Afternoon Tea at Park 75 is a 'must do' (gluten free) treat in Atlanta

Photo copyright Tiffany Janes

Over the last two years, I've enjoyed gluten free Afternoon Tea service at Park 75 (inside the Four Seasons Hotel) several times. Each visit has been better than the last but there is still a little work to do, to make it as good as the gluten service.

First on the menu are house made gluten free scones with all the trimmings. The Devonshire cream and lemon curd are both phenomenal but the amazing scones are the best I've ever had, including all gluten versions.

On my last visit the sandwiches included egg salad, cucumber watercress, smoked salmon with caviar and chicken salad. The fillings of each offering were wonderful. However, the bread could use some improvement. It was better than any bread I've had there previously (except the gluten free corn muffins) but it still has the texture of an uninspired gluten free bread.

Unless someone in the Park 75 kitchen is going to study the art of gluten free bread baking, they might consider ordering some Tracey's Treats Outstanding Oat bread mix and calling it a day. It's soft, light and tastes like very good bread. Another option is Gluten Free Naturals bread mix, which is available at Return to Eden. There is no odd taste or texture to either bread and even glutenoids would not know the difference between it and a gluten bread. They are both that good. 

Last up on the tea menu is the dessert course. It's my least favorite part as I'm not really that much of a dessert person but the offerings are quite decadent and delicious. At times I've had sour cream cheese cake with pecan crust, chocolate covered strawberries and blueberry meringue.  

Park 75 requests a two day notice if possible for gluten free service. They host bridal and wedding showers and can serve the gluten free patrons along with gluten guests at each event, while taking precautions regarding cross contamination. As hotels in the area go, the Park 75 staff is about the best trained in safe gluten free service.

If tea service is not your thing, check out Chef Robert's lobster and white bean chili with gluten free corn muffins. If I lived closer to town and my budget would allow it, I'd be there every week for lunch. The incredible chili (think bisque) is addictive to say the least and the mini corn muffins remind me of the gluten version I grew up enjoying.