I absolutely love afternoon tea, especially when my friends or family members are a part of the experience.
Some years ago, my husband and I traveled to Victoria, British Columbia, where we enjoyed a civilized afternoon tea at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. My sister, Sue, and her husband joined us at this famous hotel which has served a traditional British-style afternoon tea since 1908.
The set-price menu included our choice of several tea flavors and of course, the traditional three-tiered stand with a selection of delicious savory and sweet snacks. We especially loved the wonderful scones served with traditional clotted cream and jam.
We sat across from each other on comfortable couches and listened to the soft piano music in the background while a tea sommelier in an impeccable black suit served our tea and delicacies. For an additional charge, we added a lovely glass of champagne at the end of our tea!
After the tea, we shopped at the hotel gift shop, and I brought home a black shirt with a sparkly blue, silver and rose teacup on the front. Every time I wear that shirt, I remember how much I enjoyed that special day with some of my favorite people.
Never too early to learn about tea
In San Diego, my daughter-in-law, Amy, and I have enjoyed afternoon tea several times at the Julian Tea and Cottage Arts. In 2003, this delightful restaurant and store was miraculously spared from harm when a massive wildfire destroyed more than 270,000 acres very close to the historic mining town of Julian.
The Julian tea room sells beautiful teapots and cups as well as a large selection of teas. Since lilacs are my favorite flower, I especially treasure the lilac pattern Staffordshire teapot I purchased on one of my visits there.
Of course, it’s never too early to help the next generation learn about the tradition of fancy afternoon tea. On another San Diego trip, several friends and I visited the Coral Tree Tea House at Old Town’s historic Victorian Heritage Park.
Jane, my 12-year old granddaughter, joined us for a classic English-style tea with sandwiches, apple Waldorf salad, and the chef’s dessert. She loved it and told me she wants to enjoy afternoon tea a lot in the years ahead.
