southern style – PINEAPPLES AND SWEET TEA

One of my favorite activities, while I am in Arizona, is afternoon tea. I have enjoyed many different spots but I always come back to afternoon tea at The Phoenician. The Phoenician is such a beautiful resort to spend the day at. The remodel a few years back I highly recommend a stop there for a cocktail, tea, or a meal. The views from the balconies are spectacular. If you ever have the opportunity to stay there, I highly suggest it.

Front Entrance

Patio View

Tea is held in the lobby and the service is spot on. Soft piano music greets you when you arrive and the tables are all cozy and welcoming. The lobby has a beautiful view of the grounds and mountains, I just love it. There are a few different options for tea service with champagne and without. We chose without champagne because we wanted to enjoy a glass on the patio after tea. The tea selection is large, and I chose tropical tea. It was fabulous, and I think I finished the entire pot.

Tea Menu

Our Beautiful Table

My Pot Of Tropical Tea

The first course is a variety of tea sandwiches all created by the chef. My favorites are egg salad and chicken salad. I always get seconds of those. There is also the traditional cucumber sandwich, asparagus sandwich, and salmon sandwich. All delicious.

First Course

The second course is scones. Flaky, warm, and delicious. These are served with the traditional clotted cream, lemon curd, and preserves. I always take my time and savor every bite of these.

Second Course-Scones

Last but not least, it’s the dessert course. The presentation is beautiful. Sugar overload, yes, but so worth it. The macaroon even has a little gold leafing on it. Shortbread, chocolate-covered strawberry, a tart, and more were the other offerings. Each delicious.

Third Course-Dessert

We like to enjoy the tea and are in no hurry for the experience to end. A glass of Veuve on the patio was the perfect finish to a perfect day. I think we spent another couple of hours just enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Veuve Time

I always try to enjoy a cup of tea every day. Treating myself to a proper tea sometimes is just something that I really enjoy. Enjoying the experience with a dear friend makes it so much better. I highly recommend it.

Until next week,

Carrie

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.