AFTERNOON TEA

Let's face it, I eat out a lot and with no disrespect to anyone, there are times when it all gets a bit samey. But this is why I love the culinary team at Cyan: they have already proven themselves to level-up and bring the unexpected to the table - literally and figuratively! The newly launched, high-end yet approachable afternoon tea had nods to both tradition and to tea and everything was executed with the flair I've come to expect at Cyan.

First, there was no tea stand - cue: gasp ... SUCH a good decision! Everything was carefully, thoughtfully and innovatively presented on the fabulous serveware that for me, adds so much to the food experience. As a self-professed plate hoarder, these dishes make me swoon!

To the food. I did a quick scan of the table as the dishes arrived. My eye was caught by the glorious oblongs of rich chocolate tart, the fluffy triangular scones and the toasted brioche cured trout sandwiches, topped with salmon roe and mandarin. Whilst I loved these, there were a couple of plates of food that were simply mind-blowing: the lightly poached pears, soaked in very good honey with pistachio and a camembert centre were absolutely divine, as were the little (close your eyes as I say this) chouquettes, served with a pot of warm chocolate. I was dyyying! The little orange baba sitting in a most beautiful syrup, the gougeres, filled with the most incredible truffle bechamel (one is simply not enough!) - these things stole my heart.

I think Plate of the Day, for the sheer gorgeousness of it, was the chai tarts, each tart placed on tiny pebbles as delicate as the pastry, giving a nod to the Japanese tea tradition. There were little innovations at every turn: the scones were served with traditional jam and cream but alongside them sat a clutch of cheese straws, so marvellous for people who prefer savoury over sweet. The tomato tart, with feta and the crumbliest pastry was divine and the seasonal mandarin tart similarly so.

It doesn't end there: Benny's tea-based mocktails added an extra touch of pizzazz to the whole affair: we loved The Abu Dhabi, reminiscent of sand, The Capital Gate, a blue and green coloured number the minty Moroccan and the coconutty Coco Jambo - these are some of the best mocktails in town.

With the sun streaming through the windows of the 18th floor of the 'leaning tower', views for days across the city and the sea, and the stunning decor, it was great afternoon tea experience and I was sad when it was over. I loved the superbness of this small afternoon tea rebellion and am scheming to get back. Please do go and try - but set aside enough time to truly savour every bite!

AED160pp including tea, coffee, mocktails, water.

Daily | 3-6pm