"Tea with San Francisco's Grand Dame"


      The grand dame of San Francisco, The Fairmont Hotel, sits stately on her throne high atop Nob Hill. Visitors flock from around the world to experience her grace and elegance. Fully restored to its original grandeur, The Fairmont San Francisco wraps its guests in a magnificent pelisse of history and charm that satisfies all the senses. 
      Once inside, the ethereal strains of a golden harp entice you to delight in Afternoon Tea in The Laurel Court. One feels transported back in time to a more elegant era when ladies donned floor-length dresses topped with wide-brimmed hats trimmed in fluffy plumes and gathered with friends for tea, treats and amusing conversation. The Fairmont San Francisco’s reputation for impeccable service always promises a truly memorable experience. 
      Crowned by three ornate domes, the restaurant is surrounded by marble pillars, some of which are from the hotel’s original structure. Guests are seated at tables dressed with flower-trimmed Villeroy and Boch china and gleaming silver teapots and tiers overflowing with sweet and savory treats. 
      When seated comfortably, you will find that you have three choices for Afternoon Tea. The Traditional Nob Hill Tea is a delectable sampler of tea sandwiches, scones with English Devonshire cream and lemon curd, assorted pastries, tea and a glass of Gloria Ferrer Sparkling Wine or cider. The Nob Hill Decadence adds a special plate of California cheeses. And the Grand Tea includes full caviar service and a bowl of berries with crème fraiche.
      The tea itself is crafted exclusively for The Fairmont Hotels by the Metropolitan Tea Company in Toronto, Canada. Favorites at The Fairmont San Francisco include Vanilla Orchid, Fairmont Breakfast, Kea Lani Orange Pineapple and Jasmine Butterfly. And in 2007, the Hotel’s 100th Anniversary, a special Centennial Tea is being introduced. It is a bold cup of flavor with a smooth finish that is sure to please guests. 
      Baked fresh 20 minutes before tea service, The Fairmont’s raisin-studded scones are ranked among the best for flavor and texture. You simply cannot stop at just one! 
      Along with these delicate scones, flavorful tea sandwiches and decadent pastries continue the journey through your senses, accompanied by tea poured through silver strainers tantalizing even the most discerning guests. The Hotel’s Executive Pastry Chef, Christopher Jordan, has honored us with the recipe for one of his sweet treats, Honey Lavender Biscotti (shown below). We thank him for sharing a prized recipe and look forward to baking the treats for ourselves. 
      Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont San Francisco is a special gift you should give to yourself. It will linger in your memories for a lifetime. 

      A debt of gratitude goes to Margarita Olivero, Assistant Manager, The Laurel Court Restaurant, for her generous assistance with the preparation of this newsletter.


Source: www.fairmont.com
Photos: © Fairmont Hotels


                   The Fairmont San Francisco’s 
                          Honey Lavender Biscotti