Asiance In Asia: From Afternoon Tea to Twilight Cocktails @ The Peninsula Tokyo
I have had the privilege and pleasure of partaking in many an Afternoon Tea service around the world and definitely indulged this habit at the globally popular ‘The Peninsula, Hong Kong’. So when Asiance was invited by The Peninsula Tokyo, I walked into the lobby with a preconceived notion of ‘Got to be the same as Hong Kong’.
The beautiful lobby at The Peninsula Tokyo was decorated in hues of Pink in support of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month and was lined with tasteful floral arrangements from pastel pink to fuschia.
I was greeted by Mr. Mark Kobayashi, Regional Director of Communication, for The Peninsula and soon we were ushered to a corner table in the lobby. I thought, thus far, it’s just like Hong Kong… As soon as we were seated, menus and hot towels followed…I selected the Japanese Green Tea (my conscience didn’t agree with English tea in Japan) and went for the Classic Afternoon Tea selection, and lo and behold, I started looking around, hmmm this lobby is distinctly Japanese.
Exquisite lattice wood paneling from Kyoto lined the walls and there was beautiful Japanese artwork. A few minutes later, I see the beautiful tea service arrive and everything is in PINK, savories and sweets…from tuna sandwiches in pink bread, to pink scones with strawberry (appro) clotted cream, to baby pink petite fours and macaroons with other assorted pastries.
Supremely DELICIOUS summarized my afternoon Tea experience. The service and food, as amazing as The Peninsula Hong Kong, but with a distinct Japanese flair and personality!
As the clock ticked closer to 5 PM, Mark walked me to the elevators and up we went to the the 24th floor, to ‘Peter’ the luxury bar and restaurant on the top of the world, well in this case, Tokyo! I walked into a purple hued space that echoed modern right from the design elements to the setting, that attracts a high end clientele from CEOs of Fortune 100 establishments, to Arabian Sheiks, and royalty from kingdoms and Hollywood! As I got comfortable in one of the many plush couches by the floor to ceiling windows, staring away and sipping on some excellent Napa Chardonnay (has a top notch food & libation menu), I was treated by ‘Peter’ and ‘Mother Nature’ to a spectacular twilight that seemed to last forever.
And what sets Peter @ The Peninsula apart from the other luxury bars in Tokyo is that there is NO cover charge. Apparently, in Tokyo, there is a cover charge for both genders (Not gratis for the lovely ladies that we are so used to stateside!)
I left the Peninsula after sundown, filled with a sense of satisfaction and rapture, definitely must be the combination of the delectable food, wine, and vistas!
If you are currently in the Tokyo area or plan on visiting, I’d recommend adding The Peninsula to your ‘must dos’. This setting can take you from Afternoon Tea to shopping (conveniently located in and just outside the hotel) to Happy Hour and Dinner. From Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, a Business Meeting, a Date w.your Sweetie, or ‘Just Because’ Quality Time with Mom/and or the Girls, you are at the right spot!
Reservations are recommended for the Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge and for dinner at Peter.
Dietary requirements such as Gluten Free and Vegetarian are accommodated upon prior notification.