A lifelong tea aficionado, I search out afternoon tea venues wherever I go. Sometimes I find a quaint tearoom, sometimes a posh hotel. The Langham Huntington, a grand hotel at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, has been a southern California landmark for more than a hundred years. (Just thinking about it makes me start writing in my formal "magazine" style! Must stop!)
Once on property, it's hard to believe you're so close to the city and just 26 miles from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport). The Lobby Lounge, with panoramic garden views, provides the perfect setting for a traditional British-style afternoon tea on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The extensive tea selection and sophisticated menu rival that of Langham’s flagship hotel in London. (Oops, there I go again! Just can't be "blog casual" about this place!) The savories and sweets are miniature works of art, too pretty to eat but too delicious not to! For reservations, call 626-585-6218 (1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena).
For tea at home, see: How to Make a Proper Cup of Tea and Tea and Scones. Also, my guest post at Anglotopia, The Ultimate Anglophile's Complete Guide to Afternoon Tea.
Did I just get a private lesson on how to make tea? I think so. Using our chipped pot, I made Jean some Typhoo tea this morning to go along with the apple pie she brought over for a sample photo shoot. Mmmm, breakfast with apple pie. The tea pot required 3 bags (I previously used 2) and it made such a difference. Don't add too much milk, it weakens the tea flavor too much.
ReplyDeleteIf Pasadena is too far, try the Tudor House in Santa Monica http://www.thetudorhouse.com/. We had a traditional English breakfast and it was delicious. Did I say homemade bread? Yes. A menu of teas? Yes. Homemade jam? Yes. A warm pleasant atmosphere with shopping right next door? You won't leave without buying your favorite British goodies.
Thanks for treat Jean, it was all delicious.
Jean,
ReplyDeleteYour apple pie was absolute heaven this afternoon with a cup of English tea. Thanks for sharing!
Monika
Thank you, James, for trading photography tips for tea tips. Both will serve us well for the rest of our days! Not making the tea strong enough is a common mistake. Depth of flavor is just as important as depth of field (See, I'm already talking like a photographer after just one lesson!).
ReplyDeleteMonika, I'm so glad you liked the apple pie. I'll have to post it on the blog soon. I've been making it since I was a teenager. Both my grandmothers made it. The English one served tea with hers; and the Southern one, coffee.
ReplyDeleteI'm just beginning my adventures in tea. I tend to lean towards the Asian variety versus English style, but I do enjoy the experience. There are a couple tea rooms here in central KY that I've been interested in trying out.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, Always glad to hear of another budding tea aficionado. I'm warning you, going out for afternoon tea can be addictive! Please let me know how you like it.
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