Afternoon Tea at Taste provides delectable reprieve from daily dross
Mango Chutney Chicken Salad, Croque Monsieur, cucumber sandwiches and Prosciutto during Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo
A drink menu for Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
Sandwiches, scones and desserts are served during Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
Iced Chocolate at Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
A variety of dessert and Hot Chocolate during Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
Desserts are served during Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
The drink menu and place setting during Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
Sandwiches, scones and desserts are served during Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
Mango Chutney Chicken Salad, Croque Monsieur, cucumber sandwiches and Prosciutto at Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
Patrons enjoy the ambiance during Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
Sandwiches, scones and desserts are served during Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
Scones with mascarpone and jam are served during Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
A Diplomat, a strawberry hibiscus macaroon, a brownie and Chocolate Pots de Crème with tangerine glaze are served during Afternoon Tea at Taste in Provo.
Henry James once said, “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” It’s safe to say I couldn’t agree more.
After a week of hustle and bustle, work deadlines, less sleep than usual, too much time in the sun and a couple house guests, I rolled into the weekend wanting nothing more than to just stay in bed. But all week I’d been toying with the idea of a brief reprieve – a trip to Taste in Provo with friends for some time away from the cacophony of a stressful week and just a little me time to regroup and refocus.
Though the concept of Afternoon Tea is a little more foreign in our culture, the British hit on something absolutely brilliant with their High Tea, Afternoon Tea and Elevenses. Because who doesn’t need a mid-day break, delectable food and a delightful pick-me-up?
With the promise of savory sandwiches, sweet desserts and the perfect scone with mascarpone and jam, not to mention award-winning tea, I went ahead and set a reservation for Saturday at 1 p.m. and arranged a meet-up with friends equally in need of a scrumptious sanctuary.
For those who haven’t made their way to Taste before, my first comment would be to go, whether for a scheduled event or just for a drop-by. The venue offers high-quality chocolates, foods and specialty items, many of which are created right in downtown Provo. Items are sourced locally and from across the globe to ensure the best ingredients which has led to high international acclaim for the venue, evidence of its desire to “make chocolate that showcases the complexity and depth of flavor that the world’s finest cacao has to offer.”
Though I’d definitely heard about Taste through the grapevine, my first actual visit came during Afternoon Tea with a friend, who surprised me with the trip as a birthday gift. I had no idea what to expect, but found myself quickly delighted by the options, not just for drinks, but sandwiches and desserts. The environment was vintage yet classy, like stepping into the past, and even a trip to the bathroom made me feel elevated – quite a feat for a public restroom. Padded, high-back benches line the walls as you first enter, and a beautifully painted wood flooring gives off a feel of crafted ceramic tiling. The walls boast an assortment of decorative plates and stylized vintage accents, with the rich smell of fresh ground cacao wafting through the air. Fresh flowers adorn each table, with window seats and bar seats offering comfortable seating for any guest. It’s easy to see that Taste has a unique theme, and the company sticks with it, inviting everyone to join in a celebration of style, quality, food and friendship.
My first visit to Taste has spawned many follow-up trips with various friends and family, including my most recent quest over the weekend to introduce a new friend to the flavors of Taste.
Though the venue was absolutely bustling on our arrival, it didn’t take us long to find the area set aside for us, with place settings and drink menus awaiting us. The rich scent of chocolate left us hanging in anticipation as we perused the options, from teas to a delightful array of chocolate beverages and soda. After a few minutes of enviously watching the tables next to us receive some delightful looking drinks and entrees, our tea trays were served, erasing all jealousy with the flavors of Mango Chutney Chicken Salad, Croque Monsieur, cucumber sandwiches and Prosciutto, each offering a unique taste experience that only comes with Afternoon Tea. As background, Taste regularly offers Croque Monsieur and other sandwiches on its menu, but with tea, each guest is given the chance to sample four different tea sandwiches, scones with mascarpone and jam, and a variety of desserts served on a lovely, three-tiered tray.
The cucumber sandwiches were a fresh, crisp delicacy with lightly mint flavored cream cheese that contrasted well with the weight of the Croque Monsieur, featuring toasted artisan bread, Italian ham, Swiss gruyere cheese and Dijon béchamel. We loved the layers with the Prosciutto, and were surprised at how delightful the Mango Chutney Chicken Salad was, topped with pea sprouts that gave a delightful crisp and flavor to the sandwich with a perfect balance of texture and portion.
Due to the busy nature of the afternoon, our drinks came as we were enjoying the fresh scones, and added a new layer of excitement to the table. A favorite of mine will always be the creamy marscapone and jam loaded onto a scone, but I tried for the first time Taste’s Hot Chocolate, and was blown away. Veering from the overly sweet nature of traditional cocoa, a mellow cream and cocoa powder topped a large mug of deliciously hot and richly flavorful chocolate. It was hot chocolate with substance, and a richness I’d never have labeled that type of a drink with, but then again, Taste does artisan chocolate, so I really shouldn’t have been so surprised.
My first visit hooked me on the Iced Chocolate, which also brings a rich, creamy chocolate flavor that’s magnified by its chilly nature, as well as, by sheer serendipity, Taste’s cacao tea. I’m more of a fruit tea person if I have tea at all, and I rarely add anything to it. But this cacao tea with cream and sugar offered not only a lovely, deep flavor all its own, but also a more relaxed alternative to hot chocolate. The innate flavors and careful processing have earned the drink international awards, as well as a permanent spot in my pantry – I even went and bought a French press specifically because I loved it so much. And as a bonus, the store offers multiple varieties with beans from across the world.
It’s safe to say all three of us were satisfied with our beverage choices, and though we were nearing full, couldn’t wait to move on to the dessert spread, featuring a Diplomat, a strawberry hibiscus macaroon, a brownie and Chocolate Pots de Crème with tangerine glaze.
Though I ended up having to take some home, we all enjoyed sampling the treats, especially the macaroon. Not only was it the perfect balance between soft and chewy with wonderful but not overpowering flavor, while the rich Chocolate Pots de Crème balanced with the deep citrus of the tangerine. On the other end of the spectrum, the Diplomat’s layers with cream were light, flavorful and airy, making for a fun juxtaposition with the heaviness of the rich chocolate brownie.
The food alone is plenty reason to give Taste a try, but more than that is the experience. It was such a wonderful reprieve to spend some time away from responsibilities, enjoying quality food and company, and equally enjoyable for me to see how happy the people around me were. On a busy Saturday, Taste provided a little oasis of flavor and fun, and you can bet that I’m going to be treating myself again in the future.
TASTE ARTISAN CHOCOLATE
What: Afternoon Tea
When: Taste is open Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. with Afternoon Tea regularly scheduled Tuesday-Saturday at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m., though tea times must be booked in advance. The venue also offers fondue times and tastings.
Cost: Most of Taste’s desserts, drinks and sandwiches fall under $10 individually, with Afternoon Tea priced at $23.
Info: (801) 900-4061, havetaste.com