Afternoon Tea High Up at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Connect Lounge

A soothing cup of tea, indulgent pastries and cakes, and a customized set of savory sandwiches, all enjoyed high up on the 24th floor of the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Connect Lounge, afternoon tea takes on a casual and modern spin...

The comforting and elegant interiors of the Connect Lounge, one of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's signature outlets, becomes the stage for a new afternoon tea experience. Traditional afternoon tea is reinterpreted with a contemporary yet cozy vibe, with Connect Lounge's open kitchen concept in the bar counter where guests can select and customize their savory treats to pair with their tea. It's high tea high up on the 24th floor...at the Connect Lounge.

The warm smiles from the friendly and courteous staff at the Connect Lounge kicks off your afternoon tea experience on a high note, as they lead you to your table. A quick glance at the bar counter gives you a sneak peek at the savory mini-sandwiches and indulgent desserts to complete your afternoon tea at Connect Lounge.

Located on the 24th floor, the Connect Lounge's impressive floor to ceiling glass windows drapes the elegant space in natural light, with panoramic views of the metro. Pick an intimate table for two overlooking the cityscape, or the plush and cozy sofa, the Connect Lounge is your quiet and tranquil sanctuary and the perfect setting for afternoon tea...

The Connect Lounge's Afternoon Tea includes a selection of afternoon drinks, and you can choose from a wide selection of premium teas, from green tea to black tea, coffee or upgrade to a glass of champagne, a refreshing smoothie, or iced tea...

...and with my own hot pot of tea, afternoons get even more special, at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Connect Lounge.

The bold yet calming flavors of black tea is enhanced by the creamy notes of the warm milk, and after a few more sips, you're about ready to savor some of the Connect Lounge's tasty bites.

At the Connect Lounges's bar counter, one is drawn to the prominent display of colorful Baguettes, freshly baked and infused with a variety of flavors, including (L-R) Corn, Parsley, Squid Ink, and Tomato, along with the traditional baguette, the base for savory open-faced sandwiches served with your afternoon tea. And here's where the afternoon tea experience is given a flavorful tweak, guests can choose from a variety of ingredients including smoked salmon, fresh shrimps, Parma ham, salami, and various cheeses and fresh vegetables to create their own customized mini-sandwiches.

Once you've made the selection, your savory sandwiches are prepared ala minute, and added to your indulgent 3-tier stand. The variety of choices adds to the experience, and creating your set of sandwiches made to your preference is what makes Connect Lounge's version of afternoon tea distinct and special.

While your sweet and savory treats are being prepared by the kitchen, a refreshing amuse bouche of Mango and Raspberry Sorbet is served, opening up your palate...

The elegant vibe of traditional afternoon tea at the Connect Lounge is recreated as the staff serve their ornate 3-tier stand with a variety of sweet and savory bites. Pour yourself another cup of tea, and indulge...

At the top tier, English Scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam makes it a proper afternoon tea experience. 

As you move to the second tier, intricate sandwiches made with your choice of ingredients make up your second course. Simply choose your preferred baguette and toppings, and it's prepared by the station chef at the Connect Lounge's bar counter. It's this feature that adds a cool spin on afternoon tea...

...and the savory combinations are endless. I start with Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese and Red Onions on a crisp Squid Ink Baguette followed by plump Shrimps with Cheese, Peppers, and Lettuce on a Tomato Baguette. The clean and fresh flavors of the seafood are kicked up a notch by the subtle notes of the flavored baguettes, capped by the fresh vegetables.

Other savory combinations include the rustic flavors of Parma Ham with Cheese, Parsley and Carrot on a Parsley Baguette...

...and the bold notes of Salami with Cheese, Cucumber, and Lettuce on a Corn Baguette. The selection of savory sandwiches inject rich flavors to the afternoon tea experience, and the best part? You choose your own baguette and ingredients for customized flavors. 

At the bottom tier, The Connect Lounge's indulgent selection of the day's freshly made pastries round out your afternoon tea on a sweet note.

Sinful bite-sized servings of decadent Chocolate Mousse and creamy Strawberry Cheesecake are just some of the daily offerings for afternoon tea at the Connect Lounge. 

But there's more. A pair of rich and moist Chocolate Souffle is served with a side of custard and chocolate syrup to cap your afternoon tea experience at the Connect Lounge.

Or why not pimp up and upgrade your afternoon tea experience at the Connect Lounge with the cocktail of the week, the Pink Blossom Afternoon Tea Chandon. You can also upgrade to a glass of champagne, a fresh smoothie or iced tea. Afternoon Tea at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Connect Lounge is available daily from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm for only P 788 good for two persons. High tea takes on a flavorful, modern and sophisticated twist, high up at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Connect Lounge...

The Connect Lounge is located at the 24th Floor, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig City or call (02) 720-7720 for reservations. For more information, contact (632) 720-7777 or book online via http://www.marcopolohotels.com/. 

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