Waldorf Astoria Beijing, in collaboration with Italian design studio SELETTI, is presenting a galaxy- and Mars-themed afternoon tea through Nov. 22.
The immersive tea experience features 3-D projections at each table setting, centered on space travel and high-tech exploration. The food menu is given a space-age reinterpretation: guests can sample crispy fish-skin “craters” with black garlic purée and caviar; space grain-fed wagyu beef pho spring rolls; crystalline melon with feta and black caviar; and Apollo 16–inspired wagyu katsu sandwiches on milk bread. Desserts continue the cosmic theme with nebula mini doughnuts, meteorite crystal rock lychee mousse, and an R3-D3 Milky Way chocolate cake. The selection draws inspiration from items enjoyed by Apollo 16 astronauts and from techniques of molecular gastronomy.
The 3-D projections respond dynamically to the temperature of the drinks at each place setting. For example, a hot beverage may trigger a Martian landscape, while a chilled drink might display a colder, more distant planet in orbit.
“I am extremely excited about this innovative Into Deep Space 3D Projection Afternoon Tea experience. At the Waldorf, our service goes beyond providing luxury and refinement — we aim to offer guests a memorable experience that appeals to both sight and touch. This time we deliver an interactive 3-D projection experience that is second to none,” said Brian Tong, general manager of Waldorf Astoria Beijing.