5 OF THE BEST
HIGH TEAS
Finger sandwiches, mini scones and cute cakes ... Chantay Logan has your guide to high-tea heaven (hint: it’s Mother’s Day next Sunday)
ESHAI TEAHOUSE THE KITCHENS, 50 ROBINA TOWN CENTRE DRIVE, ROBINA $19.50 - $35 PER PERSON
Owned by a “multicultural pair of tea addicts”, Eshai is all about the brew. Ronia Elmaarraaui grew up in a Lebanese family where cinnamon tea was a central part of all occasions and Gabriel, of German heritage, became hooked while travelling through India. “The difference when you come to us for a high tea is the tea itself,” Ronia says. “Brewing tea is an ancient practice and we take the time to do it the traditional way.” While there’s a huge variety of tea to explore, the food side isn’t neglected. At $19.50, the entry-level high tea boasts mini scones, cakes and petite puddings and everyone’s favourite filowrapped parcel. For $35, enjoy a more “glam, gourmet” selection, including chocolate truffles and macarons.
GREENDAYS 6 ASHMORE ROAD, BUNDALL $39 PER PERSON
This secret garden in Bundall’s concrete jungle is made for high teas. Sit in the foliage-filled pavilion, or request the private library. High teas are offered any time on weekdays and from 2pm on weekends. Nibble on sandwiches with prawns, watercress, avocado and cocktail sauce, or wagyu and thyme sausage rolls. Ginger and honey madeleines, and lemon meringue tarts are other sweet surprises.
CHAPTER & VERSE SURFERS PARADISE MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA, 158 FERNY AVENUE $39 PER PERSON
If you want the five-star treatment, Chapter & Verse stands out. Available daily from 11am to 4pm, it includes justbaked scones to slather with cream and strawberry jam. Browse silver stands for an array of petite palate pleasers: Mount Tamborine goat’s cheese cones dipped in pistachio, smoked salmon bagels and mango cheesecake.
FIXX CAFE QT GOLD COAST, 7 STAGHORN AVE, SURFERS PARADISE FROM $39 PER PERSON
Stuffy tradition not your cup of tea? The quirky QTea is for you. Offered from 10am to 3pm every day, the good-looking spread will trick your tastebuds and impress your Instagram followers. Think kitsch bikini-clad biscuits on a bed of edible sand, thongs with a layer of mango mousse, and tomato macarons with whipped goat’s cheese filling.
TEAVINE HOUSE 268 TALLEBUDGERA CREEK RD, TALLEBUDGERA $38 PER PERSON
In a French provincial-style tea house tucked in Tallebudgera Valley, you can practice crooking your pinky finger while you sip from Old English fine china. Select from ribbon sandwiches (including the obligatory cucumber and cream cheese), mini quiche, fluffy scones with fresh cream and other delicate delights. Everything is made in-house.