Looking for an enjoyable afternoon tea experience? Look no further than MO Bar at Mandarin Oriental. Located on the 4th floor with glass windows spanning the entire establishment, this was such an elegant venue to have a tete-a-tete with girlfriends.
The first thing that struck me was the friendly and well-trained service staff. They were enjoying their work, a departure from what I usually encounter at F&B outlets. The intimate and stylish ambience was the next thing that popped up on my radar. Comfortable lounge chairs adorned the entire room whilst a long marble bar boasted talented bar staff creating cocktails and other treats.
Teeming with positive energy of smiles and enthusiasm to serve patrons, I immediately settled into the relaxed atmosphere. With about 19 tea varieties to choose from I was glad I was not a tea drinker. My preference was a glass of Ruinart Champagne. A better choice don’t you think?
Being only one of two establishments that served this champagne I thought I might take advantage of it. The fact that it was 3pm on a weekday mattered not! So reasonably priced at $88 for two persons without alcohol, I was amazed at the list of treats I was about to taste at this afternoon tea.
While waiting for others to arrive we were given a private behind-the-scenes tour of the bar. From an explanation of the variety of machines that did different processes to how cocktails were created. So interesting!
Head Bartender Adrian gave us 3 shots of liquor to try. Used in their very extensive cocktail list, these were concocted for patrons to enjoy. Menus have been through 3 rounds of updates over the years and will continue to in the future.
Remaining current was obviously important to the team. Creativity oozed out of the MO Bar, from staff to menus and style of communication. I was so impressed. It made me want to come back. The food started to arrive. Something I had never had before was a cold starter of lemongrass pineapple granita (shaved ice) served on a coconut kaffir emulsion. To me it was the perfect start to the experience.
With more savouries than at most afternoon teas I have tried, the bite-sized delights of tandoori chicken rice paper roll, Wagyu pastrami sandwiches, Maine lobster brioche and my favourite of the afternoon - black truffle egg mimosa served in a pie tee shell.
While colourful, sweet fare usually turn me off, this time I felt an interest to try them – yuzu tart, Earl Grey chocolate mousse, baked soft cheese cake and a nutty pistachio choux. All delicious!
Head Chef graced our table with some explanations of the food. The MO Bar afternoon tea continued. Chocolate and vanilla scones served with jam and cream. Enter more calories! By this time we had decided to try a few cocktails. Available a-la-carte, the cocktails list was designed in the shape of a fan, akin to the fan on the Mandarin Oriental logo.
Detailing level of alcohol content, from full circle to crescent, half-moon and full moon this was another sign of the exuding creativity at MO Bar. Priced at about $24 a cocktail it presented a temptation for those who love them.
As chocolates and pralines ended our afternoon tea, I decided this would be my go-to for afternoon tea from now on. Booking in immediately for a friend’s birthday celebration I could not imagine having such a stylish, private venue with great service and amazing fare served anywhere. I looked at the time. Two hours had passed so quickly. What do they say – time flies when you’re having fun? Well it certainly did for me….
For reservations and enquiries, please email mosin-dining@mohg.com or call +65 6885 3500
a. 5 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039797
w. www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore/marina-bay/fine-dining/bars/mo-bar
