Afternoon tea is an evocative pleasure. The plush chairs, delicate teacups, the scent of freshly baked scones wafting through the air, the dainty pastries and finger sandwiches — all its elements combine in a charming ritual refreshment, a throwback to a time when life moved a little slower.

At Lusso, a tiny jewel-box-like Italian restaurant in Makati, the afternoon tea service also brings a delicious dose of nostalgia.

“I’ve always wanted to serve a proper afternoon tea at Lusso,” reveals Margarita Forés, chef and owner. “Afternoon tea conjures memories of my mother and I sitting in the lobby of The Peninsula in Hong Kong, leisurely sipping tea and eating perfectly sliced sandwiches and bite-sized cakes and pastries while enjoying the sights and sounds of the bustling lobby.”

This core memory inspired Forés to create a classic afternoon tea menu that begins with freshly-baked scones with a lightly crisp exterior and tender, buttery interior, served with proper clotted cream, strawberry jam and unsalted French butter.

On the second tier, a selection of lusciously savory finger sandwiches: cucumber and goat cheese, egg salad, deviled egg with watercress, and a PLT or Prosciutto-lettuce-tomato, a delightful play on the usual BLT.

Dessert is an sweet selection of cakes and petit fours, including strawberry prosecco tiramisu, mocha sans rival, Pecorino cheesecake with fresh strawberries, and fruit tarts dotted with whipped cream.

Enjoy all these with a selection of teas, from the classic English Earl Grey to herbal blends. Or do as we did and upgrade for champagne.

“I created Lusso as a jewel box fashioned by my childhood memories,” says Forés. The afternoon tea experience certainly reflects this ethos—it’s the most delicious, luxurious way to spend an

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Available from Mondays to Fridays, 2 pm to 5 pm at Lusso Greenbelt 5 and Lusso Balmori Suites.