Celia M. ~ Living My High Heeled Life: afternoon tea

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Afternoon Tea at The King Edward - Toronto

When my friend Sophia, who often steeps an afternoon cup of tea for me - during my writing break in the day, was about to celebrate her birthday recently; her daughter (Jennifer) and I along with her darling granddaughter (Miss A.) decided an afternoon tea would be the perfect outing, since we all enjoy an afternoon cup of tea. We choose The King Edward, as it had been a place the ladies wanted to try and I had not taken afternoon tea there for many years. - so it would be a new experience for us all.

Once seated we were presented with two beautiful chests of tea, each containing a wonderful selection of teas. Sloane teas is based in Toronto and Tealeaves is based in Vancouver.

I choose a Sloane tea : Bergamont Rose blended black tea...

Ceylon and Assam black tea perfumed with Italian bergamot, finished with fine French lavender and Jaipur roses, creating a citrus and floral finish. Lovelies this tea was everything that I imagined as I read the description!!

Cheering the birthday gal ... with tea of course!

To accompany our tea - we all choose the Duchess of Bedford, which made our taste buds dance with excitement... as we read the selection of delicate pastries: Blood Orange Posset with Cranberry Oat Biscotti Chocolate Mint Macaron Vanilla Bean & Berry Cream Tartlet Layered Chocolate Chestnut Slice and scones: Currant & Cinnamon Scone Classic Cream Scone Served with Devonshire Cream, House Made Ontario Strawberry Jam and Apple Brandy Butter.

The birthday gal was given her own sweets tier - with a special little touch...

You didn't think we forgot the bubbly - now did you?

We had a wonderful experience celebrating Sophia's birthday! Miss A. was particularly fond of the scones; I know Jennifer is planning to return again soon and I will be bringing a special young lady who recently turned double digits - to experience her first afternoon tea - in the next few weeks.

While we opted for Duchess of Earl which includes pastries and scones ... the Earl of Sandwich offers savoury finger sandwiches and scones; and the Traditional Experience offers pastries, savoury finger sandwiches and scones. And of course a glass of bubbly can be added to any of the Afternoon Tea options ... we treated ourselves to a glass of Glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial; but you can also opt for a glass of sparkling or sherry.

I was impressed by the service and options of afternoon tea experiences - for full afternoon tea description of options click here . Reservations are suggested.

The King Edward is located at 37 King Street East and is easily accessible by TTC.

You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,

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Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Christmas Tea at the Park Hyatt Toronto ...

I have enjoyed some wonderful experiences (the spa) at The Park Hyatt Toronto and shared some of these experiences in past posts: Girls Just Gotta Relax ; the amazing view from the roof lounge - I shared here Summer in the City and the amazing winterlicious dinner I had in the Annona restaurant shared here Two Weeks of Highlights in pictures. Most recently I learned they also offer afternoon tea on weekends - and until December 23, 2016 - they are serving a Festive Tea. So, as a birthday treat to myself I quickly made a reservation.

Of course no birthday celebration is complete without a glass of bubbly ...

Champagne tea - please ...

and what a delight that it was my fav - Veuve Clicquot !!

For my teacup loving readers ...

I remembered to capture the manufacturer of this darling and joyous teacup. The colours were perfect! The butterfly and humming birds drifted my thoughts from the gloomy, over cast slushy winter day outside - to memories of the warm summer in the garden.

Cheers ...

The tea sandwiches were a symphony of flavours ... and each bite was perfection! Christmas Tree Cucumber, Ham & Havarti on Pumpernickel Turkey & Cranberry Walnut Cream Cheese on Egg Bread; The Crispy Cone of Boursin, Mushroom & Chive and Smoked Salmon, Dillweed & Cream Cheese Crepe Cube were my absolute favs!!

Also served was a Chicken Salad & Pomegranate Bouche with Five Spice Boy - not being fond of chicken salad - I requested it be substituted - which they happily accommodated. I did get to enjoy the bouche with five spice boy - and let me tell you it was flaky and tasty ... I can only imagine the harmony of the egg salad served upon it (unfortunately I'm not an egg salad person - but if you are I'm certain you will be impressed!)

Since I was celebrating my birthday the - Celebration Medley -

by Sloane tea seem most appropriate. A South-African Red Rooibos sings with the natural sweetness of Apple, Orange and Rose, creating the perfect concert of flavours with spice notes. Ladies let me tell you - it was everything and more as described. I know I'll be looking for it on my next tea restocking shopping trip.

When the dessert tower arrived ... I was in heaven!!

Long time readers of HHL already know I have a "bit" of a sweet tooth! and these delights did not disappoint: Currant, Orange & Cream Scones with Classic Clotted Cream & Fruit Preserves; Dark Chocolate Mint Petit Four; Snow Man Sugar Cookie; Cranberry Lemon Checkerboard Tea Cake; Orange Spice Madeleines; Chocolate Candied Ginger Tart; Celebration Tea Macaron.

no words required!

The checkboard tea cake was an explosion of delight in my mouth!

Did I mention how juicy and sweet the strawberries were?

in winter - this was a definite treat!!!

The staff were most welcoming and friendly - and the service was spot on.

Thank you for making my birthday celebration to myself extra special!

Ladies, I know afternoon tea with the girls is fun (it's one of my fav outings with my besties) - but I have to say it's a wonderful experience to be on your own with your thoughts. Lots of reflecting and planning happened during this afternoon tea, on my own. The Festive Tea is on until December 23 - so if you are in the Toronto area - I highly suggest making the time to experience it! - Solo or with the girls and even that special male friend.

Tea is served in the elegantly decorated Annona restaurant within the hotel. For full menu details click here.

The Park Hyatt Toronto is located just off Mink Mile on the outer edge of Yorkville at 4 Avenue Road Toronto, ON, M5R 2E8 tel:: 416- 925- 1234 or visit the website: Parkhyatttoronto.com

SIDE NOTE: While the Festive Tea is only being served until December 23 - I understand regular afternoon tea is served on weekends. I know I'll be enjoying a cup of tea here again!