Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Let’s face it, if your Mom is anything like mine she probably already has everything (meaning she is impossible to shop for). She doesn’t want or need more clutter, but you want to show your appreciation. Lately, I have been focusing on giving experiences and among my family and friends, it has been a huge success.
Your Mom deserves to be pampered. She deserves to feel pretty. She deserves to be happy. High Tea is an experiential gift that says it all. It gives your Mom the opportunity to get dressed up and be waited on like a princess. You have the opportunity to spend quality time with the woman who has devoted her life to you, while sharing delicious food and relaxing with tea. Throughout cultures, eating together is a highly valued tradition. Sharing a meal nourishes your body, but when in good company, it also nourishes your soul. Yes, you could take your Mother out for a fancy lunch or dinner and capture these same benefits. However, high tea is something special and unique. It is an afternoon she will cherish and your siblings will be jealous that you have “won” Mother’s Day.
This spring I have had the pleasure of trying different High Tea offerings throughout Vancouver. Here is a guide to help you decide where to take your Mom!
Honey Salt
Located in the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, the atmosphere in Honey Salt is fresh and bright. The white interior is perfect for snapping a quick Instagram pic. It was definitely the most modern feeling high tea I have attended. Instead of the traditional china teacups, our tea was served in gorgeous pottery.
The set afternoon tea menu is lavish, the food is absolutely delicious and the service is exceptional. There are two options, $43/person or an extended menu for $53/person. My friend Hailey and I came here together. We both ordered the smaller portion and were completely stuffed, we even had leftovers (score!). A unique offering of the Honey Salt afternoon tea is the inclusion of a crepe. You can watch as the crepes are made by chefs right in front of you.
I ordered the strawberry crepe which also included lemon whipped ricotta. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
During our visit, we had the opportunity to talk to Elizabeth Blau of Blau + Associates (who opperate Honey Salt).
She explained how her vision of Honey Salt had been inspired by dinner parties and social gatherings with friends.She wanted to create a place for people to come together and she definitely succeeded.
If you have not already, I would highly recommend attending Honey Salt’s afternoon tea. It is a modern take on a classic tradition. Great food, great service, a great overall experience.
Secret Garden Tea Company:
If you are looking for a cozy, traditional high tea experience, look no further than the Secret Garden Tea Company.
This family oriented tea house creates its’ own tea using ingredients from estates throughout the world. Tea leaves can also be purchased for home use.
Inspired by their own Grandmothers, owners Kathy and Erin Wyder have reflected their values throughout the establishment. I definitely felt at home in this warm and welcoming restaurant.
The Secret Garden Tea Company offers an affordable menu at $33/person.
The food was very yummy and the tea was certainly soothing. Everything was very cute, from the teapot cozies to the painted china cups to the delicious, delicate desserts. I’m getting hungry just writing this!
Patisserie Fur Elise:
Nestled beneath a grove of cherry blossom trees, a row of house-like buildings stand out amongst the sea of high rises in Yaletown.
Walking into Patisserie Fur Elise is like stepping into a full sized doll house.
From the selection of multi-coloured macarons to the pretty pink décor and matching tea pots, everything is adorable. The little girl in me was seriously excited.
The first floor of the “house” offers pastries that can be purchased to-go
and the second floor is where the magic happens (aka high tea).
The high tea is priced at $30/person. The food was good with a variety of sweet and savoury offerings.
Fairmont: Notch 8
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Notch 8 restaurant offers a very traditional afternoon tea with a very with a thematic twist. Located in Notch 8’s basement, it is a little dark, but the themes are expertly executed. From wall décor, to the names and appearances of the food, everything matches the theme.
Currently, the theme is “The Great British Tea Party” but when I attended in March it was 1920’s Hollywood themed. Our afternoon tea experience was very glamorous and fun.
Trying all the different themes is a perfect excuse to keep coming back!
Occasionally, the Fairmont hold’s high tea on their top floor overlooking the city. Though there is no theme, the view is exquisite and it is a very sophisticated atmosphere.
The food was extremely delicious and the service was hard to beat at both locations within the Hotel Vancouver.
It is a higher end option at $65/person, but overall a very lovely experience.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing Mothers out there!! ❤
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