Two for TeaBy Madelyn MillerIn 1662, King Charles II of England married the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza who brought with her, as part of her dowry, a small chest of tea. As the new queen, Catherine began the serving of tea to her friends at court. Although there is mention of "five o'clock tea" in France in the 17th century the credit for the invention of "Afternoon Tea" is given to Anna 7th duchess of Bedford who, during the long gap between an early breakfast and very late dinner, experienced what she called "a sinking feeling" at about 4 or 5 in the afternoon. She asked her maid to bring her a pot of tea and a little bread and butter and cake in her room. She found this arrangement so agreeable that she began asking her friends to join her. When I was in high school, I was an exchange student to London. We had a “proper” English tea every day when I came home from school. So whenever I hear of a hotel or restaurant that offers a “high tea” I am eager to relive this favorite experience. HIGH TEA OR LOW TEA?High Tea, a term often confused with Afternoon Tea, usually takes the place of supper, and is a hearty sit-down meal that includes meat and more substantial fare than its daintier cousin. Afternoon Tea, or "Low Tea," (called this because it is served at a low table), traditionally includes small dainty cakes and sandwiches served on china and fine linens, and it is the men who are responsible for passing the plates and tea around to the women of the group.On a recent trip to Salt Lake City, I tasted tea two ways. THE GRAND AMERICA HOTELThe Grand America Hotel offered the traditional High Tea is a traditional sitting room. You first choose your tea ( I tried the Acai berry recommended by the chef, my companion went for a green tea). First you are served a choice of five tea sandwiches. My favorite was the salmon but I would be happy to try them all again. The next course was a perfect scone with authentic lemon curd, clotted cream and raspberry jam. My taste buds felt like they had returned to London.
Finally, it was time for dessert, the third course in the tea. You could choose a slice of three tempting desserts or sample three mini tarts. Of course I chose the “more tastes” option.
Not only was the food wonderful, but the atmosphere was authentic. A lovely blonde woman played the harp in the background and our friendly waitress was dressed in an dress that seemed to match the décor. When I asked her how she found it, she proudly explained it had been selected by the owner. By this time, I was aware there was no accidental perfection at the Grand America Hotel. Everything was carefully planned and well-thought out.
Grand America Hotel The Beehive Tea Room & Wedding Library
At the other end of spectrum is an informally homey tea room with displays of ancient tea pots and dark lighting that makes this a very date friendly place.
I chose the special of the day, a peach iced tea. It was wonderful and I wished I had time to try some of the others, but this lucky stop was a serendipitous addition to my itinerary by Ken Kraus, who I fondly refer to as Mr. Utah, because he knows so much about the state. We did not have the full high tea or low tea as would more accurately describe the tea at Beehive. Here is a menu to help you make some choices from an almost overwhelming number of choices.
AFTERNOON TEA “LUNCHEON STYLE” Sweet Treats There are so many options at the Beehive that you need an abacus to calculate what your tab will be and will be there quite awhile if you are not a very decisive person.
Somehow, the structure of the High tea at the Grand was preferable to me, but there are times when the Beehive might be a more casual, relaxing choice. A throwback to the '40s, the Beehive is filled with sturdy vintage furniture, comfy wingback chairs and lace curtains that recall grandma's house. You can even purchase the furniture as well as many brands of tea and chocolate.
12 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT MORE DELICIOUS THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SALT LAKE CITYBEST HOTEL SHOPPING SALT LAKE CITYMost Surprising Store Best Vintage Clothing Store Best Vintage Jewelry Store Best Vintage General Store My best Bargain Best Coffee House Best Chocolate Experiences Best weekend market HELPFUL RESOURCE GREAT GUIDEBOOKS VegOut Vegetarian Guide to Denver & Salt Lake City Wild Weekends in Utah Moon Handbooks Utah Hidden Southwest FODOR’S UTAH THE OLD WEST LET’S GO ADVENTURE GUIDE SOUTHWEST USA 2003 Madelyn Miller is a travel writer and web entrepreneur who writes for www.travellady.com, www.chocolateatlas.com www.cocktailatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.carladynews.com And has plans for websites on coffee, cheese and soup among others. |
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