Pinkies Up: Bangkok at Beltline's Thai Tea Serves a Taste of Thailand

Some of us are lucky enough to have had high tea at The Hotel Adolphus, or perhaps we've attended a pre-wedding bridesmaids luncheon featuring tea service. Maybe we've been yelled at about the proper way to take our English breakfast by a certain angry Englishman who used to write for this bloody publication. Either way, it’s quite unlikely that too many of us have had a tea service anything like what Bangkok at Beltline is serving only 20 guests at 2 p.m. Saturdays. Sweet and savory small bites are common among high teas, but these bites are different. Finger sandwiches are filled with Thai specialties like pad Thai noodles and chicken satay. Coconut panna cotta is topped with roasted pineapple kissed with vanilla flavor. Macarons and other goodies, made especially for Bangkok at Beltline by local bakery Haute Sweets Patisserie, are intriguing in flavors like matcha and Thai tea. The finale is an architecturally intricate sesame cookie almost too beautiful to eat. Green, Chrysanthemum and finally Thai teas swell in intensity as you enjoy each tier.

In this age of near-constant device distraction and grab-and-go dining, it’s refreshing to experience the luxury of tea service at a relaxing pace in the afternoon. Conversation, with a friend or a group, is a rare thing these days. Give it a try, with a side of mini yellow curry puff, of course.

Reservations are required for afternoon tea and are limited to 20 guests. Call 469-930-9755 to reserve.