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Another special day! I made it to my favorite breakfast place just before it started to pour. While I was dining (and wanting to lick my plate) my friend messaged me. We originally were going to spend the afternoon having drinks atop a hotel roof overlooking the harbor. But with the rain and the severe weather forecast, she suggested changing our plan. I agreed.
At 2pm we met at TST and walked over to The Peninsula Hotel. Everyday from 2-6pm they serve proper afternoon tea. I've been wanting to do this for years, but due to the cost and my friends' work schedules never quite got to it. We waited in line for about two hours for a table and were seated just after 4pm. Two hours is a lot of time for anticipation to grow! But the time had flown since there was a live quartet and other people in line were equally excited.
When we walked across the lobby to our table, I felt like a movie star. We were seated and then the menus were brought to us. Standard afternoon tea for two comes with a three-tier tray of cookies, cakes, and sandwiches, and, of course,
Waiting in line
There was live music! a choice of tea. I opted to try the Peninsula afternoon tea blend (really, is there any other choice?) while my friend decided to spend a little more and get the signature hot chocolate.
Her hot chocolate arrived first and I watched while our server mixed it at the table. She let me taste it and it was divine. My tea arrived shortly and they laid out all the little pitchers and utensils I'd need. There was my cup and saucer, a spoon, the tea, a tea strainer to go over the cup, a bowl for the strainer to rest on, and extra hot water.
Our tower of treats arrived and we investigated it thoroughly--even asking about what was in the sandwiches--before starting. My friend said we're supposed to start with the bottom plate of scones, served with fresh strawberry jam and clotted cream. The next plate held various finger sandwiches; we split them, with me taking the ones with seafood and vegetables and my friend savoring the beef and pork ones. Lastly, was a plate of mini pastries, some of the best I've ever had. Each one was better than the last. My favorite--the raspberry mousse and
chocolate--was so good all I could do was gesture fanatically about it. Our server thought I needed something and came over... I'm not sure who was more embarrassed.
Just when we thought we could eat no more, they came out with an extra treat of whipped cream and fresh raspberry sauce. By this time I was on my third pot of tea. I have no idea where I put it all. My friend couldn't even finish her rich hot chocolate.
We sat back, patting our bellies, unable to move. It hadn't looked like much food, but it was. The whole tea had taken us two hours to enjoy. It was an amazing experience and worth every penny I spent.
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Dad and Mom
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Sounds fabulous!!
This all sounds fabulous. My mouth is watering and I just finished dinner. Reminds us of when we were at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC and walked across the lobby from the library to the dining room for one very elegant dinner. Experience of a lifetime!