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2016-04-13
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In such a frantic city and during such fast-paced times, it’s comforting to know that everything can still stop for tea. Located on the tranquil Dempsey Hill, Portico Prime has recently launch an afternoon tea that will engage the senses and revitalise weary soul.Diners can choose to enjoy their tête–à–tête session in Portico Prime’s gorgeous interior, or at the patio, amongst lush greenery.Its evident that much dedication has been put into the conceptualisation of the afternoon tea menu, Portic
Diners can choose to enjoy their tête–à–tête session in Portico Prime’s gorgeous interior, or at the patio, amongst lush greenery.
Its evident that much dedication has been put into the conceptualisation of the afternoon tea menu, Portico Favourites, a collection of well-loved dishes amongst Portico’s regular customers, staff and owners. Every item is made from scratch in house, using sustainable ingredients. The fresh herbs and edible flowers are harvested from Portico Prime’s gardens.
Right off the bat, Portico Prime wowed us an appetizer trio of fine dining standards. The Chilled Truffle Scented Angel Hair Pasta is utterly divine! Not only is the truffle flavour prominent, the capellini is topped with a generous portion of avruga caviar and a crunchy kawa ebi shrimp. The Crostini of Asian-cured Salmon Gravlax with coriander creme fraiche was a refreshing change to the usual smoked salmon item typically present in afternoon tea sets. Another exceptional starter is the Skewer of Tiger Prawn, where the crustacean’s natural sweetness is highlighted by compressed melon sheet, tobiko roe and brandy sauce.
The rest of the treats are presented on a pretty wooden stand, complete with faux grass.
Savoury morsels include Chilli Crab Meat Eclair with a spicy kick, fluffy Fish Otak Otak Toast with crispy edges and Squid and Salted Egg Croquette that boast a delicious creamy core encased within a well-fried exterior which remained crisps despite a long photo taking session.
Petite sweets are aplenty, in fact, they occupy 3 of the 4 tiers. The soft, yet dense and smooth Chilled Cheesecake comes with dollops of mango gel and mini passion fruit spheres that pop in the mouth. The Mini Deconstructed Blackforest and Baked Apple Crumble Tart with sweet basil cream were delightful too.
Bandung Rose Cream fills up the buttery short crust pastry in the Strawberry and Lychee Tart while the White Chocolate Bark studded with pistachio nuts and cranberry, captivates with it’s dreamy soft consistency. I’m usually not a fan of carrot cakes (encountered too many dry, boring ones in the past) but Portico Prime’s Homemade Carrot Cake won my heart with its light, moist texture, and interesting pairing of maple cream cheese frosting.
The homemade peanut butter and confetti cookies may look ordinary, but took us by surprise with its marvellous buttery and crumbly texture. I certainly wouldn’t mind having this on a daily basis for breakfast! The Marsala Chai Tea Cake with honey ginger cream and orange confit also left a lasting impression.
The freshly baked California Natural Raisins and Citrus Peel Scones were served with homemade Kaya, seasonal preserves and clotted cream. The highlight here would definitely be the sugar-free Kaya, made using honey that is locally produced. I could do with some plain scones though, as the raisins and citrus peel in the scones distract the taste buds from enjoying the Kaya to the fullest.
Portico Prime’s afternoon tea is available from 3pm-5pm daily (except Monday), is priced at $48 per pax (min 2 to dine) and includes free-flow Twinnings Tea or Dutch Colony Coffee Co. Anyone looking for an extra oomph of luxury can opt for a glass of Torresella Prosecco Brut NV Italy bubbly for an additional $10. Reservations are highly recommended as there are only 30 sets available each day. From now till 30th April 2016, book via Chope to enjoy the afternoon tea at only $38 per person.
Other Info. :
Portico Favourites Afternoon Tea
(The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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