I recently did a feature on the best high teas around the world, but when I heard of The Arizona Biltmore’s new iced high tea, I had to investigate. Phoenix’s iconic hotel, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright design, has been serving afternoon tea since it opened in 1929, but it took eighty-four years to serve up a summer version.
And if you’ve been to central Arizona, you know a refreshing, iced high tea service is much appreciated with blazing summer temps in the triple digits.
What is Summer Tea Service?
The service starts with a cold cucumber soup to cleanse the palate, a gorgeous platter of four tea sandwiches, three desserts and two cakes, and a choice of six delicious flavors of iced tea. The iced tea menu includes Ceylon gold, white ginger pear, blackberry pomegranate, raspberry nectar, lavender citrus and green mango peach.
Who came up with this brilliant idea? Well, a tea sommelier of course! Yes this job does exist, especially in European tea houses. Arizona Biltmore’s tea sommelier Kevin Doyle is the mastermind behind the new tea service. Bringing extensive knowledge in teas and tea service, he welcomes each guest personally, graciously explains the menu, describes the flavors and characteristics of the different teas, and oversees all aspects of the service. Summer tea is from 12 – 3 p.m. with prices per person starting at $29.
More about Arizona Biltmore
If you like historic or architecturally rich hotels, the Biltmore is for you. Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Arizona Biltmore has been an Arizona landmark since its opening on Feb. 23, 1929 when it was crowned “The Jewel of the Desert.” The resort was designed by Albert Chase McArthur, a Harvard graduate, who had studied under Frank Lloyd Wright from 1907 – 1909 in Chicago. For more on the hotel’s fascinating history, there are tours three times per week – free for guests and $10 for visitors.
Fun facts about Arizona Biltmore
- Those cool concrete blocks on the exterior of the hotel are referred to as the “Biltmore Block” and said to represent a freshly cut palm tree.
- The Biltmore’s pool was Marilyn Monroe’s favorite pool.
- Speaking of the pool, composer and songwriter Irving Berlin penned many tunes, including “White Christmas” while sitting poolside at the Arizona Biltmore.
- JFK and Jackie O’ were guests at the Biltmore.
More on Scottsdale
The hotel is technically located in Phoenix but borders Scottsdale, so it makes for a convenient base to explore both cities. Scottsdale is gem when it comes to architecture, art and world-class hiking, golfing and spa treatments. Here are my recommends if you have a few days to explore Scottsdale, Arizona.
A Few Days in Scottsdale travel guide
Scottsdale Arizona Travel Guide: Cowboys, Couture & Quirk
Drink Well,
Lanee
photos courtesy of Arizona Biltmore