This Cirque-Inspired Takeout Is the Fanciest Afternoon Tea You’ll Ever Have at Home

Have you ever had a deviled egg inspired by a trapeze artist? I have. And it’s just as cool as it sounds (although with decidedly less airborne activities on my part). By now we all know that Cirque du Soliel is back in Vancouver with their show Alegria. In honour of the current show at the Big Top, Shangri-La Vancouver has a new afternoon tea that is inspired by all things Cirq. Sure, afternoon tea might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to mind-bending acrobatics, but tiny treats with layers of flavour did feel like a spectacle. And if nothing else, Cirque du Soliel is one heck of a show. So, it makes sense after all.

Cirque du Soleil 2021; Photos by Matt Beard; Costumes by Dominique Lemieux

READ MORE: Raw Sex Appeal and 3 More Surprises from Cirque’s Alegria

This afternoon tea goes way beyond your run-of-the-mill clotted cream and scone high tea situation. (Not that there’s anything wrong with run-of-the-mill, but that just wouldn’t be enough for something you pair with a show that casually has performers breathing fire.) The snacky treats are innovative enough to stand up to the incredible acrobatic work that inspired them. Who can say no to a sumac spiced goat cheese fritter? Not me.

 The names of these amuse-bouche sized bites are adorably Cirq-related (think big top profiteroles and a black forest tart with a clown nose cherry topper) and the ingredients are worthy of the splurge (flame grilled rare beef tenderloin roulade anyone?) all with high tea style plating. Yes, I said plating. Your treats come in sleek black boxes, but you receive a cardboard cake stand so that you can design your own spread that, if all goes right, reminds you of the wonders you saw at Alegria.

In attempt to not sound like an out-of-touch millennial, I won’t tell you that this would do wonders for your ‘gram… but, I mean, it really would. And for those that are less photo-inclined, this is an adorable day-date opportunity or best friend brunch.

Cirque du Soleil 2021; Photos by Matt Beard; Costumes by Dominique Lemieux

If eating tiny finger sandwiches and citrus scones isn’t your thing (who are you?) then Shangri-La’s other Cirq inspired collab might be up your alley. As a staycation-meets-Cirq-in-the-city vibe you can book a stay with Shangri-La, and get tickets to Alegria. The promo includes a bunch of extras, like breakfast and a secret VIP entrance to the show.  

Afternoon Tea
Cost: $85 per person
Tickets: Purchase your tea and view the whole menu via their website

The Ultimate Cirque du Soleil Escape
When: March 30 – June 5
Cost: From $900
Tickets: Reserve your stay via their website