Afternoon tea has always been a symbol of elegance, a time to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life. Recently, we had the pleasure of experiencing our very first afternoon tea at The Phoenician, a luxurious resort nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona. As first-timers, we were both excited and curious about what this experience would entail, and The Phoenician certainly did not disappoint.
We have the Youtube Video here as well!
Setting the Scene
Upon arriving at The Phoenician, we headed straight to the lobby area, where the afternoon tea is held. We highly recommend booking a table in advance through OpenTable, as this experience is popular and only available from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. daily. Arriving a bit early is also a good idea if you want to secure a better seat.
The atmosphere in the lobby was serene, with soft music playing in the background, setting the tone for a relaxing afternoon. As we waited for the tea service to begin, we couldn’t help but feel a tinge of excitement—we were about to embark on a culinary journey we had never experienced before.
The Tea Selection
The Phoenician offers a variety of teas to choose from, and after much deliberation, Vinny opted for the Plum Oolong, while I chose the White Coconut Cream tea. Both teas were fragrant and served in charming teapots that added to the overall experience. The Summer Splash sale reduced the price to $85 per person, a welcome discount from the usual $100 per person. Keep in mind that a 22% service charge is also added to your bill.
A Three-Course Journey
The afternoon tea at The Phoenician is a three-course affair, starting with a selection of sandwiches. We were surprised when the sandwiches were served on a flat plate instead of the traditional tiered stand, but the presentation was still lovely. As first-timers, we weren’t sure what to expect, but we were eager to dive in.
The sandwiches were a mix of flavors and textures, with some being more memorable than others. The tuna sandwich stood out with its rich taste, while others, like the brown-colored one, were slightly dry. Overall, the sandwiches were satisfying, though we couldn’t help but wonder how they compared to those served at other renowned afternoon tea spots.
A Sweet Surprise
After finishing the first course, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that The Phoenician offers refills on the sandwiches upon request. This was an unexpected treat that made us feel like we were truly getting our money’s worth.
As we moved on to the second course, we were presented with a special dessert in honor of our anniversary. While the gesture was appreciated, we found the dessert to be a bit underwhelming in taste. However, the scones that followed more than made up for it.
The scones, both cranberry and buttermilk, were served with a trio of spreads: butter, nectarine jam, and strawberry preserves. The scones were soft and flaky, with a texture that reminded us of biscuits—though much more refined. They paired perfectly with the spreads, making for a delightful end to our tea experience.
Final Thoughts
Our first afternoon tea at The Phoenician was a memorable experience. From the elegant setting to the variety of flavors, it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon. While we may not be experts in afternoon tea etiquette just yet, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to trying it again at other locations in the future. Whether you’re a seasoned afternoon tea enthusiast or a curious first-timer like us, The Phoenician offers a delightful escape into the world of tea and treats.
