Dilmah High Tea

Monday at the Hilton Sydney with Dilmah High Tea was a wonderful way to start the week. I have been priveileged enough to have been selected as a

finalist for the Dilmah High Tea Challenge. Like most people, I wasn't expecting to be selected to do a live presentation of my item and the brewing of the tea. I showcased my berry tea-infused jelly with rosewater cream and the brewing of my chosen tea, Dilmah's Berry Sensation Tea. I found it daunting enough given that I have never won anything like this or been asked to showcase my dish in front of three judges with more than 20 years experience in tea, which included Peter Kuruvita from Flying Fish and the head of Dilmah Tea.

As I stepped into the room to set up my presentation, I was amazed at the amount of effort some of the other contestants went to setting up their table. Just looking at the number of flowers and silverware they used for

their table, my jaw dropped and that made me dash out for a moment to grab some tulips. I initially thought that we were only going to be judged on the tea and item itself and I was right. On the other side of the room, the professionals had elaborate plates of bite-sized portions of sweet and savoury tarts and cakes. One contestant in the consumer's category did a high tea cocktail and mocktail.

To finish off the day nicely, all the contestants were invited to a Charitea, a charity high tea held at the Hilton Sydney hosted by Dilmah.

Given that I adore high tea, I couldn't resist the opportunity to taste those beautiful treats which the hotel has to offer, including the tuna pies with sour cream, chopped strawberries and passionfruit, mini meringue tarts and the classic scones and jam topped with cream. And who could forget the beautifully brewed Dilmah teas which should form part of any high tea. It would be a disgrace or doing a disservice to anyone enjoying a perfect high tea if it weren't for the tea itself.

Even better, I ended up finishing off with a bronze medallist with a beautiful wooden Dilmah tea chest and showbag filled with of course, a huge selection of their tea range.

More pics can be seen here.

Coffee Aroma!

I have been longing for this iconic Sydney festival which brings people from

different cultures and backgrounds. This is a festival where there is something for everyone. Even though you are not an avid coffee drinker like myself, there is everything which one can enjoy all of the winter's delights ranging from chocolate to tea. This is a festival which combines culture and food together given the different sections highlighting the cultural differences including the Orient, Oasis and Continental. I reckon this is how the crowds have increased from last year to this year. A Sydney festival that can't be missed.

My fav part of the day was the entertainment. I couldn't help marvelling at the European-style cabaret performances and dances at the Continental section.
I loved how they danced with the tray of alcohol glasses together with the

playing of the violin and horn which gave a gypsy-like feel. I was amazed at how one of the female dancers tried to insert a flame into her mouth which is what I have seen circus acrobatics do.



I couldn't lay my eyes off the sweets galore at the festival. As soon I laid

eyes on the gorgeous cupcakes and macaroons, I knew I was eating with my eyes with the beautiful presentation.


In the Oasis section, I couldn't help enjoying the Turkish apple tea. Unlike the tea sold at T2, it gave a more fruity and sweeter sensation. If I hadn't known that it was apple tea, I would have mistaken it for being a hot apple juice. A refreshing drink in both the winter and summer. With the warmer months coming ahead, I regretted not purchasing a whole box.

More shots from the festival can be seen here.