Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
This December, L’Espresso in Goodwood Park Hotel offers up a special selection for their Festive English Afternoon Tea. Well known for its selection of teatime goodies – both savory and sweet – L’Espresso did not disappoint with its new festive December menu.
First on the counter were a selection of finger sandwiches and open faced canapes. From smoked duck and camembert cheese, to beef pastrami with sauerkraut and gruyere cheese, to the all vegetarian emmental cheese with semi-dried tomato, the finger sandwiches were delectably delicious and a good way to start the buffet.
The canapes included poached prawn on a bed of pineapple and avocado salsa, and slow cooked chicken in crepe. However the best of the canapes had to be the foie gras terrine with cranberry compote. The goose liver terrine was smooth and flavourful, and proved irresistible
For those who want something richer, there were also two types of full sized croissants, one with prawn and egg salad, and another with honey roasted ham and cheddar cheese. These being full sized, I strongly recommend sharing this with your dining partner, lest you fill yourself up.
There was also a selection of cold delights which included a tray of crudites and dips, salad, smoked salmon, cheeses and dried fruit and nuts. The duck rilette with candied orange, also from this section, was an absolute delight as it was tender and bursting with flavours.
Tasty hot items included the shepherd’s pie, crispy chicken with paprika, and the hot pot of braised kurobuta pork cubes in Hungarian sweet paprika gravy, which was served with brioche. All three of these dishes were absolutely delicious. However, the turkey roulade, especially introduced for this festive period, was a bit disappointing. The turkey was cold and fell flat in flavour. I did enjoy the chestnut stuffing that came with the carving.
If you like your afternoon tea traditional, with English scones, L’Espresso delivers with its selection of scones and variety of jams, along with clotted cream and butter.
For those with a sweet tooth, there is also a wide selection of cakes, pastries and desserts. The chocolate log cake was outstanding, with its velvety and smooth chocolate taste, as was the mango shortcake which was light and refreshing. There were also Christmas cookies at hand, which would be especially appealing to the young ones.
Other excellent desserts were the trio chocolate mousse – perfect for the chocolate monster you know – and the vanilla and orange panna cotta, silky soft on the tongue. Also, the hazelnut creme brulee was unique, rich and tremendously creamy.
In addition, there was chocolate and vanilla ice cream with an array of toppings (try the mango and passionfruit topping for a lovely way to end your meal) as well as a chocolate fountain and fresh fruit.
As for drinks, you are entitled to two, and you can choose from a myriad of teas and coffees or cold drinks such as lemon tea, iced chocolate, iced mocha, iced coffee, and milk.
It is understandable why L’Espresso has been featured on many bloggers’ lists as a great place to relax and enjoy an elegant afternoon of English Tea, given the wonderful food. Especially during this festive month, this place is a delight to see out 2013 and reflect on the coming new year, all while sipping tea and nibbling on dainty finger sandwiches.
L’Espresso’s Festive English Afternoon Tea, priced at S$55 per adult and S$27.50 per child, runs from 1st December to 23rd December, and then resumes on 26th December and runs till 30th December 2013. The timings are 2-5.30pm, Mon-Thurs, and either 12 noon-2.30pm or 3-5.30pm, Fri-Sun.
