DEQ Terrace and Lounge
Ritz CarltonAfternoon Tea from 2-4pm on Sat and Sun181 Wellington St WToronto, ON, M5V 3G7(416) 585-2500
"The tradition of Afternoon Tea - a midday refreshment, complete with small cakes, assorted sweets, bread and butter sandwiches, and fine tea - remains relatively unchanged since its origin in the 19th century. Some credit the Duchess of Bedford (1783-1857), a lady in waiting of Queen Victoria, as the one who introduced the ritual of Afternoon Tea to London, by inviting friends to join her for “tea and a walking in the fields”. This delightfully social and gourmand pastime sparked a trend that has continued to this day."
As a special treat for my belated birthday celebrations, Melissa treated me to an afternoon of high tea at the Ritz Carlton. I must say I felt the most prestigious and luxurious, as I sat with my own pot of tea, snacking on the most delicious finger sandwiches and sweets. We chose the Ritz-Carlton, not only for its good reviews but for the exquisite tea selection from Sloane Fine Tea Merchants. We enjoyed the "Blush Tea" package for $58", which included: an assortment of savory and sweet delights, a selection of fine tea and a glass of Henry of Pelham, "Cuvee Catherine".
When it came down to picking out which tea we each wanted to try, our server did an excellent job describing them to us, as well as the history behind the teas. The Sloane Tea box was just about the prettiest wooden box, I have ever seen. With a slight glow around it, it showcased each and every individual tea that they offered.
