Simply Gourmet Caterers to Hold Royal Tea Service

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Simply Gourmet Caterers to Hold Royal Tea Service

at Powel Crosley Estate in February

 

(Sarasota, FL) Simply Gourmet Caterers is taking afternoon tea to a whole new level. In February, the Sarasota-based catering firm will feature a traditional royal English tea service on Tuesday afternoons, February 1, 8, 15 and 22, at 2 p.m., at the Powel Crosley Estate, 8374 North Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota. The price of admission is $30 and includes a tour of the estate and its grounds. To reserve, call 941-929-0066.

What is a royal English tea service??

"Every year, the Royal Family hosts an afternoon tea for about 8,000 guests at Buckingham Palace," says Chef Larry Barrett, president of Simply Gourmet Caterers, explaining that the tradition began in 1860 with Queen Victoria. "It's a grand and colorful affair. Men wear suits or military uniforms, and women wear dresses with hats and gloves. The 500-foot buffet table is set with a feast and there's tea, of course." Barrett says that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, circulate among the guests.

"The Crosley Estate offers the perfect ambiance for our recreation of this royal event," says Barrett.

Chef Barrett is known for combining fine cuisine and wines with historical events. Most notable are his signature reproductions of White House state dinners, which feature authentic reproductions of meals served during the Kennedy and Reagan eras. "I see it as a type of culinary theater," he says.

What can guests expect at the Crosley Estate afternoon teas? "Our menu features savory and sweet specialties," says Barrett. Expect tables laden with such delicacies as French apple tartlets with ginger cream, cassis-marinated strawberry parfait, miniature white chocolate mousse fruit tartlets, currant scones, vegetable and Kalamata olive pinwheels, tarragon chicken salad profiteroles and almond-dusted raspberry sandwiches. "And don't forget the tea," Barrett laughs. "Guests will savor properly brewed cups of flavorful English tea."

For more information about the afternoon teas at the Powel Crosley Estate, call 941-929-0066.

Simply Gourmet Caterers is located at 4783 Swift Road in Sarasota. For more information, call 941-929-0066 or visit http://www.simplygourmetcaterers.com/.

Photos courtesy of Simply Gourmet Catering