Lobby Lounge At Shangri-la Hotel Toronto

My daughters, niece and myself celebrated Christmas with the Nutcracker High Tea. We called ahead and found out valet parking is only $15 from 11-4 if you are having tea there.
Atmosphere- When entering the large lobby you notice sculptures of steel birds in flight giving the space an outdoor feel. There are modern fireplaces with roaring flames seen form either side. Warm and cozy were words that came to mind. Tea place settings along with a nutcracker are at low tables surrounded by couches and arm chairs. Immediately I thought this was not the best seating choice for afternoon tea, however, my tea mates loved the comfort. The china was Oriental inspired and matched the stunning waitress dresses ( Both my daughters wanted one immediately. ( BTW- they looked them up later to find out they were a Project runway design and can be found at the Bay in TO) I dont think I would be able to afford them.

Food- You would think with 100 choices of tea on the menu we would find something perfect for all of us. Extra charges for some of the special teas- I think this is just tacky for such a place already serving an expensive tea. We decided on the following 1) Strong Earl Grey- I have had more fragrant and strong teas without boasting the word STRONG. 2) White maple- extra $5 Good but I think tacky to nickle and dime us like that. 3) peppermint- good but my 12 year old niece would have preferred a sweet option ( strawberry or blueberry) They offer a young version of tea as they should offer a tea to go with it. The berry punch tea has cranberries so that would not do for her either) 4) chocolate chai- My daughter said it would have been better had it been offered in a cream style but it was ok.
Food- The one thing I wanted noted is that the young version of the tea does not include scones. This was a huge disappointment. All teas to me imply scones sandwiches and dessert. I was informed I could purchase them for her for again- extra $. This is just wrong. We chose to share ours rather than pay more money when the cost of tea is already so high. They were extremely small but there were 2 each for the regular tea. It would have been perfect for the young version to have 1 . I do have to admit they were melt in your mouth heaven. Sandwiches for Regular tea included- 1) turkey cranberry- very good 2) egg salad- absolutely wonderful 3) ham- ok 4) lobster salad on a small brioche- they were stingy on the lobster so it was kind of dry. Desserts looked scrumptious and each influenced by the Nutcracker Ballet-1) yule log- awful in taste. I would not ever eat this one again. No flavour to the creme and the orange pieces a little strong . 2) a layer cake- marginal. Reminds me of cakes that are stale at the grocery sale shelf 3) little cute glasses with chocolate and layers topped with chocolate balls. Loved the balls. The chocolate cream layers was ok but had an off taste that did not work well with chocolate in my opinion. 4) lemon cream upside down tart- refreshing and the best dessert there. 5) marzipan loaf slice- good and sweet. The young version sandwich choices were all enjoyed- peanut butter and jam, egg salad, and ham. Desserts were: velvet cupcake- scrumptious, chocolate mouse dipped in chocolate- excellent, another chocolate cake- good again, plain shortbread- melt in mouth. The scone replacement was a dry maple cake to be dipped in caramel or jam- tasted ok but it is a shame there are no scones on this tray.

Service- Impeccable. We were treated like royalty. When our tea pots came the first cup was poured for us. when plates emptied they were cleared away quickly. we were not rushed and the whole experience was lovely.

Impression- I think when you advertise High Tea service it is implied that sandwiches, desserts and scones are included. To eliminate any part of the above is just plain wrong.  I will be back but not for a long time. I want to try out a few more places in the city offering High Tea. I will ask next time if scones come with the young persons tea. I would not have chosen this place had I known that in advance.

High tea at the Shangri-La is one of the most popular. And for a very good reason. The Shangri-La has a huge selection of teas priced at $15 to $70. Sandwiches were simple (roasted chicken, cucumber + cream cheese, lobster + chive, egg + watercress + Serrano ham) yet delicious. The scones were served warm and paired with the clotted cream and the house made berry preserves (perfectly tangy and sweet), it was like a buttery sweet dream. The desserts were punchy, flavourful and full of texture, especially the Praline Financier. The downside? There was one of each finger sandwich and scone but two of each dessert had to be split between three people. A little stingy for a dainty meal for $40. Regardless, a beautiful place to have high tea. I'll most certainly be back again!

Hot Spot!. The lobby bar is FANTASTIC. There is live music nightly and the ambiance is sophisticated and lovely. The service can be a bit slow at times, but other than that this place is a must.

...The rich and chocolatey Temptation was the only cake that I went back for second and third bites, but the other desserts were fairly good too. I definitely appreciated that the sweets were all very delicately made and unique.

High tea (Afternoon tea) is one the most popular up-and-coming trends in Toronto nowadays – with the addition of all the new major hotel chains. They have been serving high-tea at the Windsor Arms and Annona/in the Hyatt for many years, but with all the newer hotel chains opening up, it is becoming increasingly popular amongst women in their early 20s and 30s.

I have been to many of these places for high tea parties, with friends, and I have to say that the whole experience has brought forth a new level of pleasure at the Shangri-La. The ambiance is at a high state of luxury with a service staff that is well beyond 4 stars. The roaring fire-place and live pianist set the mood and land you in a place of complete relaxation (fitting you are with the right company).

We sat down and each got to pick our own tea. Please, if you have the chance to come here, order the apple crumble tea; a taste of pure sweet delight. I also tried the vanilla rooibos tea, which was okay too. You are also served with a platter of goodies (they had no problem accommodating to my egg allergy). So many goodies!

Menu items include a selection of finger sandwiches: lobster and chive with curried mayonnaise on a brioche roll; roasted chicken and grain mustard mayonnaise on mixed seed bread; egg and cress with crispy Serrano ham on brown bread; and favourites like Scottish smoked salmon and cream cheese on whole meal bread; and cucumber, apple and cream cheese on white bread. To finish, guests can savour warm chamomile and traditional plain scones served with house-made berry preserve and Devonshire cream while sipping tea chosen from over 75 premium selections.

Sounds like you have to break the piggy bank, but the high-tea menu runs daily, from 2 p.m., to 5 p.m., for only $39– $25 for children.

*Guests are invited to savour an Asian-inspired menu and select their favourite teas from a tea library which offers 68 choices. A five-volume compendium of wines, cocktails and spirits is also available.