Finding an outing which spans the interests of three generations can be tough. But food is a wonderful connector and the arrival of the Claris High Tea at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour sees generations bonding over fine food and a little mouse named Claris.
With the first Bonjour from the Sofitel staff I felt we were about to be transported, if only for a few hours, on a delicious break from reality. Looking around the Atelier restaurant I was delighted to see little girls dressed in their Saturday best sharing time with their mothers, grandmothers and friends.
Three generations at high tea. Credit: Julie Jones
The exquisite Claris High Tea is inspired by Australian fashion illustrator Megan Hess and her acclaimed children’s book, Claris, the Chicest Mouse in Paris. Fans of the book, and those yet to be introduced to the kind little mouse with fashion flare, will be enchanted by this experience. I particularly love the attention to detail of the high tea tying in elements from the book with Claris themed plates and cutlery.
Perusing the tea menu with delights such as Pomme Prestige Tea, Chocolate Tea, Moroccan Mint Tea or French Earl Grey, left me feeling boring ordering my favourite brew, English Breakfast. So often tea accompanying high teas is disappointing, weak and lacking the punch I like, but not at Sofitel. It was just as I like it.
Sweet and savoury treats. Credit: Julie Jones
At our table ‘Oohs’ and ‘Aahs’ could be heard when our high tea stand was delivered. Our waiter passed on the chef’s suggestion that we start the high tea from the bottom and work our way to the top. My Mum is more of a savoury gal so she delighted in the ribbon sandwiches with various fillings, mini sausage rolls, mini quiche Lorraine, avocado smoked salmon green bun and tomato bocconcini pink bun. That’s not to say she didn’t save room for some of the pastries.
My daughter on the other hand, is our sweet tooth. She was dazzled by the array of sweet treats on offer including red berry pannacotta, raspberry macaroons, ruby chocoate madeleines, chocolate pocky sticks and of course the chocolate fountain.
I’m pretty happy to dabble in both sweet and savoury treats because I wholeheartedly believe in a balanced diet!
Cover of the book Claris The Chicest Mouse in Paris. Credit: Julie Jones
The Claris High Tea at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is available every Saturday afternoon 1-4pm until 21 December 2019.
- $69 per person or $58 for AccorPlus Members
- $79 per person if you’d like to include a glass of French sparkling
- $95 per person including a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut
- $35 for children 2-11 years and free for children under 2
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