My friend Joan Holloway aka Tess sits in the cream leather chair facing the water. She’s wearing an elegant cream dress and tall black suede heels and a black swing coat. I’m not fortunate enough to resemble any of the Mad Men cast and I am late. So very unchic. After two well placed air kisses we heads towards the Harbour Kitchen and Bar. It’s early at 11am and we’re here for morning tea.
The Park Hyatt was where Mr NQN and I spent our wedding night and it always holds very fond memories for me. It’s the kind of place where people feel soothed and pampered. Except for when we sit down and are handed the menus. There is no high tea at this hour here and I am dejected at missing out on something I was looking forward to for days. The waitress is firm that there will be no high tea for us.
“Please excuse me, I’m just going to the ladies” Joan Holloway says. Using her best Joan Holloway powers of persuasion she somehow sweet talks the restaurant manager into letting us have High Tea. I think channelling Joan will just about get you anything from a seat in first class to the best table at a restaurant. We have to wait for an hour while they prepare everything fresh but when there’s good company and girly gossip to catch up an hour flies by.
$72 High Tea for two, $36 per person
They bring us the three tier stand and suggest that we start with the middle sandwich tier. There is a smoked salmon and cucumber sandwich with a slight crust on it from being exposed to the air. The chicken breast wrap is delicious with some delicate fans of avocado and there is also a goat’s cheese and tomato bruschetta which is crunchy and gives a textural break.
Our top layer has sweet fruit tart with a nice, short pastry cup. The caramel profiterole is gorgeous and filled with caramel custard with the toffee perfectly crunchy. The chai latte macaron is good with a distinct chocolate and chai flavour.
On the bottom tier is a coffee tart where the cup is slightly soft. The madeleine although not in a traditional madeleine shape is moist and eggy and topped with a simple icing and gold leaf (a lovely touch). The pistachio friand is also not in the traditional friand shape but I love the fact that it tastes like pistachio and not almond as so often pistachio things do.
The scones sit on a separate plate and have a dusting of pearl sugar which Joan/Tess doesn’t like and I agree isn’t that necessary. It comes with a thick raspberry jam and whipped cream whereas I like clotted cream with mine. The scones aren’t bad they slightly rough in texture and they do need the thickness of a clotted cream.
Crisis averted and sweets eaten I lean over and ask Joan/Tess
“How did you manage to get them to give us the High Tea?”
“I just asked nicely and said please” she says flirtatiously batting her eyelids.
Joan Holloway would be so proud.
So tell me Dear Reader, who do you like to channel when you want something?
Park Hyatt Sydney
7 Hickson Road, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 (02) 9241 1234
Just because this was such an eye catching sculpture outside of the MCA
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52 Comments | Add your own
Aaah, the Park Hyatt. We did spend a lot of time there in the early 90s. Thanks for the memory jolt – it was nice to reminisce.
Hmmmm, who do I like to channel..
I don’t think it’s anyone in particular – Maybe just an alter ego
But when I want something, my brain magically turns into this super smart thinking machine and I can talk my way into/out of anything – Gift of the gab?
hehe I had to giggle at that story!!!!!
So elegant!
LOVE the HIgh Tea selection
Lorraine…you are slowly inching us along to hopefully one day visit all these great places you keep showing off in Sydney ;O) I have cousins in Melbourne…they can’t wait for my visit…and I can’t wait to make it all the way there in Australia.
High Tea at the Hyatt is waiting ;o)
Have a great day and flavourful wishes,
Claudia
Wow I’m impressed by your friends powers of persuasion!!!
Im jealous! You have inspired me to get off my butt and do High Tea here sometime soon! I want Macroons!
That’s great value for high tea, especially when you’ve got Opera House views. Brisbane’s high tea at Sofitel is $38/pp and I’m yet to see if it’s any good. Glad to hear your friend used her magic to charm the manager…a guy no doubt?
Ooh yum, that high tea looks amazing!
According to Frank I channel my inner puppy when I want something, he says he can’t say no to the puppy-dog eyes I give him!
And excellent value, pity I am not living in Sydney. Did you do it justice and add some curves to your hips?
Perfect – my mum and sister are visiting me from overseas and this might be a nice place for a girly catch up.
I like to think* (but most likely I do not), I channel Elizabeth Bennet – a lot of dignitiy, a lot of poise, a serving of wit and a lot of sense of humour. You know what they say – “Kill them with kindness”.
Too divine. We, too had our wedding night at Park Hyatt, but in Melbourne. It is also where we stayed when The Man proposed. Four years later, here I sit, small child tugging not-so-gently at my sleeve whilst I drool over high tea…
Hi NQN, love your blog, FYI high tea is an afternoon/early evening affair, not morning.
cheers
Helen
There are two things I channel,
1 A carpark, usually when I am running late.
2 When a potential crisis needs averting I talk to my deceased Mum. She always comes good.
Where would you say is the BEST high tea in Sydney? I’m a Brisvegas girl, and I’m flying down to Sydney to meet a friend for her birthday in September and want to take her to High Tea – would it be The Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks?
Just goes to show that it doesn’t ever hurt to ask nicely. And look at the sweet response you guys got in return!
I was reading this post on the train this morning and almost missed my stop – it was that engrossing!
The Park Hyatt is lovely and I always enjoy staying there, however, for my money you can’t beat the Victoria Room in Darlinghurst for a girly day out.
It was very good of the Park Hyatt to do a special High Tea for you though.
Love high tea … don’t usually love the prices. But that’s a bargain given the location and views, and the fact that they whipped it up specially for you.
I don’t think I channel anyone in particular …and I wonder if your lovely friend mentioned she was dining with a very popular (and hungry) food blogger? LOL
Looks great Lorraine…I just love High Tea.
We spent our wedding night there too, but just can’t justify the $$ to go back again..
Wouldn’t we all give so much to be Joan? I know I would… those curves and her clothes! *sigh*
I’m so pleased you found something where the pistachio really tasted like pistachio! Knowing that’s one of our shared pet peeves, I’m very happy
I’m terribly at trying to talk my way into things. I’ve never even considered doing things like that. I tend to meekly accept whatever I’m told…
I haven’t had been to the Park Hyatt for high tea for a couple of years, but seeing these photos brought back many fond memories of alcohol fueled LOOONG high tea sessions with a dear friend.
Looks like a fabulous high tea. I can’t wait to go out for high tea again.
Love your writing. Of course there is a big distinction between “Afternoon Tea” (even if in the morning) and “High Tea”. Not the same thing at all. See http://coffeetea.about.com/cs/culture/a/aftervshigh.htm or http://www.buzzle.com/articles/tea-high-tea-and-afternoon-tea-whats-the-difference.html
That sounds like such a lovely tea – I’ve been looking for one a little more traditional but without being stodgy, and think I will certainly have to try the Park Hyatt out. And glace icing – wonderful (it’s a bit of a pet thing of mine).
And thanks so much for your lovely comments, too.
I just accept things most of the times, although I would love to have your friends confidence.
These eats look so elegant.
Lovely, I’m celebrating my birthday this yr with the girls at The Tea Room QVB so that’ll be exciting and helps me punch down that green fellow (aka jealousy) on my shoulder =)
I’m willing to bet your friend whipped out her iPhone and said “look who you’re denying high tea too! Don’t you know who she is?” hehehe
I like to channel lots of people. Mostly Lady Gaga.
My fave high tea in Sydney is the OBservatory. Far superior to anywhere else I’ve been in Sydney and I’ve been to most places that offer high tea.
Still no high tea experience yet for me. I don’t think Ryan would ever like to go to one, will have to conjur up some friends, or even dear blogger friends to one day to go
Can i say that I called the Park Hyatt twice to book high tea about six weeks ago and no-one ever returned my call…. Business must be good if they don’t need my business!
I always say you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. The magic word really is ‘please’.
I have been to an afternoon tea buffet at the Hyatt in Canberra and it was lovely, but very popular.
Tea and cakes should not be regulated into a time slot, but be available anytime on a whim!
I love that sculpture
Hmm…..chai macaron…. that might just be my next experiment… And I have fond memories of the Park Hyatt too, cos waaay back in my first year at uni, we had a girly dessert and wine night they organised. And it was soo good and affordable to!
High tea is such an awesome meal (if you can call it a meal) – to lazily nibble at delicious goodies while catching up with friends. $36 for that?! SO CHEAP! Here in London for hotel style high teas, prices start at about £30!! Crazy, I’m so there when I get back
Those treats look delectable! (Oh, and I’m quite a Mad Men fan myself!)
Everything looks lovely but the proof really is in the tasting. I’m not good at asking for things either – it does help to be dressed like a million dollars and dining with someone of reknown though!
A beautiful tea, Lorraine, especially since the hotel holds such lovely sentimental value. Tess (or Joan
) sounds like a very handy girl to have around!
Been too long since I’ve done high tea!
I love High Tea…we had a few hotels do it locally several years ago, but now with the economy, things have changed…you have to head into Washington DC for that…I can’t believe how expensive things are in Sydney! My goodness, you have to take out a small mortgage to pay for some of those meals…!
Don’t know why you should have had problems getting a high tea even if it was not during their regular high tea hours, a hotel’s supposed to be able to supply all manner of food 24/7 as long as you’re willing to pay the price!
Ooh I love a high tea & this one looks flash!
how lady like! I love it. All dainty and delicious. What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.
Oh I was hoping for a pic of Joan/ Tess! What extraordinary powers of persuasion she possesses! I odn’t think I’ve ever been inside the PArk Hyatt before, but the tea does sound tempting
you must think i’m a total rube–i’ve never EVER spent $36 on a meal! beautiful food, though, and well-worth the cost, i’m sure!
We all want to be Tess (and you!) Not only does this tea with your friend look amazing, I love that it was prepared fresh just for the two of you. Good times girl! Such a happy post
I’ve never been to a real tea that didn’t include teddy bears and dolls.
Your friend is very persuasive! The spread looks good, I always appreciate a good platter of food.
Great work by your friend getting them to make the thigh tea.
It seems like a simply lovely girly day out.
Looks like a lovely high tea, and I think politeness is always key to getting something you want =)
Hi Celia-Oh wonderful! They would certainly be nice memories!
Hi Kristy-haha nothing wrong with that at all!
Now that is quite a talent that I wish I had!
Hi Lisa-hehe thankyou! I love high tea or afternoon tea!
Hi FOODESSA-hehe please do Claudia!
Now that would be great!
Hi sandra-I am too!
Hi Nat-It’s so much fun! I hope you like it!
Hi Steph-Oh the price of $36 is per person
But yes the view is amazing! I don’t know but you may be right! 
Hi Loll-Aww that is SO cute!
Hi Roz-I don’t think I could look like Joan if I tried!
Hi Melissa-Oh yes Afternoon tea is perfect for that!
Oh what a great role model! 
Hi Holly-Aww what lovely memories! It must hold great memories for you!
Hehe!
Hi Helen-thanks! Yes I know, but the Tea Room does it in the morning too
Hi MissJane-Oh that’s interesting indeed!
I can imagine both would help in times of crisis!
Hi Jade-Hmm hard question really. The Tea Room and Gunners is great and I love the scones!
Hi Carolyn-exactly! I know, it’s all worth it when you get sweets in return
Hi Christie-Aww thankyou!
Hi Leslee-Yes I think it was very nice of them to do it. I think the Victoria room is nice but very different indeed!
Hi MaidInAustralia-Yes it was nice indeed! hehe I don’t think so, I don’t know if that carries any weight
Hi food.4.two-Thankyou!
I know, it’s hard when it’s in the same city!
Hi Hannah-I know! So not fair *sigh* hehe you know me I’m checking that kind of thing
No way you?!
Hi delicieux-hehe that is a great memory!
I know, I miss it if I don’t go often enough!
Hi Stephen-Thanks! Some places call it High tea and Afternoon tea but yes I know all about it from the Victoria Room’s book which is very useful
Hi Blue Penguin-How wonderful! I hope you like it. You’re more than welcome!
Hi Priyanka-I know, you and me both!
Hi mashi-haha well have fun and eat lots of scones!
Happy Birthday!
Hi Marlo-haha sooo not! Hmm does Lady gaga get you far? I’d imagine she would! I haven’t been there-yet!
Hi angie-Absolutely you must! you must!
Hi Joanne-Oh no, that’s terrible! They should have much better service than that!
Hi InTolerantChef-Absolutely, that is very, very true! Yes I’m sure the Duchess of Bedford would agree!
Hi Debra -excellent!
Hi Honey-Nice idea!
don’t let those Baroque lessons go to waste! What a great idea!
Hi catty-Oh it’s $36 per person so $72 for two. Not quite as good as deal perhaps
Although it is still cheaper than London!
Hi Midge-hehe isn’t it a great show?
Hi Gummi Baby-I think that if you resemble Joan Holloway you’d pretty much get anything!
Hi Faith-I know, it was so nice to go back. Hehe she certainly is!
Hi Fiona-You should go again!
Hi Caterina-Oh really? What a shame! haha yes this is true!
Hi Moya-Now wouldn’t that be quite the fantasy?
Hi Phunk-Thank, it was very nice!
Hi Bridget-I know, I love acting like a lady!
Hi shaz-Haha next time I’ll ask her for one!
Ahh it’s lovely there and that view? Amazing!
Hi grace-Really? I’m clearly living in the wrong city then!
Hi marla-Haha really?
Yes it was very nice of them! Thankyou so much! 
Hi Blond Duck-Oh really? I have only been to one like that!
Hi Su-yin-I know, kudos to her! Me too, it always looks so inviting!
Hi Anita-yes I’m so happy that she did as we were both looking forward to it
Hi Karen-Absolutely true! Being nice is always the best way
Joan Holloway! Wish for her style and attitude
Gorgeous high tea as always.
I just want to say: I LOVE YOU!! This is from now on my favorite blog! I’m from Denmark, and visited Australia from december to februrary. And i love food, but can not afford it like you can, and im not that good a cook. I want to be better and is trying. But hey, just wanted to say i love the blog!
Can’t wait to experience High Tea and the venue’s are amazing…….. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas.
Margaret
That looks so good!
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