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PrintTea Time in San Diego
Coffee or tea? A simple question of choice for the New Year. Over the past decade, several studies have attributed both black and green tea with the ability to improve overall health – staving off conditions such as stroke, heart disease and even cancer; though it may not offer a cure, tea does comfort our aches and keeps the winter chill away. But tea is so much more!
Coupled with fine china, delectable desserts, pastries and finger sandwiches, afternoon tea – also referenced as high tea at times – not only offers a unique approach to celebrating life’s memorable moments, but also affords a daily escape to enjoy another’s company in solace. In the early 19th century, ‘tea time’ filled the gap between meals when dinner was typically served at 8 p.m.; as lifestyles changed, afternoon tea has become more of a treat – no matter the time of day.
Whether it is organic or botanically-based, blended or flavored, infused or served loose, tea has the uncommon ability to culturally transcend the human experience – a simple beverage that is enjoyed daily throughout the globe in a number of varied traditions and techniques. Even locally, tea is pursued with passion for its flavor and quality. For your consideration, here are a few ‘afternoon tea’ selections of choice.
The Aubrey Rose Tea Room
8362 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa
[ theaubreyrosetearoom.com ]
Often described as a “two-hour mini-vacation” where “expectations are exceeded” by its guests, The Aubrey Rose -- nestled in the heart of the La Mesa Antique District -- perfectly captures the ambiance and lure of a quintessential British tea room. Laden with antiques and lace-draped tables, the team room offers a wide selection of teas; including the ever-popular black and herbal teas, to black currant, English breakfast and Caribe. Serving high quality, organic loose leaf tea, the leaves are prepared with centuries old techniques to bring out the full flavor. The menu also offers gluten-free selections, as well as an a la cart menu to go. Reservations are recommended.
Menu Highlights
Lady Anne Tea: Served with assorted tea sandwiches, seasonal fresh fruits, fresh baked scones, Aubry Rose cream, lemon curd and pastries.
Queen Victoria Tea: Served with soup du jour, chef’s choice of assorted tea sandwiches, seasonal fresh fruits, fresh baked scones, Aubry Rose cream, lemon curd and pastries.
The Julian Tea & Cottage Arts
2124 Third Street, Julian
[ juliantea.com ]
Serving Taylor & Harrogate’s Yorkshire Gold as the house specialty -- along with Republic of Tea, Ashby and Stash, Julian Tea is a beloved boutique among the charm and historic presence in the mountain community of Julian. Small and cozy, the tea room rests just one block east of Main Street (50 miles northeast of San Diego), and offers a wide variety of black, oolong, green and herbal teas; not to mention a selection of regular and decaffeinated varieties, bulk and loose teas. Julian Tea is known for their outstanding service and tea selection, along with their on-site gift shop that houses English China tea pots, cups and assorted accessories; children’s and miniature sets are also available. Reservations are highly recommended.
Menu Highlights
Afternoon Tea: Served with finger sandwiches, garnish, scone with whipped cream and jams, dessert and a pot of tea.
Tea for Two: Served with finger sandwiches, garnish, scones with whipped cream and jams, shortbread cookie and tea for both.
Tea Upon Chatsworth
2180 Chatsworth Boulevard, San Diego
[ cu4t.com ]
Timeless and unpretentious, Tea Upon Chatsworth is passionate about afternoon tea. Noting its flavor, warmth and history, the English-styled tea room continues the simple tradition; much more than just a healthy beverage, it is an art.
Proprietor Joy Walsh has shared her enthusiasm and artistry of tea with clientele since Tea Upon Chatsworth’s opening in 2004; a vision that began as a catering service and worldwide quest touring top tea rooms in England and China – even lessons from tea master and author, Bruce Richardson. With a menu designed with a wide range of palette in mind, the boutique tea room in Point Loma touts a rather extensive selection; from Ceylon [Sri Lanka] or India’s full-bodies black to the lighter more subtle green or white from Japan or China, and oolong in between. Everyday tea classics remain on the menu year round, while others are rotated seasonally.
“Seeing the joy and happiness it brought to every person that experienced this beautiful and timeless tradition is what inspired me,” noted Walsh. “People can’t help but fall in love with tea. Our menus center around the seasons, which make everyday tea special. Special events such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Princess [themed teas], [along with] some featuring notable speakers and authors are listed on our website, too.”
Beyond “High Tea,” Walsh goes the extra mile by offering events and classes that teach patrons of all ages the “Art of Tea;” including patience, the importance of communication and relationships, how to act in social settings, and reviews a brief history of the tradition. Laden with lace and florals, Tea Upon Chatsworth undoubtedly radiates an irresistible charm for tea time.
Monthly Classes & Menu Highlights
Everyday Etiquette for Children [ages 6-9]: In this 2-hour session, your child will learn about making introductions and the ABC’s of table manners; a three-course meal is included. Reservations and prepayment are required.
Cream Tea: More of an in-between meal, enjoy this English tradition with signature Chatsworth scones and rose-petal jam with seasonal creams and fresh fruits, along with premium select tea.
Photo Courtesy of Tea Upon Chatsworth
