Special late summer afternoon tea @ British Cake House !!!

Sunday September 6, 2009
From 2.00pm-4.30pm (14:00-16:30)
4500 yen / person
@ Yugawara town, in Kanagawa prefecture.

(Suggest that it's a nice day trip or even better, stay one night in the town Saturday or Sunday night and make it an onsen weekend!)

It's the season of holidays, slow hot and humid weather and any excuse to get outside Tokyo is a good one!
So forgive the wait again while I was on my own holidays in Europe but the next event is a special afternoon tea at the British Cake House in Yugawara, Kanagawa prefecture. This is a fantastic cake shop with furniture all imported from the UK, the closest feeling to an English country tea shop you can get in Japan (and believe me, I've tried just about all of them!)

Where is Yugawara? What kind of place is it? Read on:
Web site: http://www.yugawara.or.jp/ (Japanese)
http://www.yugawara.or.jp/english/e_top.htm (English)

Access: http://www.yugawara.or.jp/english/e_access.htm

>> (Around 50 mins by shinkansen TOKYO-ATAMI then 5 mins train to Yugawara, taxi to shop)
OR
>> (Around 75 mins direct train from SHINJUKU-YUGAWARA, Tokaido Honsen line)
OR
Drive! (see directions above)

Extract from Yugawara web site:

"Yugawara is a quiet haven nestled peacefully between the natural beauties of the Izu-Hakone Mountains and Sagami Bay. Located in the most south-westerly corner of Kanagawa Prefecture, this historic spa town reflects the traditions and tranquility of a bygone era. With its quiet, narrow streets, picturesque houses, and hospitable inns, Yugawara invites the visitor to come and relax a while, and enjoy the many Pleasures that make Yugawara a hidden treasure to be discovered."

What is the British Cake House?

Website: www.tasteofbritain.jp (Japanese only, sorry!)

Pictures:
http://angelsteatime.blog116.fc2.com/blog-entry-224.html

Translated from web site:

"Discover the rural delight of a tea room in a small English village. Enjoy classic English cakes and aficionados of the English countryside afternoon tea with a touch of elegance are sure to be delighted!"

Menu to be decided but I will announce it shortly. Please expect a bumper lot of delicious sandwiches, cakes, scones, clotted cream and gallons of delicious tea!!!

NOTE:

* I understand it's less convenient than a Tokyo city centre afternoon tea but this place really is fantastic, hence it's well worth making the effort! I expect perhaps 5-10 people in total this time, for a cosy afternoon tea but even 1 or 2 people would be nice.

* Once I get feedback on numbers, I will arrange transport together and give details of times and meeting place (would probably be Tokyo station).

* Sorry also for slightly short notice - my own summer break only ended on August 17, hence I have been battling jet lag to organize this one. Appreciate your understanding!

I really hope to see some of you there and if you haven't yet attended, this would be a great time to start!

Cheers
Rich, your tea host

The SHANGRI-LA TOKYO HOTEL SPRING afternoon tea promises to be a fantastic event!!!

SATURDAY MAY 9th

2pm-4.30pm (14:00-16:30)

Location details:

inside MARUNOUCHI TRUST TOWER MAIN BUILDING

* http://www.mori-trust.co.jp/marunouchi/english/access.html
* TOKYO STATION JR: 2 minutes from TOKYO STATION NIHONBASHI EXIT, signposted
* OTEMACHI STATION: Nearest exit B7
* Please ask in station or call hotel if unsure (03-6739-7888)

Why?

* Enjoy the hospitality of the NEWEST 5 star luxury hotel in Tokyo!!
English site: http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/tokyo/shangrila
Japanese site: http://www.shangri-la.com/jp/property/tokyo/shangrila

* LIVE Piano performance and singing during our event!!

* Beautiful table setting with flowers

* Fantastic city view from 27th floor

* Our own function room, so you can relax completely

* Superb menu including savouries / various scones / cakes / free flow of tea

(subject to slight changes but basically as follows - I will add herbal tea and maybe modify the
cakes a little !):

Tokyo Afternoon Tea Club
May 9, 2009
Conway 2 and 3

Selection of Afternoon Tea Sandwiches
Citrus cured smoked salmon
Cucumber and watercress
Duck rillette and cornichon
Warm goat cheese and asparagus quiche

Plain, Dry Cherry, Orange and Grand Manier and Maple Scones
Served with clotted cream, orange curd and strawberry jam
English crumpets with honey

Mini Chocolate Mocca Eclairs
Coconut Macaroons
Minature lemon chiffon cake
Berry and lemon curd tartlets

Assorted Miniature chocolates and Shangri-La tea cookies

Selection of Shangri-La Blend Tea
(Our Original blend tea of the finest leaves from Darjeeling and Nepal)
Afternoon Blend Tea
(Blending the finest Darjeeling, Assam and Keemum leaves with a hint of bergamot oil)
Keemun Queen’s Tea
(A Delicate Chinese tea with a slight floral hint to it. Sweet and gracefull as roses and orchids)
Shangri-La Rainforest Organic Coffee

Fee is 5000 yen flat rate per person. I am sure you'll feel it's good value when you see all the arrangements. I look forward to see as many of you as possible there :)
　
Please email me with any feedback on britishculture@gmail.com

Hi everyone - welcome to all tea lovers old and new!

I am sorry to keep you all waiting but it has been worth the wait!
I negotiated a fantastic event for us in June so PLEASE MARK THIS IN YOUR DIARY!

SATURDAY JUNE 14, 2.30PM-4.30PM
RITZ-CARLTON, LOBBY LOUNGE LEVEL
45TH FLOOR
Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6245 Japan
03-3423-8000

4500 yen net per person to include:
* Fantastic selection of cakes and desserts, scones and some savouries
* Tea, as much as you can drink
* Free gift of special Ritz Carlton tea

NEAREST STATIONS: ROPPONGI (OEDO LINE/HIBIYA LINE) / NOGIZAKA (CHIYODA LINE)

The whole month is very exciting for me as well. I am going off to the States on 22nd for a holiday in LA and then the world tea expo in Las Vegas, which is the world's biggest trade tea event. There are companies from all over the world, including Japan, Sri Lanka, India etc. and for people who only enjoy tea like me, it's paradise. I will be attending business meetings, and doing certification.

Have a look here: www.worldteaexpo.com

I'll give a short presentation about the event at the tea meeting!

ALSO we are going to have beautiful cakes from a chef at the PARIS Ritz Hotel, one of the top two hotels in the whole of France and he will give our group a talk about the cakes!

Plus as much tea as you like !!

So I strongly urge you to please RSVP and keep this date free. We have room for up to 50 people so I can be quite flexible this time!!!

I am looking forward to seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and although the early part of the year was busy, I am happy to do more events each month.

So thanks everyone in advance for your support and I look forward to see you there

Cheers!
Rich

** PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE - SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER, ONE WEEK LATER **

December afternoon tea club, EXCITING NEWS!!!

I am very pleased and proud to say I've negotiated hard to host my afternoon tea club at Tokyo's newest and most glamourous hotel, the PENINSULA TOKYO, and finally I have succeeded!

Have a look at the hotel site:
http://tokyo.peninsula.com/ (English)
http://tokyo.jp.peninsula.com/ptk_ja/index.shtml (Japanese)

And the venue is the restaurant you see here!!!
http://tokyo.peninsula.com/ptk/restaurants_03.html

Giorgio Armani has just enjoyed staying there, this is really the "place to be" at the moment in Tokyo.

The tea details are still being worked out but this is really something very special - when you see the people queuing every day for hours in the lobby to have afternoon tea, I am sure you can understand. Because it's a special event, I am asking guests to please make an effort to dress smartly this time, no jeans or shorts, smart casual or elegant is fine.

The hotel initially said it wasn't possible but they made a very special exception for me because I persuaded them to let us have this opportunity.

Details:

Sunday 2 December

Time: 3pm-5pm (15:00-17:00)

Venue: 'PETER' restaurant on 24th floor
http://tokyo.peninsula.com/ptk/restaurants_03.html (English) http://tokyo.jp.peninsula.com/ptk_ja/restaurants_03.html (Japanese)

With private elevators from the lobby and unobstructed views of Tokyo, Peter offers European cuisine set in a ultra-modern setting. Adjacent to the main dining area, the lounge bar provides the perfect place to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails or an after dinner cigar. A variety of unique private dining areas are available.

最上階の24階に位置し、どこまでも続く眺望と美しいインテリアでゆったりとしたひとときをお過ごしいただけます。上品かつコンテンポラリーな世界の味覚を彩り豊かにアレンジしたインターナショナル・キュイジーヌ、豊富なワインとドリンクセレクション、そして工夫を凝らしたプライベートルームや食前のお待ち合わせや、食後のシガーなどをお楽しみいただけるラウンジバーは皆様を魅了することでしょう

Menu and cost: To be announced (negotiating now!) 5000 yen per person.

Please RSVP if you'd be free at this date and time and I will send more details as soon as possible. I am meeting the hotel head of food and beverage next week to finalize the plan.

Thanks!

Rich

Hi folks!

I am really sorry to change so many times but this time I have final confirmation from the shop - so the venue and date are confirmed. I had to delay for one week, which I apologize for, but I hope for your understanding.

We are going to enjoy afternoon tea club at Mariage Freres Ginza main store with details as follows:

DATE: Sunday 23 September 2007

TIME: 2.30pm-4.30pm (14:30-16:30)

VENUE: Mariage Freres Ginza

ADDRESS: Mariage Freres, Suzuran-Dori, 5-6-6 Ginza, Chuo-Ku Tokyo 104-0061
TEL: 03-3572-1854 (please call if you are unsure of how to get there)
FAX: 03-3572-1997

DIRECTIONS:

Take the A1 exit from the GINZA subway station. When you come out of the exit, walk straight ahead past the KOBAN police box on your right. Turn left up the pedestrianized street (SUZURAN DORI) and about 200 metres up the street on the right hand side, you will see Mariage Freres.

Pictures of Mariage Freres shop:

http://www.bento.com/rp/ginza-mariage.jpg

http://castagna.up.seesaa.net/image/837D838A83A815B83W838583t838C815B838B.JPG

We are having the whole basement area reserved for the party which is great because I am a regular customer there (very regular!) and held my birthday party there as well as a previous afternoon tea.

The limit is 24 people so please bring 1 guest maximum and RSVP as soon as possible. Sorry to those of you who RSVP'd already but if the new date is fine, please let me know.

I will open this event on first come first serve basis and I have a lot of people who want to come so I urge you to please confirm as soon as possible :)

COST: 4000-5000 yen. I am sorry I know it seems expensive and some people wonder why. Mariage Freres is the best tea in the world and we will enjoy not only excellent tea, but also great food and cakes as well. So actually, my afternoon tea probably means you can skip lunch and dinner on that Sunday, making it a good deal! Trust me, I always negotiate the best I can for the guests.

PROPOSED MENU (I have suggested these things but am waiting to hear from the shop.) I will confirm as soon as possible:

Finger food / snacks
Chicken liver pate on toast
Spinach Quiche
Cheddar Cheese Sandwich
Sausage roll
SUPER SIZE SCONES
Cakes etc.
FLAPJACK)
写真： http://www.handmadecake.co.uk/productimages/Product17.jpg
http://www.espacioblog.com/myfiles/elotroblog/flapjack.png
LEMON MERINGUE PIE
写真:
http://www.dianasdesserts.com/assets/managed/recipes/Lemon%20Meringue%20Pie%208A.jpg
http://www.paarman.co.za/images/LemonMeringue.jpg
Recipe:
http://www.cuisinart.co.jp/recipe/rec33.html
* バッテンバーグケーキ　(Battenburg Cake)
写真:
http://bestbritishfoods.com/cw2/Assets/product_full/BattenburgCake.jpg
http://www.minifoods.com/images/new/batcake_large.jpg
Recipe:
http://www.gastronomydomine.com/2005/11/battenburg-cake.html
(すみませんこのレシピは英語だけ。もし日本語が必要教えてください！)
(4)
ティー　(tea)
* ASSAM (SANKAR)
* EARL GREY
* Herb tea
* Fruit tea

So I hope this has you looking forward to a great tea.
I call it "discussion" but it's also a social party. We can talk about tea and also the Mariage Freres shop will tell you a bit about the Mariage Freres tea company.

All the best, hope to see you soon!

Rich