"Tea With the Empress of Canada"


      Since 1908, The Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada has spoiled its guests with a decadent interlude of Afternoon Tea. Whether escaping from the cold to daydream by a crackling fire in the Tea Lobby, or relaxing in the comfort of the Library Lounge, or chatting with good friends in the stately Harbourside Room, you are surrounded by a century of history and art. The Tea Lobby itself features two cozy fireplaces, a grand portrait of Queen Mary and a magnificent view of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. 
      Upon arrival, you are seated at tables elaborately set with silver tea services and Royal Doulton china produced exclusively for The Fairmont Empress. The china’s pattern, originally presented to King George V in 1914, was first placed on the tables at the Hotel in 1939 for the Royal visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. 
      As you settle in, solicitous waiters pour the signature Empress Blend tea, created exclusively for the Hotel by the Metropolitan Tea Company. Consisting of various teas and taste profiles with a synergistic relationship, the Empress Blend melds teas from around the globe for a uniquely consistent rich flavor.
      To begin the repast, you are served fresh fruit topped with Chantilly cream. Then, as you sip a cup of Empress Blend tea and listen to live piano music serenading softly in the background, a tier is presented with a delightful selection of tea sandwiches including smoked salmon and cream cheese, pesto egg salad on foccacia crostini, and curried mango chicken salad. Continuing the savory journey, you may choose from freshly baked raisin scones to be topped with strawberry preserves and Devon style clotted cream, and pastries to include Valhrona caramel chocolate truffle in chocolate cup and Choux pastry filled with green tea white chocolate cream, all deftly prepared by the masterfully talented hands of award-winning Pastry Chef, D’oyen Christie. 
   Among the many guests who have visited are Queen Elizabeth II, Shirley Temple, Spencer Tracy, Rita Hayworth, John Travolta, Bob Hope and the King and Queen of Siam. 
      An epicurean respite not to be missed, Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress is a triumph for the discerning palate. 

      A debt of gratitude goes to Jennifer McKimmie, Afternoon Tea Manager at The Fairmont Empress for her generous assistance in researching and preparing this newsletter.





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