New “Palate TEAsers” list created with Silk Road teas and a creative touch

www.hotelgrandpacific.com/dining

Victoria might be famous for the brew, but piping hot it’s not everyone’s cup of tea! Perfect for patio sipping, the Hotel Grand Pacific has launched its “Palate TEAsers”: a selection of both tea cocktails and non-alcoholic tea sodas, available in The Pacific Restaurant and Lounge, and the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, The Mark. The drinks all use teas from Victoria’s Silk Road tea company, along with other premium ingredients.

With its crispy bacon garnish, the Sunday Breakfast cocktail is sure to become a brunch favourite – it combines bourbon with maple syrup infused with Silk Road Lapsang Souchong tea, and muddled basil. The refreshing Epiphany is the perfect toast to summer, bringing together a lemony Silk Road Philosopher’s Brew tea syrup with citrus vodka and topped off with sparkling wine. The Angel Wings soda pop uses a syrup made from Silk Road Angelwater tea along with club soda, and a splash of apple juice to make a delicious alternative to run-of-the-mill soft drinks. A full list of Palate TEAsers can be found online here.

“Originally, we wanted to come up with a non-alcoholic drink that could be sipped on its own or paired with food, but that also had the depth and complexity of wine,” said Janis Goard, Food & Beverage Director for the Hotel Grand Pacific. “So we created tea syrups that could then be mixed with sparkling water and juices to make an alternative to soda pop. But when we tried them, they were so good we knew they would make an amazing base for cocktails as well!”

In addition to enjoying the drinks on their own, guests coming in to the Hotel Grand Pacific for the popular West Coast Afternoon Tea can now enjoy a tea soda with the service instead of hot tea, or upgrade to a tea cocktail for a small additional charge. West Coast Afternoon Tea is served in The Pacific Restaurant from 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm daily, and showcases the region’s Asian influences as well as the restaurant’s commitment to local, sustainable ingredients. Favourite bites include mini quiches with Salt Spring Island goat cheese, green tea-cured wild salmon lox, and bannock – a traditional First Nations bread. Reservations are required and can be made through the website or by calling 250-380-4458.

The Hotel Grand Pacific offers a tea program that is unique for Victoria, focusing on serving different types of tea in ways that are culturally appropriate for the particular brew, including the use of different vessels and utensils. For instance, guests ordering the top-grade Osmanthus Flower Oolong have the choice of using a teapot and cup, or a delicate porcelain gaiwan. Working with Silk Road‘s tea master, Daniela Cubelic, the hotel has created a list that includes teas that are exclusive to the Hotel Grand Pacific and notable for their quality. Cubelic has also been involved in training food and beverage staff to ensure a top tea experience for guests.

The Hotel Grand Pacific is a four-Diamond property conveniently located on the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria. With 304 spacious guestrooms and suites, the Hotel Grand Pacific is renowned for delivering an exceptional and personalized guest service experience. With a focus on health and wellness, the hotel offers complimentary access to the Victoria Athletic Club, located on-site. Relax at the spa or dine at the all-day Pacific Restaurant or The Mark, an award-winning fine dining restaurant. The Hotel Grand Pacific is a proud member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

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