Tasting:

Alexander’s Patisserie

209 Castro Street Mountain View, CA 94041

www.alexanderspatisserie.com

Yes, I stood up on a chair to get this shot! (don’t worry, I took my shoes off…and I had someone close by) (I wish I had a picture of THAT!) Do you remember the Patisserie we visited back in September? The one I said had “thee best tea sandwich from the entire Tour”!? Well, we were so privileged + honored to be invited back to Alexander’s!! (three clapping hands emojis) We got to try a variety of their gorgeous savory + sweet pastries that were complimented with delicious alcoholic drinks! Ugh, what a special afternoon!!

Egg & Bacon Croissant – Like a whole breakfast in one bite! That egg was cooked to perfection, the bacon was chewy, and it came warm + toasted just right. This was our favorite savory, hands down.

Ham & Cheese (Gruyère) Croissant – Good crunchy layers, ham not too salty, cheese gooey. Definitely an upscale ham + cheese!

Matcha Croissant – Excellent matcha flavor. Sometimes people don’t get this right or it’s just too much. This wasn’t earthy or “grassy”, but a nice mild + sweet green tea taste frosting + filling.

Strawberry Vanilla Croissant – Our host said this was a best seller and highly recommended it. We said Okay! You guys, I’m so glad she did. And we did. Cuz- when I say I was the happiest girl eating this croissantttt!! I’m not even a ‘berry’ fan like that. I would have never picked this if she didn’t say anything. It was soo decadent. The croissant bread was almost creamy and the filling was so fluffy light. (salivating writing this and can’t wait til my husband goes back in that area so he can pick me up a few!) They do strawberry SO right.

Chocolate Hazelnut Flat Croissant – These are what they are going viral for right now. We were excited to finally try! Interesting, it was almost like a crispy cookie.

Strawberry Flat Croissant – Like a frosted cookie! Such nice strawberry flavor, nothing artificial about it.

Almond Croissant – I saved this and the next one for last, cuz they’re favorites of mine. Crunchiest pastry and classic almond filling.

Banana Chocolat Croissant – The mashed bananas were the perfect amount of sweetness. Just a little bit of chocolate. So good.

Earl Grey Petit Gateaux (earl grey chocolate mousse with kumquat confit center topped on a choclate sable) – I’m suuuure you’ve seen this cake! If you’ve seen anything that has to do with Alexander’s, SOMEONE has posted this cake in there. I mean, look at it! It’s the most stunning piece of art. (doesn’t it remind you of the ocean?!) I saw it the first time we went, and I’ve not stopped thinking about it. When our gracious host asked us if we wanted to try any of the cakes- uh, YEAH! That one please! So, they recently changed the center to kumquat…and it is indeed the star. So happy we got to try this, it was amazing!

And now for the Headliners!!

These were the genius accompaniments to our meal. I had the Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial NV. As good as it gets! I had way more than I should have aaand I wasn’t sorry about it!! For the beers, I’m gonna quote the expert I brought along with me! (wink) My husband is somewhat of a craft beer connoisseur, and has been visiting a number of breweries around the US and Bay Area since 2012.

Eden Specialty Apple Cider Peak Bloom – He says, “Clean, mild apple flavor. Crisp, sour taste. Not overpowering and pairs well with their croissants.”

Original Pattern Brewing Company There It Is Hazy IPA – He says, “Not a very bitter IPA, but a nice clean hops profile. Would pair this with their savories or almond croissants. I would also have it with any of their berry flavored items.”

I didn’t get to try any of the macarons or chocolates there, but we did go home with a nice variety. And, we got to try them all with the kids! (I did a quick photo shoot of em at home too!)

Salted Caramel – Very caramely, deep flavor.

Cappuccino – Light coffee flavor, not too sweet.

Rose Champagne – Mild champagne, with rose aftertaste. Could really taste the almonds in the shell.

Passion Fruit – Oh yes, sweet lilikoi!

Lavender – Intriguing lavender…like a bath bomb!

Rose Lychee – More rose than lychee, but the lychee hits you at the end. Loved that one!

I did have the opportunity to try their chocolates before. And I knew enough that their S’mores one was my fave. But this time, I told her to surprise me!! (was so happy to see s’mores in our box yayyy!)

Cappuccino – Well-flavored. Perfect.

Jasmine – Very faint jasmine, such good dark chocolate.

Raspberry – Good ratio of raspberry to chocolate.

Passion Fruit – Sooo lilikoi!!

Orange Blossom – Creamy orange. Slight orange taste.

S’mores – The best. Whatever graham they use, is amazing.

And last but not least, I didn’t even get to mention yet (I’m sure you saw in our first pic of the entire tablescape tho)- I got to have my White Truffle Brioche tea sandwich!!! HOORAY FOR ME! Of course, the rest of their delectable tea service menu too!! “I think I love this little life…” Haha. I know you know what that song is!

What a memorable experience. I feel so grateful to have been able to spend an afternoon at Alexander’s trying all their elevated pastries and adult beverages! We were treated with the utmost care by our gracious host and loving staff. Got to meet some cool customers there too. (if that was you, say ‘hi’ in the comments!) If you are going to be in the Mountain View or Cupertino area, make a plan to visit them!! Gather your comfiest friends, and share some carbs + drinks! I mos def recommend the egg + bacon croissant, strawberry vanilla croissant, and a nice tall glass of champagne!!

Last but not least, what made my year-

When we first walked in and I gave them my name + company I was with, the girl behind the counter gasped, smiled, and said “Ooh, parTEA with me!?” I LOVED THAT SO SO MUUUUCH!!!

All Alexander’s Patisserie related posts:

Spot #36 :: Alexander’s Patisserie

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If you read my first experience of visiting the Claremont, you’ll know just how HUGE it was for me to be invited back again to try their newest tea service menu!!

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, read this first. I’ll wait.

All caught up? Okay good. Ready now?! Hehe.

New Menu Visit:

Claremont Hotel

41 Tunnel Road Berkeley, CA 94705

claremontresortandclub.com

On February 10 and 11, the Claremont Club & Spa Hotel offered their NEW + VERY FIRST Galentine’s Day Tea tea service menu and we had the special privilege of being one of the firsts to try it! If you don’t know what ‘Galentine’s’ is (like I didn’t, lol), I looked it up for yall! It’s a time to celebrate the girlfriends in your life!! “Ooooo My Girlfriends, there through thick and thin… My girlfriends, there for anything… My Girlfriends” (are singing along in your head?) Naturally, I thought to bring 2 of my girlfriends who expressed interest in having tea at the Claremont…but they couldn’t make this one. (Heyyy hey Cutie + Cutie Jr.! You were missed.) As I was thinking of another couple girls to bring, I see my husband’s puppy dog eyes waiting for an invite to be extended haha! Okay, I’ll take you Boo!! He is my biggest supporter + cheerleader.

I was already anticipating the gorgeous room they were gonna take us to. Seriously one of the best venues, guys. You just know you’re surrounded by luxury.

As we were being seated by our stunning Hostess, I could tell she did her homework and knew exactly who I was. She knew when we were here last, was so accommodating, and gave us a little intro about the Harpist that was there. Have yall ever been entertained by a Harpist tho?! When I tell you it’s the most beautiful thing!! (whiny face emoji) I never really knew how much I needed a harp in my life ’til today! Hahah… She played all the best songs- I wanted to sing along and record each one all afternoon!! (Give her a follow here)

It was so hard not to look at the menu. I really like to be surprised you guys! While waiting for our tea selections, we were offered a glass of sparkling rosè. Our Hostess was so sweet, she even turned the label to face me since she knew I was about to film a video!! I chose their sencha, and the Huz picked jasmine today.

Kyushu Japan Sencha (Spring harvest yields a deliciously vegetal green tea with buttery smoothness) – I’ve been a sencha girl lately, and they caught me with that ‘buttery’. A classic good sencha.

Organic Jasmine Gold Dragon (Nighttime harvested jasmine flowers offer an extensive floral character to a delicate early spring green tea) – Very fragrant! A really good quality jasmine.

Take it in, go ahead.

Rosemary Honey Biscuit – Okay, I don’t even like rosemary!! But it was so sweet-smelling and inviting and tasted so good. Crispy edges and fluffy insides check! With that whipped butter and their signature honey…ugh, can’t get enough. Savored every morsel.

Sour Cherry Chocolate Scone (Orange Marmalade, Devonshire Cream) – The crispiest! Tart cherry, so juicy. This was like a dessert, decadent. Definitely my favorite of the entire tier.

Maitake Mushroom Tartine (Whipped Burrata, Toasted Hazelnuts, Thyme Honey) – I’m gonna copy my notes here verbatim, so yall know I always keep it real with you: “tasted like weed, but in the best way possible.” (laughing crying emoji) I asked my husband if that was offensive to say, and he said people might be turned off. Then I told him I couldn’t not write that, cuz that was my legit thought! But later I even asked the chef, and he even said it was the best compliment haha! Now it has been over 20-years for me… But even if you have never had it but have smelled it, I guarantee this is how you would explain this one too. It was just so woodsy and NOTHING like I’ve ever tasted before. This item was the Huz’s favorite and he goes “if you don’t want it, I’ll take it off your hands” before I even got to take my first bite!! Forreal no pun intended, but I INHALED that thing it was so good. [Just confirming for those in the back- THERE WAS NO CANNABIS IN THIS TEA SANDWICH.]

Truffled Egg Salad (Chive, Pain au Lait) – Perfect.

Smoked Mary’s Chicken Salad (Blistered Grapes, Compressed Celery, Croissant) – Smokiest chicken of all time!! Like it had been in the smoker all day. Wait, like since the night before! The chicken pieces were so juicy + tender, almost melts in your mouth. And yall already know I love me some GRAPES and plenty of celery in my chicken salad.

Lobster Roll (Fermented Chili, Shaved Fennel, Brioche) – Absolutely could not get enough of that crunchy fennel!! (sigh) It just adds such an experience to this sandwich. It sliced so thinly but still has a strong bite. I don’t know how he executes that, but…give me more!! And the Huz loved the sweetness of the brioche with it.

Shaved Prime Rib (Horseradish Aioli, Mizuna, Chive Parker House Roll) – Already knew it was gonna be good with all dat arugula hanging out there. It’s like they packed extra for me cuz they knew I am obsessed! We both loved how easy it was to take a bite out that meat. There’s nothing more embarrassing than being on a date, biting a piece of meat (or like sushi with that seaweed boyy), and then it dragging all out your bread!! (covers eyes) None of that with this!

Vanilla Panna Cotta – I did a dance! I usually only take a bite or two first of everything (to make sure I have enough space to try all items offered), buut I took an extra bite of this!! And the Huz said this was his favorite from the sweets level.

Blackberry Pistachio Financier – My favorite texture: chewy and dense. The filling wasn’t too tart either.

Shortly after taking my phone shots of this one, we heard a voice from behind us… ”Is this your Galentine?!” The Executive Chef had come out to meet us!! It was beyond a pleasure to meet Mr. Joseph L. Paire. (Follow him too! here) We complimented him on this new menu and he gave us a bit of background on himself and the thought process to this tea service. WHAT A TREAT. That was so cool!!

Blood Orange Cheesecake – There was a nice bitterness at the end of this, loved that.

Red Velvet Raspberry Roulade – Nice sponge. I really liked the aftertaste this one gave me.

Strawberry Champagne Macaron – This smelled like a perfume! SO flavorful. Sometimes macaron shells are kinda bland…not this at all.

Final thoughts… Okay so, I barely paid attention to my tea! Ha! This menu is IT!! And the whole time I’m smelling my open rosemary biscuit. He turned me into a rosemary-lover over here!! I could just have the scone and biscuits and be good.

Toward the end of our meal, after the last of the other guests had left, my husband + I found ourselves being of the last in the room. It got so quiet and we started awkwardly chuckling! Just then, Chef came back! He took a seat at the table next to us and we spent a good 15-minutes in a private + intimate setting, just talking about the food industry + community. What a brilliant connection! A memorable time for sure. When I say they pulled the red carpet out for us… This experience trying the new menu and their top notch customer service- I tell you, one of the coolest moments yet of the entire Tour. Chef outdid himself with this Galentine’s business! The last time we came was good. This time (sigh) = Excellent. In the history of parTEA with me’s Tea House Tour, I have not changed placement of a Tea Spot on my raTEAngs after a Revisit. But my experience was so elevated here, I am really thinking of raising the Claremont on my list!! Readers/Followers/Tea Lovers: I hope you all find some time in your calendar to dine there. They are offering new tea service themes + brunch menus this year, so keep on the lookout! Stick with us, and we’ll keep you updated here too. Enter your email below yall, don’t miss out!

The Huz + I took a walk to their garden downstairs, and I grabbed a few shots for you. Enjoy!

All Claremont Hotel related posts:

Spot 40 :: Claremont Hotel

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You already know how deep my love goes for Muir’s Tea Room in Sebastopol! They have been the reigning Number 1 Spot in my raTEAng since we first visited them in September 2018!! They were also first of our Revisits on this Leg of the Tour, when I took my family with me earlier last year in the spring. (And I know yall love them too, cuz I get so many messages + DMs about visiting them!) It should be no surprise then that I happily accepted their invitation to try their new Alice in Wonderland High Tea tea service menu!! The first time in 10 years they are offering whimsical treats and Muir’s style Wonderland decor!

New Menu Visit:

Muir’s Tea Room

330 S Main Street Sebastopol, CA 94572

www.muirstearoomandcafe.com

Let me start by saying that my sister kept calling it the ‘stormiest day of the year’ hehe! It was rainy + windy, but nothing that would stop us from our Sister Date. She had been wanting to try Muir’s for the longest, and we were finally getting our time! It takes me a little over half an hour to get to her place, then about another hour to Sebastopol from there. Things were getting cancelled and people were choosing to stay indoors…but we were NOT gonna miss Muir’s!! Our husbands said a prayer for us and we were off! Safely. The drive wasn’t bad at all. We even made it with a good 30-minutes to spare. We continued our convo in the car until our tea time. I checked my phone real quick to see what time it was, when I noticed 10 texts. Oopsies! I was getting messages from them saying that the power had just gone out!!

I replied to see if they were okay or needed any help with anything, and to see what we should do. Then we took a little detour to the Whole Foods down the street for a bathroom break while we waited. Sure enough, I got a voicemail. But as I finished listening to them being ultra apologetic and seeing if we would at least come in for tea and to-go boxes (aren’t they so sweet!?), another incoming text: “The power just came back on!” They were able to seat us and we were thrilled!

ALWAYS VIP treatment when I come for a visit, and they sat us at the cutest little nook. Since I’m a Eating-Outside-Lover, I’m usually on their patio. But (even before I knew it was gonna rain), I told them I’d adore trying an indoor seating this time. We were welcomed in the cutest little nook!! I had to post 2 pictures of it.

Of course, I got up to look around and admire all their new decor for this theme! Mama Owner described it as “Alice Upscale”, which we fully agreed! More whimsical, than cartoony. They did an EXCELLENT JOB executing every bit. My sister kept remarking on how much it felt like we were just hanging out in someone’s home! So comfy, not overdone, just right.

Something new and very cool that they had at each tables were those old school Viewfinders! Remember those?! Inside were slides of well, Alice!! (feeling love emoji)

After a chat with the owner and her daughter (ugh, love them), we got settled in and looked at our tea choices. So many good ones of course! They always have a few back-of-the-menu specials that they throw in, and my sister chose one from there. Something caught my eye on their regular menu that I haven’t tried before, so I got that one.

Elderflower Melon (decaf herbal)- Oh it poured so prettily! This photo does it no justice at all. It was like this soft corally pink hue! ”Super floral,” she says, as this was my sister’s pick. You could definitely taste the elderflower first, then the melon, and it was creamy at the end.

Raspberry Vanilla (rooibos) – I chose good!! Perfect flavors, as per usual. Creamy fruit, my fave.

Alice’s Garden Salad with Muir’s Signature Dressing – The tallest salad you ever did see, right?! Ugh, that salad. For such a simple looking thing, you would not expect so much packed flavor in one bite?? Those edamame + almonds together just worked seamlessly. And that dressing (I wanna cry), again simple dijon-based but paired nicely. I kept saying one more bite to myself so I could save room, but it was so hard to stop! AND something I have to mention that made me just stop dead in my tracks- when our sweet server came to deliver these (plate in one hand, tiny container in the other), she says “Oh and we knew you didn’t like green onions so we didn’t add any to yours, but put them on the side in case.” (eyes big emoji, whiny emoji, crying emoji) SWEETEST SENTIMENT EVERRR!!! They KNEW me!!?! I was dumbfounded, jaw…on the ground, eyes…totally watered. Now THAT is customer service. Mic drop. Periodt. All the things. Unmatched, unmatched.

This tier was packed to capacity!! The fullest and most attractive tier! I could barely contain my whiny excitement and absolutely could not wait to try everything!!

White Rabbit’s Cucumber & Chive Tea Sandwich – They never miss with their cucumber. Buttery, perfect crunch, awesome ratio. I will never understand how they make their plant-based stuff taste like BUTTER!? My sister + I could not get enough.

A tiny detail but I have to mention, and I don’t have its own picture… Our waters came with a cut strawberry on the rim. Now it wasn’t strawberry-infused water. However, because of where it’s placed- as you take a sip, you are getting all of that strawberry scented goodness! It was an experience for sure. Simplicity that felt like luxury.

Cheshire Cat’s “Sausage” and Roasted Pepper Finger Sandwich – Favorite item on this tea service, hands down. They made their version of In-N-Out sauce. My sister, after finishing hers, “I don’t even like In-N-Out sauce.” Hahah! Oh and it was far from a ‘finger sandwich’, that was a hearty offering! The crostini had a nice crunchy bite, without it scratching up your mouth. And those “sausages” legit taste like a sausage. Magic, I’m tellin you.

The Blue Caterpillar’s Mushroom Tart – Very clever, Muir’s! Okay, I see you!! I can picture that scene now! This was pastry-heavy (sister agreed), which we both loved that part. She said it was “not hard, really tender.” It was salty, but welcome.

Down the Rabbit Hole Spiral Pesto Puff Pastry – Again, very creative! Mama Owner says her + her daughter worked hard to perfect this menu + theme. It was well thought out and it shows. Quoting my sister for this one: “Super buttery, really good pastry again, and very cheesy tasting.” She also added “I haven’t tasted anything vegan yet!?” Which she has tried tons of vegan food, so she knows her stuff. Muir’s said that was the best compliment.

March Hare Artichoke Heart & Hearts of Palm Medley Tea Sandwich – If my memory serves me right, this is the first time ever having hearts of palm on a tea service and I don’t know why more tea rooms don’t use it!? I love hearts of palm!! My daughter + I love having it even as just a snack! This sandwich was so complex. It was tangy, a little mushy, nice heat in the back (you could take it. If I could take it, you could take it). Loved the crunch of that lettuce, and the bread was so soft.

Hatter’s Always Tea Time Scone with imported English Tiptree Raspberry Preserves & “Clotted Cream” – I’m sure I’m repeating myself from old blog posts of theirs, but their scone is really superior. The crispiest edges, fluffy insides, and perfect savory/sweet flavor. Longtime readers know this: whenever I see a tiny JAR of preserves, you already have my heart. Hehe. And I wish I got a picture of it… Coolest thing. They have a little stand by their front door with a basket of empties and a sign that says ‘free, please take what you need’. What an awesome way to recycle and share with the community!

Queen of Hearts Cherry Jammy Dodger – The jam was not overpowering and the pastry was soo chewy. I couldn’t stop nibbling at this, while having slices of the juiciest cantaloupe!

THANK YOU FOR HANGING OUT WITH US ON THE BLOG AND READING ABOUT THEIR NEW MENU! AS A GIFT FROM parTEA with me + Muir’s Tea Room, MENTION THE WORD “UNBIRTHDAY” AT YOUR NEXT VISIT AND ENJOY A FREE TREAT FROM MUIR’S!! (This offer expires September 30, 2024)

The Duchess’s Fresh Peppermint Patty – A nice surprise! This melts in your mouth! Only took a bite so I could save the rest of the Huz, cuz this is his favorite. When I took it home and he had it, he says, “Man, that was better than the original.” You heard it here, Muir’s!!

Tweedledum and Tweedledee Swirl Cupcake – The moistest!! Such a good bite to it. Not too sweet and not too much frosting, which was whipped nicely.

Muir’s Tea Room really outdid themselves this time. (as per ushe) The attention to detail with every bit: the decor, the food, the titles of the food… Mom + Friend, high fives!! Thank you for having us. You showed my sister + I a TOP TIME. She kept raving about how outstanding the service was. Not only do you feel like you’re at family’s house…but you actually feel like family!! Readers + Followers + Social Media Friends- you guys ask me about this place all the time! If you’re waiting for a time to go, it’s NOW!! Pay them a visit, enjoy their new Alice in Wonderland High Tea menu, tell them I said hi, and get your FREE TREAT!!! You have until March 25, 2024 to experience this new theme. Don’t miss out! Stop by their hard-not-to-buy-anything gift shop too!

To my Amazing Sister, thank you for being my date. Thank you for driving us safely through the rain and being one of very FEW I get to let my belly hang out with. I always appreciate our sister time. I feel so safe, so validated, so seen, so understood. Ending this post with such a great shot she took of this original top hat. She’s mad creative too, guys. I’m older than her, but I def wanna be her when I grow up! See you soon Tea Lovers!!

All Muir’s Tea Room related posts:

Spot #28 :: Muir’s Tea Room

Spot Revisit :: Muir’s Tea Room (#28) – Best Overall

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