Get a taste of Modern High Tea at CityCentre’s Hotel Sorella in partnership with Radio Milano

With a new take on High Tea, tea-drinking aficionados can partake in not only an intriguing display of culinary delights, but also deliciously, intriguing teas from renowned French-based Dammann Frères.

This in-house approach presented by the award-winning Radio Milano in partnership with Hotel Sorella, launched in November 2017 and continues to present this afternoon indulgence daily from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

What is high tea anyway? According to Wikipedia, tea, also known as high tea, is one name for the evening meal. It is associated with the working class and is typically eaten between 5-7 p.m. High tea typically consists of a hot dish, followed by cakes and bread, butter and jam.

How is Modern High Tea different?

The sophisticated, second-level Lobby Lounge at Hotel Sorella will serve as the serene setting for guests to enjoy vibrant teas and cocktails, complemented by a small bite menu. Soft electronica music will enhance the scene while a female-driven staff dressed in formal black and white attire with vests and colorful kerchiefs, attend to service. Patio seating overlooking the district green is also available.

“In the spirit and style of Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE, we’ve taken a traditional favorite and given it a contemporary twist to appeal to our savvy, well-traveled guests,” said Mark Jaeschke, General Manager of Radio Milano.

The 12-item tea menu is one of the largest in Houston and includes an extensive assortment of traditional choices.  From English Breakfast to Chamomile to Earl Grey and Vert Jasmin there is a wide selection available to enthrall even the most experienced tea connoisseurs.  

The culinary menu was created by Chef Jose Hernandez and husband and wife team, Chef Adrian Delangel and Chef Ana Amaya, who have designed three different sections consisting of three, four, and six-course menus priced at $25, $35, and $45 per person, respectively.  

The cuisine speaks to traditional small bite sandwiches and hors d’oeuvres, including crudités, grilled cheese, smoked salmon and dill, antipasto skewers, as well as sweet treats such as profiteroles, madeleines, crème brûlée, tea cakes and scones.

Don’t forget to add a cocktail or two to enhance your small bites.

Bar Manager Brandon Hernandez thoughtfully formulated the 1950’s-inspired cocktail component, consisting of six botanically- themed, craft cocktails ($12), including:

  •      The Great Pretender, a combination of lemon-peel infused Absolut Elyx vodka, italicus, curacao, madeira and prosecco;
  •      Blue In Green, made with Alkkemist gin, alpine liqueur, lime, ginger, mint and cucumber; Mystery Train, created with Montal XO Armagnac, pear, port wine, sage and lemon;
  •      Don’t Be Cruel, a mixture of Bacardi 1873 Ron Solera, aperol, byrrh quinquina and finished with chocolate and orange bitters;
  •      A Stranger In My Arms, featuring Uncle Val’s gin, italicus, dolfi blue curacao, fresh lemon, egg whites, botanicals, agave, citrus, herbal, froth and topped with African violet garnish;
  •      Just One Of Those Things, with Ford’s gin, el silencio mezcal, crème de violette, lillet blanc, edible daisy and finished with botanicals and smoke.

Mediterranean-inspired wine selections including Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Slovenian, and Greek are available in sparkling, white, rosé and red options by the glass and bottle.

Radio Milano is located at 800 Sorella Court, within Hotel Sorella at CITYCENTRE. For reservations, please call 713.827.3545.

PHOTO CREDIT: V. SWEETEN