“An Artful Tea”

     After you have imitated Rocky Balboa and successfully run up the imposing front steps, you find yourself facing the magnificent main building of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Constructed of Minnesota dolomite, the Museum covers ten acres and contains over 200 galleries replete with more than 225,000 works of art. You quickly realize that Afternoon Tea here will be cultured, sophisticated and rewarding to all of your senses. 
     You enter the massive front door and begin to slowly wander through the galleries, savoring the many collections housed in the Museum, knowing that a special repast awaits you.
     You are exposed to Renaissance master paintings, elaborately carved stone altarpieces, and Revolutionary period furniture. Entire period rooms are also on display including a thatched ceremonial Japanese teahouse in its garden refuge.
      As you continue your eye-awakening journey, you are mesmerized by modern works adorning the walls. Pablo Picasso’s Three Musicians serenades your sights; Toulouse-Lautrec’s Carriage transports your imagination; Marcel Duchamp’s Chocolate Grinder whets your sweet appetite; and, Georgia O’Keeffe’s Peach and Glass satiates your soul.
     You linger on your artistic safari and discover more creations. You find Claude Monet’s Marine View With a Sunset illuminating; Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Woman With a Guitar entertaining; Paul Cezanne’s Bay of l’Estaque flooding your mind; and, Auguste Rodin’s Eternal Springtime filling your heart with joy.
     Finally, after a satisfyingly exhaustive expedition through the immeasurable halls, you are anxious to indulge in the grand viands of Afternoon Tea. The reservation for your group awaits your arrival at the Museum Restaurant. The tables are set, and you and your fellow tea afficionados are ready to give rein to what promises to be a very artful tea. Your group is seated and you are treated to visual delights that hold their own to the masterpieces you just finished admiring. The table is laden with silver tiers bedecked with epicurean delectables. Fresh white linen and china sit quietly patient as your server begins to unfold this creation in front of you.
     Catching your eye is a silken pyramid by your teacup. It is a Tea Forte handmade teabag, one of a selection of fine teas including whole leaf Green, Earl Gray and Herbal. Placing the tea "handbag" in your cup, your server pours hot water directly over it to steep.
     Your attention is then directed back to the tiers modeling their designer treats. They create a collage of sweet and savory goodies that will convince you to start at the top and explore all the way to the bottom.
     Freshly baked scones and fruit-filled breads are at the summit of this masterwork. Preserves and clotted cream are provided to complete the creation. Next, a serving of finely cut assorted finger sandwiches awaits your approval. And then, the long-awaited finishing touch. Black-and-white chocolate covered strawberries accompanied by an array of delicate pastries and cookies anchors this gastronomic objet d’art.
     At the end of the day, you will find all of your senses have been satisfied after a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Afternoon Tea in the Museum Restaurant. No other venue can compare on such an artistic level. 


      A debt of gratitude goes to Michelle Bach, Catering Manager, and Tijs Wolters, Director of Operations with Restaurant Associates for their unselfish gift of time and effort in the preparation of this newsletter.

Source: www.philamuseum.org

Photos:  © Philadelphia Museum of Art