Pretty, Petite Plates

A glimpse at some of the Afternoon Tea’s sweet items. Photo courtesy MW Restaurant

Collaboration is key when it comes to setting and raising the culinary bar, and MW Restaurant continues to read the tea leaves and create memorable themed-dining experiences in collaboration with skilled industry partners to the delight of local diners.

Offered every fourth Sunday of each month at $59 per person, Afternoon Tea at MW Restaurant is quickly becoming a hit with local patrons.

Small plates allow guests to try a little bit of everything with their tea. Photo courtesy MW Restaurant

“Each Afternoon Tea menu comes with seven savory and seven sweet items along with a scone and curd,” says MW Restaurant chef/owner Michelle Karr-Ueoka. “You can add on supplemental items that change every month along with the menu. Every month, the menu is different, and we try to feature what is in season for the month or items that our staff comes up with. It is all about collaboration. For instance, the Makaha Mango Shave Ice ($14 supplement) is on the menu this month during mango season.”

Choose from a variety of teas and small plates during MW Restaurant’s Afternoon Tea ($59). Photo courtesy MW Restaurant

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To add an artistic touch to the experience, all tea pots and tea come from Byron and Satomi Goo of Tea Chest Hawaii. June’s tea options were: Sencha, which is a traditional Japanese green tea that pays homage to MW’s Japanese heritage; Hawaiian Wellness Tea featuring a caffeine-free blend of mamaki and lemongrass; MW Coconut Chai made exclusively for MW Restaurant as a traditional chai recipe is upgraded with a tropical twist; Maui Earl Grey, a classic black tea with bergamot and a flair of locally grown lavender; Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearl with an alluring scent of pikake; Mango Peach Iced Tea, which is a hearty black tea; and MMP, Matcha Moringa Pineapple Iced Tea.

Choose from a variety of teas and small plates during MW Restaurant’s Afternoon Tea ($59). Photo courtesy MW Restaurant

Visit the website or call for July’s tea offerings and other specials.

“About the second year that MW was open, people were asking us for special events themed around afternoon tea,” Karr-Ueoka says. “We wanted to be a little different and make it a learning and creative experience for our staff as well. We try to be different from other afternoon teas by featuring a variety of petite dishes that people can enjoy. It is served family style and individually for both the sweet and savory courses.”

Uni and Crab Pasta ($30 supplement). Photo courtesy MW Restaurant

For an additional cost, guests can enjoy supplemental items like “Bottoms Up” Mimosas ($29) with a choice of orange, pineapple, POG or calamansi juice. Guests may also indulge in mixologist Jen Tran’s specialty cocktails and select wines by the glass.

Try one of mixologist Jen Tran’s specialty cocktails. Photo courtesy MW Restaurant

Makaha Mango Shave Ice ($14 supplement). Photo courtesy MW Restaurant

Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka of MW Restaurant showcase some of the Afternoon Tea sweet treats. Photo courtesy MW Restaurant