‘What Is The Quintessential New Zealand High Tea’?

News Release 2 August 2012

The Stamford Plaza Auckland asks

‘What Is The Quintessential New Zealand High Tea’?

The delightful tradition of enjoying afternoon tea may have been started by The French! Research has shown that in 1636, Madame de Sevegne wrote of friends drinking between 12 and 40 cups of tea per day. And, it was not until 1663 when the poet and politician Edmund Waller credited Queen Catherine with making the drinking of tea fashionable. Regardless if you hold your pinkie up, or on the tea cup, “the menu that is served while enjoying afternoon tea in New Zealand must change!” so says Peter Gee, the General Manager of The Stamford Plaza Auckland.

“We are a multi cultural society and must respect the fine food tastes that our guests demand,” continues Peter. So, the curry puffs made famous from the Fijian Indian born New Zealand Head Chef, Mo Arun, are now on the high tea menu. But, should they remain?

What’s on the menu of the Quintessential New Zealand High Tea? And, more importantly should it have a wide range of taste treats including Pavlova (isn’t that from Australia, anyway?) with fresh NZ kiwifruit, or maybe a Puhio cheese scone with Marmite (yes, we have been stock piling)? What about seared tuna with a horopito rub, or a Carpaccio of Cervena to go with a cold bottle of Tui beer (Yeah, Right!).

Will the cucumber sandwich be removed the from the high tea menu forever? And, if so, what should replace it? We want you to tell us what you think, and when you do, you can win one night for two in The Governor’s Suite (yes, that is where the celebrities stay) plus high tea for you and five friends served in your Suite. Tell us what you think should be on the Quintessential New Zealand High Tea menu by 17 August 2012 and be in to win. Please visit facebook to vote on the Stamford Plaza Auckland page. Or visit www.aucklandhightea.co.nz to register and vote. Prize value is $1,500.00.

ENDS

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