"Tea on a Lark Bunting"

      At the time, it seemed a whimsical coincidence that Colorado’s state bird was the Lark Bunting, for it was on a lark that these lovely ladies of the Victorian era decided to take tea at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel.
     Opening its doors in 1892, The Brown Palace Hotel was built by real-estate entrepreneur, Henry Cordes Brown. He made a name for himself by donating land for Colorado’s State Capitol building. After making a fortune selling off the rest of his land on Capitol Hill, he spared no expense building his "Palace Hotel."
     Designed by architect Frank Edbrooke, the Hotel was constructed from Colorado red granite and Arizona sandstone. For the finishing touch, artist James Whitehouse created 26 medallions carved in stone, each depicting a native Rocky Mountain animal. The Hotel’s "silent guests" can still be seen on the seventh floor of the Hotel’s exterior. 
     As you enter the Brown Palace, your gaze is immediately drawn upward, where you behold eight floors surrounded by cast iron railings featuring ornate grillwork panels. You can feel the century old charm wrap its historical arms around you. The atrium lobby, fashioned from imported Mexican onyx, is warmed by the sun radiating through the lobby’s skylights, and a sense of serenity washes over you. Then, the ethereal sounds of a harp’s strings entice you to sit down and relax while servers schooled in the fine art of English tea service treat you to a very special Afternoon Tea.
     Served on specially commissioned Royal Doulton bone china and engraved silver tea pots, Afternoon Tea is an event in itself at the Brown Palace Hotel. Guests are offered a wide variety of teas including organic, green and herbal selections along with the Brown Palace’s Crown Jewel, a special blend of Assam and Ceylon teas. You can indulge in freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream shipped directly from England, as well as savory tea sandwiches and a delightful array of classic tea pastries. For the truly indulgent, a Chocolate Decadence Tea is also offered, in addition to specialty champagne drinks.
     Executive Pastry Chef James Gallo and his staff are responsible for the gastronomic entertainment. He began his pastry career in 1991 after graduating from the Academy of Culinary Arts. During his career, he has been chosen as one of five finalists to compete in the 2008 World Chocolate Masters, United States Selection, and is a two-time national finalist for the U.S. Pastry Competition. 
     Chef Gallo bakes many of the Afternoon Tea treats in a unique carousel oven that is over 50 years old. The oven is one of only three in the world known to be in existence, and it is still in use every day. The Chef has graciously offered us the recipe for two favored Afternoon Tea treats that he prepares for guests -- Brown Palace Scones and the Hotel’s famous Macaroons.
     Many renowned guests have enjoyed tea at the Brown Palace. Every U.S. president has visited since Teddy Roosevelt in 1905, with the exception of Calvin Coolidge. The Hotel was also used as campaign headquarters for Dwight Eisenhower. Even the Beatles have stayed there.
     A remarkable hotel in its day, Denver’s Brown Palace remains a beacon of elegance and refinement to seasoned travelers and local natives alike. It is a must-visit when traveling to the Mile High City.

     Our sincere appreciation goes to Shannon Dexheimer-Hulsey, Public Relations Manager, for her generous assistance with the preparation of this article.