LAist: Not High Tea, Hip Tea at The Standard

May 5, 2007

Not High Tea, Hip Tea at The Standard

This weekend is the launch for the new Sunday Tea event at The Standard in Hollywood (4-7 p.m). From the Cactus Lounge, lobby, or poolside, the hotel is offering a special menu of sandwiches, desserts, brewed teas and it wouldn’t be The Standard without cocktails. Called “mar'tea'ni's,” these drinks are booze infused with tea and herbal blends by La Mill, a nice change if you want some antioxidants with your buzz. There are five to choose from, including Blonde Bombshell: organic lemon-chamomile herbal blend with Stolichnaya Vanil Vodka.

The tea menu isn't cheap, a pot of tea (about two cups) costs $6.50-$7 and a single mar'tea'ni goes for $12. The good thing is, the drinks are strong and when you can enjoy it by the pool or even better - in the pool - it’s not a crazy price to pay on a sweltering afternoon.

If you want a quiet afternoon tea to chat with your mother, go somewhere else. If you already dig the vibe at The Standard's pool and don’t feel like imbibing in more cocktails, this tea menu createed by Chef Larry Greenwood is a good alternative. Once the summer heat really hits, the lighter fare offered like tea-smoked salmon and arugula salad will be welcome options instead of the upscale diner fare offered at The Standard's restaurant. DJs spin music to groove to and eye candy is everywhere. If you’re feeling a sweet tooth coming on, the desserts are modern takes on English tea offerings.

hip tea at the standard in west hollywood The strawberry shortcake ($8.50) is made with scones, whipped filling and berries. The cream is light, fluffy and the scone is crumbly and chewy with bits of dried cherries. There’s also a cookie plate ($8.50) with pairs of black-and-white, Macadamia white chocolate, and shortbread with chocolate chunks. I call it the black-and-white cookie, but it doesn't have white frosting. It's more like the consistency of a Madeline, a little cakey, moist and half-dipped in chocolate.