This Surreal Salvador Dali Tea Is An Artfully Delicious Experience You Can't Miss

The St. Regis has played host to many notable guests throughout its over hundred years of operating. But even among such infamous names as Marilyn Monroe and John Lennon, one stands uniquely apart.

Surrealist artist Salvador Dali was a prominent resident of the St. Regis for many winters starting in the late 1930s, living there comfortably with his wife Gala and their pet ocelot Babou. In case living in a luxury hotel with a pet far better suited for a zoo wasn't enough to get him noticed, Dali proved a constant source of social energy for the iconic address, entertaining guests and patrons, and hosting his fair share of extravagant parties with art world contemporaries such as Andy Warhol, whom he would often meet in the lobby's King Cole Bar.

As a fitting tribute to their eccentric former guest, the hotel will be offering up a surrealist inspired Dali tea service each afternoon in their Astor Court dining area. Inspired by his most famous paintings and Spanish heritage, the Dali Tea features an abstract menu of delectable canapés such as a Lobster and Mango Salad (inspired by his “Lobster Telephone”), a Smoked Salmon Mousse served in a tomato flavored ice cream cone (in tribute to his sculpture "Ice Cream Van"), and Dulce de Leche Cupcake (paying homage to the warm colors of Babou the ocelot's coat).

Presented on a ceramic paint palette, the pièce de résistance of the spread is definitely the completely edible chocolate replica of Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory,” which even comes complete with an easel and a milk-chocolate paint brush.

For those looking to further heighten their historic experience, upgrade to the Historic Dali Tea and you'll see yourself going home with an artifact of your choice from the hotel's glamorous past. Antique room keys, fancy door knobs, china and more!

[Photos courtesy the St. Regis]