High Tea at Firewater Grille, Duxton Perth

I was very keen to try the Firewater Grille’s high tea in the luxurious Duxton Hotel Perth, following a couple of false starts, mostly due to COVID.

Located in the lobby, the walk to my table included a showstopping chandelier, stunning sculpture, plus a live harpist, all befitting of a 5-star hotel.

Once seated in the elegant restaurant, the attentive wait staff (complete with white gloves) were quick to offer me a glass of bubbles to accompany the three-tiered tower of sweet and savoury treats that arrived soon after. I also indulged in a very reasonably priced mocktail, and the Berrylicious was certainly very berry and delicious.

The savouries were surprisingly situated in the middle tier, which is where I started. I jumped right in with the smoked salmon bagel and was immediately impressed by the size of it, though a tad more cream cheese would’ve gone down a treat.

The next canape looked like a curried egg but in fact turned out to be curried chicken, on toast. However, the flavours were still very on point. The traditional cucumber sandwich was turned on its head as it was square and teamed with turkey, but the light combination really worked, taking out savoury of the day. I finished up the tier with the exotic mushroom tart in a buttery shell. The truffle and leek raised the bar, however, raising the temperature (so it was warm) would’ve taken it to the next level.

Sticking with the berry theme, I ordered a ‘Natural Infusion Blueberry’ tea, courtesy of Dilmah’s Silver Jubilee Collection, for the desserts which kicked off with fittingly, the Berry Financier. The light one-bite delight was the perfect starter and was closely followed by the scrumptious Yuzu Lemon Cheesecake. Everything from the presentation to the lemon curd centre to the biscuit base was amazing! The apple tea tart was on the lighter side, which was welcomed after the rich flavours of the unconventional Japanese-inspired cheesecake. I finished the top tier with the chocolate truffle cake, and my love for all things chocolate was not disappointed, with the dark chocolate mousse centre a definite standout.

I rounded off the afternoon with the bottom tier, where the raisin and plain scones, mixed berry compote, and double cream resided. The rustic charm of the scones instantly reminded me of grandma’s baking, and bonus, they tasted just as good as well, taking out ‘dish of the day’.

The high tea at the Firewater Grille at the Duxton is a relaxing, decadent Sunday affair. They took out the 2021 Gold Plate Award for best high tea, so you know you’re in for a treat. Prices start at $65 and bubbles and cocktails/mocktails are extra. Bookings are essential where there is a first and second seating (time) to choose from. Extra points for their mirrored gluten free menu, available on request up to 72 hours prior to the reservation.

So go ahead and treat yourself to an afternoon of live music and delicious, delicate food in a lavish setting. What’s not to love?!

 

Firewater Grille High Tea Menu:

Savoury:

• Exotic Mushroom Tart – Truffle essence and crispy leeks
• Smoked Turkey – Spinach milk bread, aioli, cucumber carpaccio
• Curried Chicken Toast – Sous vide chicken, curry mayo, chives
• Smoked Salmon Bagel – Cream cheese, salmon caviar, fine herb

Scones:

• Traditional and Raisin – Clotted cream and berry compote

Sweets:

• Yuzu Lemon Cheesecake – Digestive biscuit, cream cheese, lemon curd
• Apple Tea Tart – Apple tea namelaka, apple jelly, white chocolate pearls
• Chocolate Truffle Cake: Chocolate marquis sponge, dark chocolate mousse, royaltine
• Berry Financier – Mixed berries, crème diplomate, gold leaves

 

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