Kirsten decided, after a stressful week, that the one thing that would help her to relax would be to take me to high tea. And who am I to turn down someone in need?
I have never been to high tea. And I was a little nervous that I would break all of the rules and embarrass myself in one way or another. Or not look fancy enough. Or use the wrong spoon. But, the other patrons enjoying high tea were other women around our ages who were probably also wondering about the spoons. Our waiter dropped the menu on the floor and tripped over some of his words. And then I knew I'd be fine.
The tea room Kirsten took me to was an inconspicuous brownstone with a small tea cup sign next to the door that I would have not been able to find if Kirsten were not with me. We waited with a few other women in a fancy room with antique furniture, a beautiful fireplace and votive candles flickering everywhere. This was the selection of teas they had displayed.
There were five courses served during high tea.
1. asparagus mini quiche
2. a selection of finger sandwiches (pictured below)
3. scones with cream and jam
4. cake
5. cookies and chocolate dipped strawberries
And, of course, there was tea. I ordered Cardamon Chai and Kirsten ordered a Chamomile Lavender Herbal blend. We both drank about two pots of tea during our hour and half of nibbling treats and sweets.
I loved going to high tea. It was just lovely and sweet. Kirsten, thank you! And the next time you have a rough week, you can count on me to help you out. ;)
11 comments:
SO fun! high tea is one of my most favorite things ever :-)
What a nice treat for both of you! This reminds me of that place on the North Shore- I took Jennye Williams there for tea once.
I wish I could go to high tea w/ you guys!
Fancy indeed! What fun!
And I can bet that, with your iron bladder, you didn't even need to use the restroom until you got home. ;)
I take it this means that Tess and Isaac's coughs are getting better?! I really hope so!
It was fun, and fancy! And it's true, Mama V, she didn't use the restroom. I don't know how she did it! :)
Tess was feeling better, her fever was gone by Friday, though last night she woke up with congestion so we may not be 100% just yet.
What fun!! I've never been for high tea either, perhaps it's something I will have to look into :)
Rhona, I thought you lived in England! I just I thought if you were English you had to be well versed in high tea!
Deb14, high tea?
You are now officially an honorary Brit, Robyn!
We welcome you into our quaint English ways. There's something very special about 'proper' tea time isn't there. Every thing is just so nice and there's nothing quite so ladylike as pouring proper tea from a proper tea pot with a pretty floral design into a proper china cup!
I'm guessing years ago it was a daily occurance but nowadays it really is kept for special occasions. I am sitting here drinking tea bag tea out of a pottery mug, it just isn't the same!
I love high tea too! I feel like a proper lady when I eat a tiny sandwich and hold a beautiful floral cup...really lovely way to spend a couple hours.
"I have never been to high tea."
Really!? Because I could have sworn...
I thought that in 1996, we once trekked out to Concord particulalry for this reason. I remember that I looked forward to high tea there all semester, and I have pictures of us in dresses standing out front.
But maybe not. Maybe it didn't work out for some reason. Sometimes, it doesn't....
Nevertheless, I am completely dumbfounded by the idea that we have never had high tea together. It's one of my most cherished things to do with friends and we've never been?! Lady Mendl's is one of my favorite, favorite places, too. Dang it!
It comforts me to think that, since I introduced Kirsten to Lady Mendl's, I must have ever-so-faintly been there in spirit to join you two, even if none of us was aware of it. ;)
Technically, by the way, it's really "afternoon tea." But since most people don't know that, "high tea" (which is is technically an informal dinner) just sounds nicer.
I've always believed that afternoon tea is just a cup of tea and a selection of sweet things, but high tea will include something savoury as well!
Us Brits are just so damn confusing!
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