Afternoon tea on the 52nd floor of the Ritz-Carlton, Pudong, Shanghai: an elegant dining experience
1. First Arrival at IFC, Anticipation of Soaring to the Sky
That afternoon, our group of six—four adults and two children—leisurly walked into the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, located next to the IFC mall in Lujiazui. The lobby was high and tranquil, and the waiter's smile carried a quiet confidence, as if reminding us, "Time slows down here."
The elevator ascended straight up, the numbers ticking rapidly, and our ears felt a slight fluctuation in pressure. When the number "52" lit up, a small leap of joy filled our hearts—height always brings a new level of anticipation.
2. The View from the Window: An Afternoon Poem on the Huangpu River
Upon entering, I was captivated by the view outside. Below us lay the winding Huangpu River, shimmering silver in the afternoon sun. In the distance, the skyscrapers of Lujiazui stood like giant building blocks reaching into the clouds.
The children even gathered around the floor-to-ceiling windows, curiously counting the peculiarly shaped buildings. "Is that the Oriental Pearl Tower?" "Is that the Jinmao Tower?" Their voices were filled with wonder, and we adults were unwittingly drawn in as we gazed upon this bustling and magnificent cityscape.
Dining amidst such a view, even before the food arrived, the scenery already soothed our mood.
3. Prelude to the Table: The Aroma of Tea and Fruit
The six of us ordered three two-person set meals, which were just right. The waiter skillfully arranged the exquisite porcelain and silverware, and the table quickly transformed into an elegant painting.
I ordered a pot of mint green tea. The tea was warm, with a refreshing herbal aroma. It chilled my tongue, seeming to awaken the afternoon's languor. My wife chose jasmine tea, its delicate and elegant fragrance leaving each sip like a spring breeze, bringing a gentle sweetness.
The children happily held up their apple juices. The amber liquid shimmered golden in the sunlight, its tartness and sweetness tinged with the freshness of the fruit. For them, this was the perfect "afternoon tea."
Four. A Feast on Three Tiers
The true stars of the show were the three elegant English-style afternoon tea stands. Each tier resembled a stage, filled with small yet thoughtfully presented pastries.
• First Tier: Savory Prologue
Small sandwiches, smoked salmon rolls, and French foie gras mousse were lined up. The bread edges were neatly trimmed, and the fillings were perfectly proportioned, never stealing the show. The smoked salmon was savory and smooth, paired with the tart lemon slices, creating an appetizing prelude.
• Second Tier: Dessert Rhapsody
The macarons were vibrant in color, their outer shells crackling with a gentle bite, their interiors smooth and tender. Atop the towers was a layer of glossy fresh fruit, creating a blend of sweet and sour, and a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate mousse, rich yet not cloying. The children especially loved the colorful macarons, vying to pick their favorite colors.
• Third Tier: Scone Grand Finale
When the warm scones arrived, the air was filled with the aroma of cream. It crumbles gently when cut, and when smeared with clotted cream and strawberry jam, it's an instant delight. This layer was almost the most popular item at the table.
The three-course meal was just the right size for the six of us, allowing us to savor the food without feeling overly full.
5. Live Music: The Soul of the Afternoon
As we immersed ourselves in the sweets and fragrant tea, the sound of a piano reached our ears. The pianist played a light melody, the notes gently falling through the air like drizzling rain. Soon, the saxophone joined in, its deep yet soulful tone complementing the piano, creating a rare romantic atmosphere in the city.
Though the children couldn't discern the complex structure of the music, they swayed gently to the rhythm. I held my teacup and gazed out the window at the city skyline. Music filled my ears, the sweets on my tongue, and I felt a single feeling: this moment was one of leisure and beauty.
6. A Foodie's Observation of Details
As a foodie, I can't help but notice the little things. • Freshness of ingredients: The salmon had no fishy smell, and the berries on the tart had a balanced sweet and sour taste, demonstrating the meticulous use of ingredients.
• Beautiful presentation: From the small mousse cups to the arrangement of the scones, everything was perfectly executed, making it hard to resist even after taking a photo.
• Service details: The waiter was always on hand to check if the teapot needed reheating, and the plates were replaced at a precise pace, neither too fast nor too slow, like a carefully choreographed dance.
These details combined to create the complete "high tea" experience.
7. Children's Afternoon
It's worth noting that while the atmosphere was elegant, it wasn't formal. Despite the lively children, the waiter remained patient, even providing them with straws and small cups. The children smiled as they drank juice and selected macarons. Their satisfaction added a touch of warmth to the afternoon.
8. The Afternoon's End: Reluctance and Satisfaction
As the last scone entered our mouths, the tea in the teapot gradually dried up, and the light outside the window gradually faded from bright to soft, we knew that this high-altitude afternoon feast was drawing to a close.
All six of us wore satisfied smiles; no one felt unfulfilled, for the atmosphere here had elevated "eating" into a form of "enjoyment."
Descending from the 52nd floor, we felt another shift in pressure in our ears as the elevator descended, a reminder that the moment we had just experienced was a dreamscape unique to high altitude.
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Postscript | Foodie's Notes
As a foodie, this experience left a lasting impression:
1. The view: The aerial view of the Huangpu River and the Lujiazui skyline was worth the price of admission in itself.
2. The meal: The three layers of savory, dessert, and scone progressed in a progressive manner, each with exceptional texture and flavor. 3. Drinks: Mint green tea, jasmine tea, and juice each offer a unique flavor, satisfying both adults and children.
4. Atmosphere: Live piano and saxophone performances added a touch of soul to the afternoon.
5. Service: Professional and attentive, unobtrusive yet always available.
If food is an art form, then the afternoon tea on the 52nd floor of the Ritz-Carlton is a masterpiece that blends taste, sight, and hearing.
As we left, the kids were still discussing which dim sum was the best, and I was thinking: Next time, maybe I'll order a different pot of tea and continue collecting more memories of leisure in this high-altitude space.