Asiance in Asia- Tea with a View @ the Four Seasons Marunouchi, Tokyo
Elegant, opulent with clean lines, was my first impression as I walked into the lobby 10 minutes early for my Afternoon Tea reservation. Asiance was invited by the 5 Star Tokyo hotel, The Four Seasons Tokyo Marunouchi, to partake in this age old British tradition. The concierge ushered me into the plush seating area. Soon, I was met by Ms. Junko Kajihara, PR Manager for the Four Seasons Marunouchi Tokyo. Together we made our way up to the Ekki Restaurant and Bar, flanked by their signature spa, right across the hallway.
Ekki has a modern feel with a circular setting. All tables have a generous view of downtown Tokyo and the hustle and bustle of Tokyo station. Seated at a corner table, we were greeted by young wait staff who brought out a heated towel (an eastern Asian custom that I am totally in favor of) followed by the Afternoon Tea menu. I chose the classic Afternoon Tea with a pot of aromatic Japanese Sencha. It just didn’t feel right complimenting the magnificent view of downtown Tokyo with English tea!
Our tea arrived promptly served in a traditional cast iron teapot with piping hot Sencha bubbling and ready to be consumed. Sipping tea and taking in the bustling city views made me forget that I was in a major metro. A few minutes later, a unique afternoon tea setting arrived showcasing an impressive array of savories with a district Japanese flair. It included mushrooms and seafood featured in place of the traditional cucumber and salmon fare. The top two layers featured a variety of elegant bite sized pastries, petite fours, macaroons, and truffle popcorn, a special surprise addition that I’ve not encountered in other afternoon teas! Truly a feast for the eyes and the palate!
And we were not done just yet, the ever attentive staff was holding out a wine and champagne list. A girl definitely needs some vino w. Afternoon Tea. What followed was an impromptu wine tasting with the staff wheeling out their recommended wine pairings to complement the sweets and savories in front of us. My pic was an acidic citrusy Chenin Blanc from South Africa to complement the myriad of sweet & savory tastes.
A wonderful way to spend the afternoon sipping tea (and vino or champagne) and gazing into the busy streets of downtown Tokyo. The Ekki Restaurant and Bar is a sophisticated space perfectly suited for bridal showers, baby showers, business visit side trip, a date, or just a reason to catch up with your mom or girls (or a significant other) and bond over Afternoon Tea!
If in Tokyo, check out The Four Seasons Maranouchi Afternoon Tea. Reservations are highly recommended, especially over the weekends. Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian and gluten free menus are accommodated with prior notice.
Do note, if you are not an Afternoon Tea kinda gal (you are missing out), Ekki provides a full regular menu and an equipped bar for an in meal or after libation.
Afternoon Tea Menu: Menu
Asiance In Asia- Tea With A View at The Four Seasons Marunouchi, Tokyo! Elegant, opulent with clean lines, was my first impression as I walked into the lobby 10 minutes early for my Afternoon Tea reservation. Asiance was invited by the 5 Star Tokyo hotel, The Four Seasons Tokyo Marunouchi, to partake in this age old British tradition. The concierge ushered me into the plush seating area. Soon, I was met by Ms. Junko Kajihara, PR Manager for the Four Seasons Marunouchi Tokyo. Together we made our way up to the Ekki Restaurant and Bar, flanked by their signature spa, right across the hallway.
Ekki has a modern feel with a circular setting. All tables have a generous view of downtown Tokyo and the hustle and bustle of Tokyo station. Seated at a corner table, we were greeted by young wait staff who brought out a heated towel (an eastern Asian custom that I am totally in favor of) followed by the Afternoon Tea menu. I chose the classic Afternoon Tea with a pot of aromatic Japanese Sencha. It just didn’t feel right complimenting the magnificent view of downtown Tokyo with English tea!
Tea For Two
Do you remember when airlines gave out hot towels? I’ve seen people do a full body wipe down with these!