crown, and The Waiting Room’s new Afternoon Tea is no different.
The glam lobby lounge sets the scene but the tea stand piled with goodies by Pastry Chef Roberto Molleman definitely ups the drama.
An apple and blueberry crumble dotted with a mini strand of edible purple pearls is almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.
The same goes for a dainty White Lady, delicate Pistachio sponge squares and a many-peaked lemon and raspberry meringue tart. The cutest chocolate éclair ever is also too good to pass by and who says no to Gin and Tonic jelly?
The sweets are ecstasy-inducing but missing a traditional buttermilk scone with clotted cream and homemade jam would be a travesty.
And there are savouries in there too. Whisky-marinated salmon croissants are cute and clever, as are bite sized caprese salad ciabattas. Purists need not worry; the classics are there too with crustless cucumber sandwiches in spades.
If you’re after a decadent day, where tradition is honored and then upped, dust off your feather boa and head to The Waiting Room.
The Waiting Room Afternoon Tea
Daily, 12-5pm
From $49 per person
T : Ph 03 9292 5545
The Crown Casino, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank, Melbourne
