Long time readers of High Heeled Life know that I love a good cup of afternoon tea and Windsor Arms is one of my favourite spots in the city to enjoy a leisure afternoon with my girl friends over a cup of tea anytime of the year! And with the temperatures in Toronto remaining steady below freezing, it was a welcomed invitation to escape to such as fabulous place.
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Image credit - Google and Windsor Arms |
The Windsor Arms is located on a quiet little side street off Mink Mile just south of Bloor street. This neo-gothic building with its brown brick, cast stone trim, and a royal looking crest sets the mood that you are going to be transported from the fast pace of city life/shopping to a magical place back in time, when people actually took time for themselves regularly to re-energize. As you step through the entrance, you find yourself in the most welcoming lobby. Staff greet you with a smile and welcoming hello, your transformation from hectic to calmness begins instantly.
WA offers three spectacular areas to take tea. The French-style lobby tea room brings back memories of some wonderful salons de thé I have experienced during my trips to Paris; the Purple tea room - with its dark egg-plant walls, luxurious velvet seating, art on the walls and the original working fireplace which dates back to 1927 - is where you will find me taking tea on most of my visits; and The Russian Red tea room with its vibrant red walls, gold trim, glamorous chandelier and decor, is the perfect choice for small private gatherings - think girl outings, bridal showers, birthdays, I'm thinking it would be perfect for a Resilientista inspiration gathering.
I invite you to take a little pause in your day and come along on a virtual afternoon tea with my friend J. and I as we settle in the Purple Room to enjoy a hot cup of tea and some sweet and savory treats, on this cold Toronto day.
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With an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas there is something to satisfy everyone.
My friend J.s tea selection: was a Ginger described as:
Imagine the white tea is Fred, paired with Ginger we present a smooth, effortless, elegant cup that is certain to be a classic. Gentle nuttiness with the perfect hint of tea. Ms. J. was delighted with her selection and savoured every sip.
How gorgeous is this setting ...
My tea selection: Chai Arms - a perfect blend of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, pepper and organic black tea. It was exactly what I needed to warm up on this cold afternoon. While this tea is a wonderful complement for milk, I chose to have my as is.
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Potato Blinis with Smoked Salmon, RosettePinwheel Egg Salad,Vegetarian with Sundried Tomato Paste and Dill Cream Cheese,Croque Monsieur
Petits Fours
This is simply DIVINE! - yes my favourite ...
The warm tart is smooth, creamy and delicious just the right amount of
caramelized shallot and goat cheese.
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Preserves and Devon Cream
The scones are light, soft and the perfect vessel for the Devon cream and WA homemade sweet preserves.
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Tea at Windsor Arms has been synonymous with elegant, afternoon indulgence, since 1927. The majestic Purple room with its original fireplace takes my breath away each time I take tea in there.
The crystal chandelier is beautiful and photos do not capture its full brilliance!
Located inside the French-style lobby tea room you will find a hat rack with the most exquisite hats. For a $5 donation (proceeds benefiting Look Good Feel Better, in support of women affected with cancer) you are welcome to borrow a hat to enhance your magical tea experience. And let's be honest lovelies we all have an inner child in us, and what better way to let her play than with a little dress up and tea party.
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I hope you have enjoyed your virtual tea and pause in your day, as much as Ms. J. and I did. This winter get out of the cold, and create memories with friends, family, and colleagues with tea at Windsor Arms.
Disclaimer: this afternoon tea was sponsored by Windsor Arms - all opinions are strictly my own and based on my personal experience.
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Dearest Celia,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tea you had with Miss J. and a pleasure for seeing her back, being it only virtual. She looks so classy, like you do! The ambiance of course is perfect and I too would have loved the Potato Blinis with Smoked Salmon. What a joy to see those European style petit fours... Always loved this edible work of art. A pleasure for the eye and for the taste buds!
This is the best one can do on a winter day...
Hugs,
Mariette
What a lovely afternoon!
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