Tropical Tea

May 6, 2014 | By Catherine Caldwell
PHOTO: COURTESY STARWOOD

PHOTO: COURTESY STARWOOD

The Veranda refashions its Afternoon Tea menu into three tiers of sophisticated canapés.

Sipping tea by the seashore simulates a leisure activity of eras past— when heiresses, royals and aristocrats donning petticoats filled the breezy halls of “The First Lady of Waikiki.”

The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa is a historical Hawai‘i gem that continues to bring the Victorian tradition to the tropics, adding an avant-garde flair at The Veranda.

Three tiers of buttery scones, delicate pastries and finger sandwiches accessorize the elegant European chinaware and impressive variety of aesthetically—and palate-pleasing— brews stored in The Veranda’s tea chest.

Whether a cup of a classic, such as Darjeeling, or a tropical custom blend, such as the signature Moana Royale, a brew is selected to suit your fancy. The popular fruit-infused Moana Sunset marries tangy ‘ohelo berry and juicy mango, while its Veranda Breeze with caramel and heady Hawaiian vanilla notes is an exotic ode to Polynesia in a pot. Whether to calm or to curate a caffeine boost, The Veranda caters to its guests’ desires.

New executive chef Ryan Loo gracefully hosts The Veranda’s signature Afternoon Tea by revamping its menu with premiere offerings, including: petits fours, ginger biscottis married with mini pots de créme and warm raisin scones paired with rich Devonshire cream, lemon curd and preserves.

“The goal and inspiration behind all my new menus is to be able to feature as much local flavors as possible by using Hawai‘i’s freshest ingredients and produce to help us ultimately achieve Westin Wellness brand standards at Moana Surfrider,” says Ryan Loo, executive chef.

The Moana Surfrider offers afternoon tea on The Veranda daily from noon to 3 p.m. The Veranda Tea Service is $34 (plus tax) per person, Moana Classic Tea Service is $40 (plus tax) and the First Lady Tea Service is $48 (plus tax), per person.

For reservations, please call the Starwood Reservation Dining Center at (808) 921-4600. Visit www.moanasurfrider.com for more information.

The Veranda
Moana Surfrider
2365 Kalakaua Ave. [C:9 Waikiki Map] (808) 921-4600