Latest news with #Ronnefeldt
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
German flavours for afternoon tea
SERVED only in five-star hotels and in Malaysia for the past 20 years, afternoon tea lovers would almost certainly have heard of this German luxury label. To see the array of Ronnefeldt teas and infusions that are available locally, head over to The Lobby Lounge at The Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur. There are no less than 33 flavours. Among them, the observant will notice The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur Blend, which has been made exclusively for the hotel to pair with the salmon sandwiches in its afternoon tea sets. Described as having a smooth, creamy taste with a natural sweetness, the blend carries slight hints of lemongrass and jasmine. It has also been described as having a nice aroma with an alluring and 'addictive' quality. Jan-Berend Holzapfel, the tea label's owner, who was in Kuala Lumpur, introduced a few more flavours. Making its debut for the first time in Malaysia is the Colombia Especial and Cacao, which is a blend of organic Colombian black tea with cacao husk. Coming in with a rich fragrance of maple syrup and vanilla, Holzapfel said it was the red soil, rich with iron, that gave the tea its unique flavour. To pair with this Colombian blend is a dark chocolate tart with hazelnut praline that unleashes an earthy and nutty aroma from the tea. Before going on with the next four tastings, Holzapfel, 52, who inherited the business from his father, explained how it came to be recognised as a luxury tea label. 'For one, the teas that we buy are sourced from tea gardens that have been supplying Ronnefeldt for three generations. 'Secondly, only the youngest leaves from the best of season are used,' he said. 'And thirdly, the products have gone through rigorous testing for pesticides and organic standards to meet criteria set by the US, Australia and Japan, where the allowed pesticide residue is 1/10 million parts.' Holzapfel says to be a tea taster takes seven years of training. However, the ultimate criteria is in maintaining the continuation in taste, regardless of season and weather. 'For that, we have a team of tea tasters who do not smoke and drink to preserve their sensitive palates. 'Our oldest taster, who is 46, has 25 years of experience. 'And to be a tea taster takes seven years of training,' said Holzapfel. It was at this juncture, that the No. 1 Rainfall in Paralai, a flavoured black tea from South India was introduced. Infused with heather flowers, coriander seeds and strawberry pieces, it carries a heady fragrance of roses and the fruity notes of peach. A spinach quiche was chosen as the afternoon tea item of choice to go with it. Next was the No. 8 Clouds Over Baiyun Shan, which is a special blend to commemorate the tea label's 200th year anniversary. As its name implies, the blackberry flavoured green tea with its slight traces of mint and Chinese herbs, evokes the image of a mystic temple on a cloudy, flowery hill. As it is also slightly spicy to the palate, it was decided that a creamy mushroom and chicken sandwich would be paired. A raspberry mousse was chosen to pair with the No. 2 Sunrise Over Cederberg, a herbal infusion of rooibos and rosemary because of its prominent natural sweetness. Ronnefeldt teas for The Lobby Lounge afternoon tea set. Butter scones with raspberry jam and Devon clotted cream were paired with a fruit infusion of Tibetan goji berries and moringa, aptly called No.3 Winds of Tibet. It was divulged that the above fruit and herbal infusions are the most ideal companions for sweet items like mooncakes. The Lobby Lounge and Ronnefeldt are hosting an afternoon tea set promotion until June 30, from noon to 6pm. The price is RM160++ for two diners, which includes any one selection of these four blends – No.1 Rainfall in Paralai, No. 8 Clouds Over Baiyun Shan, No. 2 Sunrise Over Cederberg and No.3 Winds of Tibet. THE LOBBY LOUNGE, Level 1, The Ritz-Carlton, 168, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 018-623 0036. Business hours: 11am-11pm, daily. This is the writer's personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
Irish Examiner
24-04-2025
- Irish Examiner
Hotel Review: A stylish revamp and cool new bar put this Dublin five-star back on the map
Location The Fitzwilliam Hotel opened on St Stephen's Green in 1998, in an enviable location at the top of Grafton Street, surrounded by Georgian Dublin. The zeitgeisty blend of minimalist design and glossy Terence Conran interiors initially impressed, but the new-build's blingy fit-out didn't age well. The bar, which should have buzzed with life, always felt cold and soulless, failing to win over the discerning locals who patronised neighbouring 5-star hotel bars. Now the fresh new look should help draw more visitors and Dubliners to the stylish address, which is close to shopping, culture, dining and transport options. 9/10 Style and design There's a serenity and warmth to the lobby as you step in from the bustle of St Stephen's Green. A luxurious palette of muted tones has been harnessed, with discreet Art Deco tropes, welcoming curves and sculptural flowers. The double height reception area, chequered floors, huge artworks, wood and brushed metallics, modern fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the street, whispers, rather than shouts, sophistication. The look is carried through to a glamorus new Lounge, that feels vibrant and premium. The design feels grown-up, intimate and cosmopolitan. 9/10 Service The concierge team, lead by the charming Marcin Worek, make an impression greeting guests in smart purple overcoats. Check-in is pleasant and chatty, carried out with the offer of complementary prosecco, which sets the tone for a special stay. Walked to our bedroom we receive a comprehensive show-around that reveals the room's key features. Later, in The Lounge, bar manager Ivan delivers polished and informed service, helping with cocktail choices and food. Breakfast service is equally attentive, and it seems a far more polished and personal experience than we've had in the past. 9/10 Rooms If you're fortunate to have a room with a balcony on a sunny day, as we did, you can enjoy a drink (or Irish cheeseboard) outdoors, perched high above Georgian Dublin watching the people and Luas below. This bird's eye view into St Stephen's Green, is a summer USP. Views in the room aren't too shabby either, with a delicious blend of Art Deco detailing and high-end finishes. A bird's eye view into St Stephen's Green from the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin. A room full of soft curves is balanced by elegant geometric patterns in the carpet and bold bathroom tiles. Blush pink, smooth marble, fabric walls in gunmetal grey and accents of brushed brass and bevelled walnut feel indulgent and luxurious. The seating and beds are comfy, layout is thoughtful, and the room feels like somewhere you'd happily hide out. 10/10 In-room perks Tea drinkers will love the mini teapots that stack neatly into the teacups, plus selection of Barry's Tea and Ronnefeldt herbal teas. Nespresso pods plus Java Republic instant coffee offer choices for coffee drinkers (though we don't love the UHT milk, which could easily be swapped out for fresh milk the mini bar.) A large selection of premium spirits feels a little corporate though a few Irish products, including O'Donnells' Ballymaloe Relish crisps can be found amongst Cocoa Atelier almonds and Dairy Milk bars. There's complementary shortbread and bonus points for the luxurious Irish toiletries by Roads. 8/10 On the menu The Lounge had launched a new Bloody Mary menu, which we think is an excellent idea. There's an eclectic and imaginative cocktail menu too, and while the food menu is set for changes, we beg the powers that be not to remove the sensational crispy fried pickles with buttermilk ranch dressing. Barbecued pork belly bites and Cáis na Tire truffle croquettes followed by beetroot and goats cheese risotto were all delicious. The Lounge at The Fitzwilliam. The Fitzwilliam is also home to the Michelin-starred Glover's Alley, where Andy McFadden cooks superb food , although we didn't dine there on this occasion. The breakfast room, a low-ceilinged mezzanine, is a challenging space, and one that, despite the makeover, gives me cruise ship vibes. Despite my misgivings, the buffet is undeniably excellent, with good pastries, juices, granola yogurt pots and charcuterie. Cooked to order food is top notch and the service is lovely throughout. 9/10 Activities & amenities A small gym, with a few machines and free weights, has no windows and a low ceiling. It feels cramped and tokenistic, though runners will love pounding the wide Georgian pavements and parks outside the front door. There's no spa or pool in this boutique hotel, but you're surrounded by every service you could need in the city centre. 5/10 The bill B&B from €346 per night for two. Our rating: 9/10 Room to improve? The pressure in our shower wasn't as strong as we'd have liked. Access for guests with disabilities? Yes, but call to book as some showers have a small step in. Family-friendly? Yes, with cookies, hot milk, and a bedtime story delivered by the Slumber Butler. EV chargers? Yes, and valet parking. The Hotel Examiner was a guest of The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin. Read More Hotel review: This converted farmhouse is perfect for West Cork gallivanting
