Today I was at Fairmont Vancouver’s latest high tea reincarnation, on its second day of opening.
The space was transformed into a wintery wonderland through snow dusted pine branches, faux furs, ice skates and snow shoes. Very apres ski lodge, without the actual skiing.
Where the decor was muted in grey, white and silvers; the tea set tickled with colour. As alwaysc their sets are designed for two to share, with a bite of the following for each person. Admittedly I might not like all the elements of any given sets or find it all that complimentary to the theme. However, today was probably my favourite out of all the ones I tried this year. The savoury was on theme and the sweet whimsical for the holiday occasion.
From November 13 to January 4, this Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea is available Tuesday through Sunday with seatings at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online.
You begin by choosing your desired teas. They have two seasonal ones like the Christmas Blend. This full-bodied tea with the aroma of cinnamon and cove. Whereas the Alpen Mulled Wine had mountain fresh bordeaux berry notes and hints of sweet cinnamon and clove.
For something with more kick they also have 3 seasonal cocktails to pair with your tea tower.
The Chai Mocha Martini is a festive take on an espresso martini with Finlandia vodka, fresh espresso, Kahlua, brown sugar, cinnamon syrup, and chocolate shavings. The additional sugars made it more complimentary to the dessert tier of our tower.
The Yuletide Rosé Fizz was Empress 1908 elderflower rose gin, apple cider, chai syrup lemon juice, egg white, and ginger beer. It reminded me of a fizzy apple pie in a glass.
The Mountain Ash is like an Old Fashioned with vanilla chai infused Woodfords, Drambuie, and Amaro Montenegro. It came with a smokey start and star anise.
As for the tea tower itself, you get their Classic Buttermilk Scones with vanilla cream and strawberry preserve and a Spiced Gingerbread Scone flavoured with subtle ginger and a little sweetness from molasses.
I enjoyed all the whimsical names each item got, as a tribute to the holidays. For savoury we had “The Wreath”, a play and nod to the bagel and its hole. Oak smoked salmon, crème fraiche, and northern divine caviar. A classic and always welcomed sight during any tea time.
“Boxing Day” is like a turkey meal in a handheld format. Gruyère bread pudding, cranberry jam, and turkey breast. This was the tried and true festive combination of turkey and cranberry that could have used some gravy, given how dry it was on the harder bread base. I did find it a nice the bread pudding a nice transition to the sweet tier given that it was like cake in place of bread for this open l-faced sandwich.
Nothing about the “Croissant De Noel” read holiday, but it was my favourite of the savouries with parmesan cream, prosciutto cotto, red onion jam, and a pistachio crumble. I won’t say no to the familiar pairing of ham and cheese in a buttery croissant.
The “Reindeer Royale” didn’t contain any carrots that would remind me of any reindeer. Instead, this read more fall as an herb quiche with squash and pumpkin seeds. I found it a little on the bland side, and I could have use some more pepper and spice to season.
The “Santa Claw” is a sweeter crab salad with compressed apple and lemon aioli on a blini.
For sweets the “Holly Cannoli” is piped full with hazelnut cream, and topped with chocolate crunch pearls. The balls reminded me of jingle bells, adding extra novelty and crunch to an already exciting bite.
Logs are synonymous with the holidays and this “Swirly Twirly Yule Log” was another nostalgic one with chocolate cake and chocolate cream swirled together. It is decorated with a chocolate stocking and green frosting leaves.
The name “White Forest Cheesecake” was a play on Black Forest cake, but with cheese cake instead of chocolate cake;
amarena cherry and ivory shard. I liked the little berries topping it, they reminded me of mistletoe berries.
The “Ornament” was aptly named. This was beautiful enough to hang on a tree. I just wasn’t expecting the lemon meringue filling to this profiterole, given its colouring and use of ruby gel. It would have been nice to get a peppermint, given its association to candy canes and the holiday. However this tasted amazing and served as the perfect palate refresher to end our meal on.
And my favourite of the sweet was the “Grinch’s Treat” named after its neon green colouring. This is a soft and chewy crinkle cookie given a sprinkling of powdered snow and a little frosted heart. I would have loved a bag of these to take home with me.
If you are looking for some festive fun in the castle after dark, the hotel’s lower lobby, Popup bar Kringle’s, is back for another year; running Tuesday through Sunday, from November 19 to December 31. Seeing as I have yet to visit myself, the following is taken from their press release. As well as other activation running through Hotel Vancouver this holiday season.
The space was designed to reflect the nostalgic charm of classic Christmas films, complete with glistening ornaments, vintage décor, and twinkling lights. Behind the bar, expert mixologists craft imaginative seasonal cocktails – like the “Starry Night Spagliato” and the “Home Alone”, made with gummy-bear infused vodka – alongside thoughtfully prepared small plates and shareable bites.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s breezeway has been transformed into a winter spectacle as it becomes the first stop along Fleurs de Villes NOEL’s floral trail. This year’s installation features a stunning mannequin inspired by “A Partridge in a Pear Tree,” created by local floral designers. This will be on display from December 5 to 14.
The Holiday Retail Pop-Up runs from November 28 through January 1, featuring a curated selection of Fairmont favourites including keepsake ornaments, dog collars, gift cards, and more.
Tea with Santa happens on December 20 invites guests to sing along with Santa and his elves, share playful moments with The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who, and visit the Build-A-Bear workshop to create a cuddly holiday keepsake to take home. Held in the hotel’s grand Pacific Ballroom, a Christmas Afternoon Tea will also be offered on December 21and 22, with seatings at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Earlier in December, Notch8 Restaurant will be hosting a Festive Lunch Buffet and Weekend Brunch Buffet. Both of which will feature seasonal favourites.
Not planning to dine in? A Christmas Turkey Dinner To-Go offers guests the flavours of a traditional holiday feast without the stress of cooking. The meal includes all the classic trimmings and dessert, beautifully packaged and ready to reheat and serve at home. Orders will be available for pick-up on December 24 and 25.
Notch 8
900 W Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6
(604) 662-1900
fairmont-hotel-vancouver.com
