As Mijune Pak presciently laid out in her Follow Me Foodie column last week, it’s time to finally learn the difference between High Tea and the one you might be whisking mom off to this weekend.
Atmospheric and upper crust, the appeal of Afternoon Tea extends far beyond Mother’s Day, but it is on precisely this occasion that the matron in your life should indulge in at least one hour of luxury.
This is by no means the complete list of Vancouver tea services, with every grand hotel and dining room offering its own divine version, but a selection of some of our top-tier favourites:
The roof at the Fairmont Hotel – newly re-opened and steeped in tradition – provides an elegant update to their longstanding Mother’s Day tea offering. Sip Fairmont fine tea blends alongside warm butter scones, classic sandwiches, yogurt panna cotta and sweet and savoury delights as you drink in the breathtaking vistas from 111 metres up. A children’s Bubblegum Tea, including child-friendly finger foods is also available. Open daily, reservations are encouraged. Go to Fairmont.com or call 604-662-1900. 900 W. Georgia
If the Fairmont is the queen of tea service, The Urban Tea Merchant is the Princess Kate. The dining room, known for its charming tea-infused cocktails, places variety as well as tradition on a silver platter. From a signature range of savouries such as butter poached lobster to the luxe Champagne and caviar service, the pinky doesn’t lift much higher than this. The adjoining store boasts a selection of over 200 teas and tea gifts, tea equipage, exotic home décor and lifestyle accessories that can add to mom’s tea ritual experience at home as well. Open daily, Mothers Day services will take place May 9, 10 and 11. Reservations required; go to UrbanTea.com or call 604-692-0071 to book. 1070 W. Georgia
Neverland Tea Salon in Kitsilano began offering up cups of whimsy last year. Its tearoom – the passion project of an Oscar-nominee and theatre producer – is filled to capacity with shabby chic furniture, quaintly mismatched tea sets (serving 60 different teas), and gooey baked goods with gluten- and dairy-free options. Even the most jaded of moms will feel a little sprinkle of pixie dust on her spirits. Open daily, Mother’s Day service May 9, 10 and 11; reservations required. NeverlandTea.com or 604-428-3066. 3066 W. Broadway
Another newer addition, Truffles at Vancouver’s picturesque VanDusen Gardens joined the party in 2012, and is one of the most affordable teas for two in the city. In addition to VanDusen’s own private-label black tea, organic honey and daily baking selections, Afternoon Tea comes replete with relaxation, courtesy of the floor to ceiling windows framing Livingstone Lake and the Woodland Garden. First-come, first-served; TrufflesFineFoods.com or 604-505-4961 ext.2. 5251 Oak
The Secret Garden Tea Company awaits the chance to prove the restorative power of cogitations over cups of tea and canapés. Like many of its peers, this tearoom is always booked well in advance, but don’t fret if you missed the Mother’s Day window this year – it’s tea time all the time at The Secret Garden, and the list of leaves to try is long enough to have you coming back for more. SecretGardenTea.com or 604-261-3070.
5559 W. Boulevard
From its 1893 Queen Anne-style doll house heritage home in Yaletown (one of three in the area), Patisserie Fur Elise offers up Afternoon Tea with all the pomp of a regal retreat. Presented by servers in floral fairy tale dresses, select your tea and then nibble on prosciutto and fresh basil sandwiches while neon pink sand runs through the quaint hourglass steeping timers. Things will get girly. PatisserieFurElise.com or 604-684-1025. 847 Hamilton
Full menus can be found online. It is recommended to reserve well in advance.
