So many positive reviews on Thirty8, Grand Hyatt that I've decided to make it as my next afternoon tea venue. However, this may not turn out to be the next positive one.
Upon arrival, we were stunned by its magnificence view of KL Petronas Twin Towers and wished we could have the seat closer to it. Needless to say that sunlight contributes to better photographs. Yet, we have received no reply in corresponding to that request. Hence a piece of advice to specify the seat during reservation.
Thirty8's Signature Cake RM25
Made its entrance in glass dome along with dry ice as if mystery yet to be discovered in the swirling mist. Butterscotch was then dripped to the top of what believed to be joconde cake. A feast for the eyes before it is being placed on the tongue. Now, verdict on my tongue was not as good as my eyes or even my photos would suggest; especially the banana ice-cream which it tasted like having too much of artificial flavoring.
Thirty8's Signature Cake is a must try, they said.
A norm for me to order peppermint tea as I would like to have a fresh bite on the dessert.
Thirty8's Afternoon Tea Set
Sweet
Plain and raisin scones with strawberry preserve and chantilly cream
Opera slice
Hazelnut eclair
Strawberry mousse slice
"Flowerpots"
Almond friands
Selection of macarons
(misspelled as macaroons in the menu instead)
Hazelnut biscotti
Savory
Finger sandwiches:
Cucumber, dill, cream cheese
Smoked salmon, chives,lemon butter
Egg mayonnaise, watercress
Chicken, horseradish
Selection of teas and coffee
The rate was RM68 per person but second person may opt for sharing by ordering own teas/coffee.
Different types of bread given for finger sandwiches; Mediocre in term of taste but appreciate the fact that they didn't come in soggy condition.
The scone was fluffy and not too dry.
Too many photos on other reviews showed their scones wrapped in napkin to keep warm but ours were not served in that way. It was the inconsistency in service that have got me so frustrated.
The name "strawberry preserve" might sounds better in menu but strawberries were nowhere to be seen. In fact, we have got 2 fruit jams of orange and strawberry along with chantilly cream.Again, they were not even jams of higher range.
I have nothing to shout about on opera slice and hazelnut eclair yet this strawberry mousse slice gave me the feeling of leftover from previous buffet session. The taste was artificial enough to be blend into lower range of confectionery shop. This has seriously brought down the standard of Thirty8's afternoon tea where we couldn't bring ourselves to finish that small piece though we have the virtue of not wasting food in any possible way. Just couldn't.
With that amount of butterscotch oozing out, I'll leave to your imagination on how sweet it was.
Double that sweetness as we had it in Signature Cake and "Flowerpots".
They have challenged on my tolerance towards sugar level and as if that wasn't enough, try lemon macaron that has been overpowered by sweetness.
Should have taken the other side of this sugar plated hazelnut biscotti. So sparkly in sugar but our tongue was too numb with butterscotch sweetness that this has no effect on it anymore.
Though desserts are meant to be sweet, but it is the art of controlling the amount of sugar and other elements that would make a masterpiece.
Along with Agnes, we had high expectations but imagine the frustration when it didn't even come close.
Thank you Agnes for this treat as celebration for my belated birthday but I guess we have picked the wrong afternoon tea venue. Agnes has escalate our concerns to the management and they will look further into the matter.
Shall continue to seek the best afternoon tea in KL that would put TWG Tea Salon & Boutique to second where it seemed to be mission impossible at this moment.
Thirty8 Restaurant and Lounge
Grand Hyatt Hotel
12 Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
03-2182 1234