I’m still reveling in wonder and amazement! On the Thursday before Mother’s Day my daughter took me on an urban safari to supposedly visit a downtown historic site.
Imagine my astonishment that after taking the scenic route we ended up at the Ritz Carlton. After parking, she mentioned that my Mother’s Day gift was inside; so we strolled through halls filled with antiques to the Lobby Lounge for a Mother-Daughter Surprise Tea.
Ah…the memories! From elegantly dressed servers to beautiful Wedgewood Oberon pattern teapots and china to the exquisitely and deliciously prepared Afternoon Tea goodies, the experience was the highlight of my week; and I’ll most likely still be on cloud nine for many days to come!
Royal Afternoon Tea
My Mother’s Day surprise included the Royal Tea, which begins with a glass of either sparkling wine or champagne. After the wine, strawberries with Grand Marnier and whipped cream were served. Next, we munched on a selection of savory tea sandwiches and freshly prepared tea pastries (see the menu below) as we reminisced about graduation tea parties and the many tea rooms we have visited over the years.
The Royal Tea was served in the English tradition, with Mighty Leaf loose teas steeped in individual teapots and poured through sterling silver strainers into Wedgewood Oberon bone china teacups. I enjoyed a pot of Orange Jasmine (orange slices, jasmine blossoms and other fruits blended with Ceylon and China black teas) while my daughter sipped African Amber (rooibos blended with hibiscus and exotic African fruits).
Tea Sandwiches
• Smoked Salmon and Egg with Caper Cream Cheese and Cornichon;
• Pita Bread Triangle, Cream Cheese, Cucumbers, Hummus and Asparagus
• Puff Pastry Turnover filled with Artichoke, Sun dried Tomatoes, Feta Cheese and Kalamta Olives
• Thai Curry Chicken Salad on Pumpernickel, paired with Pimento Cheese and Brioche
• Mini Quiche with Mushrooms and HamTea Scones & Pastries
• Warm Blueberry Scones with Double Devon Cream and strawberry preserves
• Berry trifles, fruit tarts, miniature pies assorted cookies and chocolate parfait
A Quiet Tea Spot for Two
We were invited to linger and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere which our server had graciously turned into the perfect quiet tea spot just for the two of us. He must have known that we were a mother and daughter duo enjoying a welcome respite from hectic everyday life.
This was a Mother’s Day gift I will forever cherish with memories of a special time spent with someone I love very dearly. And, to top it all off I was given a tin of the Orange Jasmine loose tea as a souvenir of my visit! Every time I make a cup or pot of this tea, I will remember this special Mother-Daughter Surprise Tea.
