“An Afternoon Tea Oasis in the Desert"

      As you approach The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, you quickly realize that you have selected the ideal place to indulge in Afternoon Tea. With the towering Camelback Mountain standing guard in the distance in silent strength and the Sonoran Desert wrapping its warmth around it, The Phoenician provides a dramatic stage of endless splendor to entertain your visual senses. 
      The Front Doorman ushers you inside, and you are struck by the contemporary beauty of the vast Lobby. You fixate on the impressive starburst inlaid in the Italian carrera marble floor at your feet that is from the same quarry as Michelangelo’s Pieta. Above, a striking gold leafed Jutras Nobili chandelier glows. Crowning this belle is a $25 million dollar art collection, including one piece from the Vatican that was part of a Renaissance triptych collection. 
      Large picture windows draw your interest once again to the drama unfolding in the surrounding landscape, but you cannot help admire the rich yet soothing golds and creams of the furnishings inside and the caress of the fountain cascading softly in the center of the room. 
      Then, you hear the strains of a piano nearby, and your curiosity lures you to the Lobby Tea Court. A pianist is playing one of eleven grand Steinways on the property, this rare one of walnut. 
      Able to accommodate large parties of up to 50 people or an intimate “tea for two,” the Lobby Tea Court welcomes you with comfortably upholstered chairs and sofas in front of petit tables set with Frette linens, fine bone Oberon Wedgwood china in the Rothschild Bird pattern, and Reed & Barton silver. 
      A casual tuxedo-clad server will greet you with a selection of Barnes & Watson Teas. Among your choice of flavors are Star Spangled Herbal, Peppermint, Emerald Blossom, Golden Tip Assam, and French Vanilla. However, the tea most often requested is the Jasmine Pearls. A hand-rolled green tea wrapped in silk creating a unique pearl shape, these gems are infused with the scent of jasmine blossoms. 
      Sipping your favorite selection and relaxing to classical music, you notice the French Aubusson tapestry hanging on the wall titled “Country Meal”, softly lit by a scrolled brass chandelier. Dating back to the late 17th century, it is woven with a blue galloon border that denotes royal commissioning. 
      Then, without further ado, your server brings what New Times and Arizona Republic readers have voted the Best Afternoon Tea treats. Offered in person on a display platter are three courses including Hickory-Smoked Salmon, Parma Ham, English Cucumber Twist and Egg Salad finger sandwiches, Cranberry and Buttermilk Scones with imported Devonshire Cream and Fruit Preserves, and a delightful variety of tea pastries. And if you feel particularly indulgent, you may enjoy a glass of the exclusive Phoenician Cuvée sparkling wine from Scharffenberger Cellars of the house of Louis Roederer. After the last course, a hot, lemon-scented finger towel is offered. 
      All of these delicacies are artfully prepared by Executive Pastry Chef Roy Pell. A graduate of Westminster Catering College in London, Chef Pell brings over fifteen years of culinary experience to The Phoenician, including stints with Ritz-Carlton Hotels, and work in London and the British Virgin Islands. You will find his famous Egg Salad Sandwich recipe below, which he has graciously offered. 
      Afternoon Tea at The Phoenician is a charismatic interlude to be savored slowly and with great appreciation. Drink in the generous offerings of tea and champagne, and toast the panoramic buffet that is laid out before you. 

      A debt of gratitude goes to Shannon Wardlow, Media Relations Coordinator, for her generous and enthusiastic assistance with the preparation of this newsletter.


Source:  www.thephoenician.com
Photos: © The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona




            The Phoenician Scottsdale, Arizona
                         Egg Salad Sandwich