Lilian, Tanya and Martin had the ingenious idea of celebrating their birthdays that fell between 19th and 22nd of February with a tea party at Black Tomato. This chilled, outdoor restaurant located in the courtyard of Oysterbay Shopping Centre, did not host a traditional afternoon session with pots of tea and delicate sandwiches. This was a sunset celebration with tea-inspired cocktails, savoury canapes and mini desserts that flowed into the evening. There was, however, traditional tea party treats like mini scones with whipped cream and strawberry preserve.
Tea parties are a quintessentially English tradition. It is believed that Anna, Duchess of Bedford, was the first to invent the afternoon treat in the early 1800s when she asked for something sweet to stave off hunger pangs between lunch and dinner. She requested small baked goods with tea, to be delivered to her private quarters and soon began to invite friends to join her. By the middle of the 19th century, it had transformed into a social affair across social classes. In modern times, even five-stars hotels offer an afternoon tea menu where Champagne, sandwiches, exquisitely baked goods and the best tea money can buy are served.
Sandra Macdonald , owner of Black Tomato, together with her team created fabulous tea-inspired cocktails including Green Tea Mojito, Chamomile Tequila Sour, Sweet Tea Bourbon and Green Tea Cranberry Spritzer. My favourite was the gin-based Cucumber Mint Martini ̶ an incredibly light, refreshing cocktail with a slightly sweet (but not cloying) flavour. Fantastic!
Invited guests loved pairing the cocktails with tasty savoury canapés including sticky beef short ribs; grilled cheese and onion marmalade toastie fingers; crispy chicken drumettes; smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches; and mini butternut squash and caramelized onion quiche.
The sweet canapés were just as delectable and beautifully served on wooden boards. We enjoyed milk chocolate mousse in an edible chocolate basket; mini tea scones with whipped cream and strawberry preserve; raspberry lemon tart; opera cake squares; and mille feuille fingers.
This was definitely a great theme for a party. Black Tomato can host your private party (birthdays, bridal showers, leaving party etc ) and also private sit down dinners for up to 120 guests. There is a cover charge of US$ 250 for the venue, the cost of food and drink will be on top. They also provide full off-site catering for private functions, including waiter service and bar set up.
For more information contact Sandra Macdonald at sandra@bt.co.tz
