NOTE: This story was updated on Sunday, Nov. 25, to add photos and comments from the Saturday tea service.
UPDATE FROM PATCH BLOGGER LISA GROTTS:
"Afternoon Tea in the lounge of Hotel Healdsburg was charming," said Grotts, who wrote a blog post on the history of tea service.
'"It's the most charming tea in Heavens burg with the wine country twist,"' patron Boris Landau said.
"In place of strawberry jam with scones, there was Pinot jelly. Lemon curd added a new twist to traditional clotted cream," Grotts said.
Tea will be served in the hotel lounge the month of December from 2 to 5 p.m. Reservations recommended.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Saturday shoppers in Healdsburg who want to take a break now have a new option.
Starting this Saturday, Nov. 24, and every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas, Hotel Healdsburg will offer a Holiday Afternoon Tea Service, including a special offering for children.
From 2 to 4 p.m., guests can take a respite from enjoying the town of Healdsburg’s festive shopping experience, and convene in the lobby of the hotel for a tea break.
During the tea service, the hotel will have live piano music in the lobby.
[Click here to read about the etiquette and history of "Afternoon Tea" from Healdsburg Patch blogger Lisa Grotts.]
Here are the details:
Tea Service: Featuring Tea Domain (Acclaimed Chef Charlie Palmer’s new custom tea blends) with a choice of six loose leaf teas brewed to order: Chinese green, Earl Grey, English breakfast, pom goji berry green tea, chai spiced black tea, and citrus rooibos tea
Menu Items: The menu will consist of a variety of traditional tea accompaniments with special wine country twists such as red grape 'tartare' black pepper soubise on the savory side and cream scones with red grape and lavender scones on the sweet side.
Other menu offerings will include smoke salmon on brioche, lemon cucumber with dill and cream cheese sandwich, open faced prosciutto and brie sandwich, truffled heritage farm “mini” egg salad sandwich and desserts including tea biscuits, almond cookies, Hector's honey shortbread, cinnamon Madeleine, brown butter hazelnut financier and Russian tea cake
For Children: Holiday Tea at Hotel Healdsburg is a family affair and children will be able to enjoy special offerings as well! During the Holiday Tea Service, children will receive an individual child’s plate, hot chocolate with marshmallows and apple cider.
And for a special treat, girls will get hand fans and white gloves and boys will receive fake mustaches and little top hats.
Pricing: $28 tea service and food$37 tea service, food and Holiday wine selections$14 (children) food and choice of tea, cider or hot chocolate
Hotel Healdsburg can be reached by phone at (707) 431-2800 or toll free at (800) 889-7188. Hotel Healdsburg can be visited on the Web atwww.hotelhealdsburg.com.
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