Our 43rd Spot:

Julia’s Restaurant at Berkeley City Club

2315 Durant Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704

www.berkeleycityclub.com

Note: Our 42nd Spot was supposed to start offering afternoon tea in January, but they’re not quite up + running yet. Hopefully sometime in May. We’re keeping their spot number the same, which is why this one is our 43rd.

ONLY on Tuesdays. ONLY from 12 to 2. I was intrigued.

I mean, aren’t you now too?! Afternoon Tea served during such a small window. What’s it all about?? I wanna see!!

Tho they had been serving tea years before the pandemic, they only started serving again about a year ago. This Tea Spot was another last minute entry I dug up, and I squeezed ‘er in before the end of our Tour. I tell you, sometimes I surprise myself with how I find about these spots cuz there’s not a lot of promo or press or anything about this one. As booked as I was, I thankfully found one good ole Tuesday I could make before this Leg closed. Thank you to my date for joining me!

Doesn’t look like much outside. An old building you wouldn’t take a second look at if you were driving by. Tho once we got up those steps and inside the front door- immediate vibe change! We were directed by Reception to go to the 2nd floor, and I don’t know why but I asked if I could take pictures. She asked “Personal?”, and when I mentioned for a website, it was a no. I paused for a second to understand what that meant, and then I was relieved. No fussing with my DSLR today! Sure, I could have used my phone to take pics for myself and not post it. But I thought it was so freeing to be “camera-less” for the day AND to do our very first ~ No Photo Review ~ ! So that’s what this’ll be.

But let me tell you- you are gonna wanna come here. I’m not even going to attempt with words on what it looked like inside. Just know, I couldn’t get enough!! I think I’m actually doing you a favor for not posting any pics. Because you’re gonna wanna see this in real life for the first time in-person. I’m telling youuuu.

Off the bat, the service = immaculate.

We must’ve been in a green tea state of mind…because I ordered their Jasmine Flower and my date ordered the Dragonwell. “Good, no sugar, no cream. Not offered,” my date says, noticing no tea condiments left on the table. I’ve taught them well! Tea was great, good quality for sure.

They offered a Plain Biscuit AND a Scone. After having both at the Claremont, I’m now loving it when a place offers both! Butter was offered for the biscuit and cream + preserves for the scone. That biscuit had the most picture-worthy golden brown toast on it. Crispiest outside and fluffiest insides, a little salty. I called it ‘cloudy!’ Their scone wins for Crunchiest Edges!! Oh and I couldn’t get enough of their preserves. The highest quality I’ve had.

They had so many savories, I was so happy! SIX!! Always bonus points in my book when a tea service has plenty of salty options (than sweet).

Cucumber on Wheat – Thin slices are my favorite. It had a spicy spread that hit you in the back and was a nice surprise.

Egg Salad on White – This was my favorite from the service for sure. It was almost mousse-like and they packed a good amount of it! Thick slices of airy bread made for perfectly portioned bites. And it was seasoned beautifully.

Smoked Salmon on Sourdough – When I see capers, I’m happy!

Pesto, Mozzarella + Tomato – I’m allergic to pesto but my date said this was a good one. I wanted so badly to try it! That mozzarella looked so fresh, it was almost dripping!? I did take a nibble and I was right- excellent.

Prosciutto + Fig Butter on Croissant – Love. I’m a big fig butter fan.

Chicken Salad – I don’t know what sweet/fruity spread they added to this one, but it was delicious! My date’s favorite.

They offered 4 classic sweets. A Chocolate-Covered Strawberry, Chocolate or Lemon Macaron, a Lemon Bar, and (so cute) a nice sized Donut Hole. All were very good, and rounded out the meal gorgeously. And i love chocolate strawberries, don’t you? Anytime they’re served is a yay for me.

The tea was good. But, it was the exclusivity of it and the venue that made you feel so cool to be there. I can’t say enough about the customer service here. Our guy was lovely!! Definitely made for a better experience that he was so kind. I did want to walk around the building for a bit (I saw a stunning library when I went to the bathroom), but by the time we were done some doors were closed. Right before we walked out tho, I did get a peek of what looked like a banquet or event room. SO pretty! I wanna have a party there for no reason!! I’ve already made plans to go back with my sister hehe. I hope you guys make it too! And if you do, please share your experience with us!

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Spot #16 Revisit:

Pardee Home

672 11th Street Oakland, CA 94607

pardeehome.org

Last time we were here was October 2015. All I remember was that we had to wait a while to get in (for the reservation) and that it was something I definitely had to experience again. I didn’t think I’d wait so long, but it was mos def worth the wait! (gosh, how many times do I have to say wait?) Since their banquet room only holds 12 and since I voted this Spot ‘Best Experience’, I made sure to fill my guest list. I’m so happy we had the big group we did, because it made for an even sweeter time!

This would also be the first Tea since my shift (read all about that here), so I might’ve been a little anxious or apprehensive about how I was going to handle the “work” part of this visit. Again, since it was all about the whole experience- I made sure my first priority was to be present. Enjoy my girls and the Tour [of the home].

As it was 8 years ago, the house was exquisite. So many little pieces to look at and details that made you ooh and ahh. And just like last time, I’m not including any of those shots on here cuz I want you to come see it for yourself! In real life! I loved seeing my girl’s faces after every new corner we turned. It made me so happy that they were so happy to be there! For me, just seeing the wallpaper alone was enough!! (okay, I’m covering my mouth now…I won’t say anymore) After the house tour, our dear docent guided us to their adorable banquet room. Ugh (sigh), breathtaking. (not in the Seinfeld way tho k)

The amount of labor, love, attention, and meticulous detail that is put into this tea service is priceless. Let me mention here that from placing the reservation, I was speaking to a live person each time. These volunteers are here because they want to be and have an organic passion for this home. It’s brilliant and I was/we were privileged to be a recipient of their care.

First things first, they come around with the only tea option of their proprietary English Breakfast blend. They should be so proud of themselves cuz I’m not even an english breakfast tea girl like that but MAN, that stuff is soo good!! Of course they won’t say what the blend is, but I was getting some citrus or bergamot and some lavender notes… Either way, keep it coming please!

They start you off with their beautiful Tea Sandwiches. (see, I told you) Flawless presentation. I didn’t take pics of each of the items like I usually do…I was in the moment mmkay. But, I did take notes of my thoughts on each.

Cucumber – I can’t ever have enough green crunchy veggies, so I loved the mountain of cucumbers. And they do theirs with like an herb cream cheese. Different, but welcome.

Smoked Salmon – Light cheese, nice dill sprig, yay capers!

Egg Salad – First I was like ‘ew, this is too green oniony’. Then I was like ‘I think I like this’. Hahah! Yall know I hate green onions. But for some reason, the amount and crunch this one had…made me love it. (covering eyes) I know, I know, who am I??

Chicken Salad – There was something sweet and/or curryish in this one. And so cute that it had a profiterole “bun”! I know there were a lot of girls at the table who enjoyed this tea sandwich a lot!

Cheese Crisp – Didn’t expect it to be cold, but I liked that. It had a little spice (which I liked too) and a good texture to it.

Then they served us fresh, warm Savories!

Artichoke – We were all trying to figure out what was in this one…? Despite saying it was a bit “too pickley” for me, as my friend who sat next to me pointed out- I still ate the whole thing. Haha! It was like olivey or had pimento in it or something. And of course, crunchy phyllo is not something you leave on the table. It’s a lot of work, that phyllo!

Mushroom – This one was thee Crowd-Pleaser. It’s like they made tiny slices of bread and toasted them perfectly, then packed that cup with creamy mushroom filling. It was SO GOOD, I am salivating right now just thinking about it again. For me, all those textures made it so fun to eat. I would have a dozen for dinner.

Next course were the Scones! Cranberry Orange today. Don’t you just love warm fresh scones?! These were soo chewy. Great flavor, THAT CREAM, crispy edges. I think the cream made it. I was trying to be modest…but I woulda licked the serving dish clean if I could.

And now, the Sweets! They did a good job too, of coming around sporadically (Tai: Yeah, I hope not sporadically.) refilling teacups of that delicious English Breakfast! At this point in the tea service however, I only had room for a bite each of these. (of course I finished them when I got home!)

Apricot Bar – nice texture, not too fruity

Lemon Tart – pastry is really good + crumbly, my favorite of the bunch

Maple Pecan – buttery chewy maple flavor, Table Favorite!

Pecan Sandies – perfect, so much powdered sugar I love

Double Chocolate Cookie – good chocolate but not too much

Macadamia Shortbread – bland, which was nice (not competing with other sweets)

So yes, this place lived up to its chosen superlative as Best Experience. This was our biggest party of this Leg of the Tour, so it was nice to have a lot of the girls who had already been on tour with me. We did have 2 Firsties (yayyy!), so it was a pleasure having their first afternoon tea be with us! Again, hosting (from reservations to docent to servers) was immaculate. The Pardee Home Staff took such good care of us and showed us a good time, thank you!! I heard a lot of the girls making plans to come back with their families or other girlfriends, and that made me so happy. Such a fun afternoon touring the home and then enjoying a stunning tea party. I was in the moment, present…with a little bit of work. (exhale)

We’re finishing our 3rd Leg strong! (arm flex emoji) Leave your email with us below, so you’ll be notified of all our last Spots. Thank you to all who have/who will donate. This keeps our Tour going! I’ll be back in a week or so about this next Spot… All Love, Oly.

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Spot #22 Revisit:

Tyme for Tea & Co.

37501 Niles Boulevard Fremont, CA 94536

tymefortea.com

At first I was like mad + annoyed at having to write this review…and now (after looking through all those old pics), I’m just sad.

Continuing the last bits of this Leg of the Tour and going to old adored Spots… OF COURSE, Tyme for Tea would be included. It’s where I hosted my first tea party, it was number 1 on my raTEAngs list for years (before I met Muir’s, but still remained a close 2nd), and a go-to spot not just because it’s so close to me but also cuz it was good. I was looking forward to it, it was like a no-brainer. This place would be as it’s always been: good tea, good food, good ambiance. It was also the first time we were going to have a ‘Couples Tea’ on the Tour! My husband + I invited new friends; she had been on the Tour already and her husband was a first-timer (to afternoon tea too yay!). Recipe for a great afternoon!

Then…

I went inside.

It was so gloomy in there. Almost gray. It was only minutes away from our seating time, and all I saw were bare pink tables. I thought- they better hurry up with all their doilies + flowers cuz we ready! But they weren’t. They weren’t setting ANYTHING up. They put some cups on the table and called it a day yall. Look.

Not long after we were seated, they just started bringing stuff. I hadn’t even had the chance to tell my friend’s husband he gets to pick his own pot of tea…and here came 2 teapots. Apparently, they have set tea now on the weekends. Their House Blend (which has always been this kiwi strawberry) and a Raspberry. They did say we could request decaf and (maybe because they saw the disbelief in my face) offered to make another tea if we desired. But we couldn’t even refuse these (if we didn’t want em), cuz they were already here!? We had em, and they were alright. I actually was pleasantly surprised about the Raspberry.

The other thing they brought was a plate with their scone and a tiny spoonful of each fixing. It was Lemon Blueberry today and so much THINNER than usual. There was no slicing it open, cuz it wasn’t wide enough for 2 slices! I didn’t even use my knife to spread any cream or preserves, because there wouldn’t be much leftover for the rest of my bites!? I just kinda dipped my joint in there haha. Yall think I’m playin, look!

I legit wanted to cry when the tier came out. “Step right up, hurry hurry, before the show begins… My friends… There’s got to be no sadder show to see!” (paraphrasing “Sideshow” by Blue Magic) Not even a freakin rose!! (excuse my language)

I did take individual shots of each item like I usually do, but I didn’t want to make this post sadder than it had to be. I’m just including a shot of all of em at once.

Cucumber – dry, tho I always like the radish they put in there

Chicken Pecan – much thinner, and DRIER!? Like they didn’t use enough mayo or put liver in it or something

Cheese Crostini – same, but drier

Pinwheel Pastry – good salty cheddar, like a cheez-it; asked the name again cuz I forgot, and the dood told me it was spinach!? I didn’t taste anything spinach about it or see anything green in there, ohhkaay…

Mushroom Tart – this one was good, very crispy phyllo, but like one mushroom only

I wasn’t happy with not allowing my guests to try teas that they WANTED, so I requested new pots. They chose a Cinnamon Orange and I picked Jackfruit Honey (that one sounded so different). The first was all cinnamon + heavily steeped, and the latter tasted like honey Halls (you know, the cough drop). The only good thing about that was those were my Daddy’s jam back in the day when he was sick, so I got a little nostalgia from it.

I knew the sweets were coming, but I almost didn’t even want to look at them. The travesty I was anticipating was real.

Cheesecake – tasted like it was made with cheap artificial vanilla extract

Petit Fours – cake was dry, outside coating tasted like plastic

Shortbread – very crunchy, that one was okay

If anything, at least the customer service was still good. Except the smell of Windex while finishing our meal wasn’t ideal. The Huz said “Did they always rush their patrons? At 2:45, are we cutting into your time?” (we had a 1:30p seating) They went downhill yall. I just kept saying how sad I was, like I was so disappointed. Thankfully my husband had lots to say, cuz I couldn’t form sentences. He was saying he gets it, you want to keep the same price point…but not to the detriment of your business model. And that it was so boring. One dimensional, no character. You return to something expecting to be wowed, but nothing is there.

Later he asked me what the saddest part for me was. I would have to say the scones. This was the first place I had scones the proper way: warmed and with all the fixings. On my podcast interview with Talk Tea To Me, I said they had the Best Scone of the entire Tour!! I’m now giving that award to Claremont.

It was really hard for me to write this review. I didn’t want to do it. I kept procrastinating on it. There’s so much history there!! I’ve hosted a good two-handfuls of tea parties here. When I had my old tea company, they hosted a Meet & Greet for our brand (since they wanted to start serving our teas there). They used to sell our teas as a matter of fact. But to my loyal Readers, what does this tell you? YOU WILL ALWAYS GET THE 100 REAL DEAL FROM ME. Even if I have to share some bad news about a place I loved. And if you know me well, you’ll know I love me a good receipt. I went through my archives and pulled some shots to show you what they used to be about…so you know I’m not just sayin stuff. I always come prepared with backup.

Exhibit A: warm atmosphere

Exhibit B: well decorated tablescape

Exhibit C: FULL helpings of scone fixings

Exhibit D: beautiful tier with FAT Chicken Pecan tea sandwich

Exhibit E + F: Our very successful Meet & Greet hosted by Tyme for Tea, we sold out!

Exhibit G: Low stock of our teas being sold at Tyme for Tea

I probably won’t be coming back to Tyme for Tea again. Unless I’m invited to a loved one’s bridal or baby shower or something. But even then, if I have to pay- I won’t be coming. And this is the first time in parTEA with me History that I will me moving a Spot down on my raTEAng. (I won’t say where, you’ll have to wait and see…but it’s bad, jus sayin) I am shattered about this. But I will always give you my brutal honesty. And I wouldn’t want you paying afternoon tea prices (which are not cheap) for less than mediocre tea + food. To our sweet guests + new friends, our sincerest apologies! My husband even told them that Tyme for Tea was my afternoon tea standard and what I base my reviews off of… We need a do-over yall!! We’ll do Tea again with you two soon enough. We still had an amazing time with you guys, laughing it up all afternoon and finding so many similarities! Readers/Followers/Donators- Thank you for appreciating my candor + transparency. I don’t want you to spend money on bad tea!! I really am a Nice Girl. (wink)

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Spot #10 Revisit:

Dartealing Lounge

470 Third Street San Francisco, CA 94107

www.dartealinglounge.com

I did a lot of dancing today. And I don’t dance.

Okay so- when we first came on the Tour, that was in April 2015. And in my Dartealing post, I ended it with and I quote: “I would come back for the sandwiches alone.” That’s exactly what we did. I had been back a few times before today, but this time was on official Tour business! 😉 I have been to Tea Spots where they had one really good standout tea sandwich…but this place, ohh this place. EVERY SINGLE ONE of their tea sandwiches is a banger!! (and I don’t even use that kind of today’s language) I’m just running out of descriptive words for something so inexplicably, ridiculously GOOD. (or at least, appealing to the modern generation hehe)

Another reason I love to come here is for their decor. I’ve mentioned it a couple times since my podcast interview with Talk Tea To Me Podcast, that one of the main reasons I fell in love with afternoon tea is because of my interest in interior design. When I visit new Tea Spots, I am also taking in all the little details in every corner of their tea room. I love the ones that are set in a home (like: the White Hart Tea Room, the Pardee Home, and Muir’s of course). And even tho they’ve closed, super eclectic like Satori and super shabby chic like the English Rose (ugh, that one still hurts). So when I step into Dartealing, I appreciate all the little stories in each seating area. Major vibes!! (I don’t know what’s happening to me in this blog post!? Another current day word)

It’s really nice, this time around we didn’t have to pre-order. They have a set menu now, and then you can add on some specials. But first, tea!

There were 4 of us- oh! I didn’t even tell you who I brought with me!? I had the OG’s in our party today. Gorgeous drive into the City together. It was like cloudy up high, but so so clear down low…like you could see all the bridges. It was strange, a little eerie, and beautiful all at the same time. I seriously wish I had gotten a picture, but I was being present and knew by the time I fumbled with my camera it would all be over. Anyway, here are the 4 choices we picked:

Mr. Carson’s Secret Stash (toffee notes, vanilla, subtle fruit notes, full body, organic blend) – Perfect choice for me! Needs a good deep steep, and then it’s like coffee’ish!

Cherry Blossom Bliss (Japanese sencha, morning rose petals, notes of cherries, bright finish) – Already smelled like spa! I love it.

Cabana Boy (strawberry, papaya, sweet fruit notes, fragrant medium body finish) – My girl said “love this one, ooh something hit me at the end… You could taste the green tea, and then the mango at the end…” It smelled so tropical, but then also a little spicy. The strawberry is unexpected in a tropical blend, but was nice.

#tajmahal (bergamot, cardamom, spices, organic, limited edition blend) – This was my 2nd choice, so I’m glad someone picked it. You can really taste the cardamom, which I love!

I love my OG’s cuz they been in this game with me since Day One. They know the drill, it’s comfy, it’s safe, it’s easy, it’s funny, it’s love, it’s crying (someone always cries)! Girlfriend was leaned over all the way to the right, whilst my hip was pretty much resting on her shoulder so I could get these shots of this tier without disturbing the party next to us and getting them in my shot!! (yall know I’m exaggerating)

Cucumber, Arugula & Shaved Radish – It’s always fun when they do something a little different with the cucumber. And they already had me at ‘arugula’. But this was sweeter!? Not usual in your typical cucumber tea sandwich. I danced.

Brie, Quince Jelly & Apple – So this one usually has sweet pepper jelly instead, but they ran out. We were sad, but the quince was still good! And you could tell this was a really good quality brie, YUM.

Ham, Gouda & Spicy Garlicky Aioli – My notes said ‘This tastes like I’m at a party!’ You know when you go to a party and they serve you some bomb-dot-com food!? Yeah, that’s what I felt like. I really danced!! And the spicy wasn’t too much. My girl said it was an “explosion of flavors!”

Because I’m a self-proclaimed certified Fat Girl (we’re honest here right??) (No disrespect to anyone, including myself- this is a legit term of endearment in my house!! Get on board and no need to “school” me on PC ways to write, we are BODY POSITIVE around here and I am allowed to call myself what I want), I wanted to order BOTH Tea Sandwich Specials!! LOL. And thankfully, my girls wanted in too. I mean, we came here for the sandwiches right?!

Salmon Dill Honey Mustard – It’s really hard to come up with words to explain these sandwiches, because they are really just so good- there aren’t any English words to explain these flavors!? For such little bites (I think it takes 3 for me), there are entire FULL experiences!! You just have to come here and try. I’m serious. The mustard in this one was soooo gooooood!! (I’m whining)

Fish n’ Chips – This is the precise sandwich I came back for. It wasn’t here for our initial visit, but I had had it when I came back one of the other times. And- I wanna cry. When you order it, it comes freshly made + warm and in 4 servings. I LEGIT wanted to order another 4 just for myself!! Haha, mad greedy huh!? The flavors are incredible, and there’s a crunch from the ‘chip’ part. (SIGH) If anything, come to Dartealing Lounge just for this sandwich okay?? Did you hear me?!

Savory Tea Hors D’oeuvre (Black Bean Empanada) – The girls loved this one! The pastry was well done, the beans were not dry, and the toppings complimented it stunningly.

English-Style Pork Sausage Roll – You could taste each individual ingredient + spice these were made with. So good.

Strawberry Rose Scone – “I wanna sing!” my girl exclaimed, as she was enjoying her scone. Crispy edges (check), fluffy insides (check). The cream + preserves made it so decadent. And the rose was just slight, didn’t taste like perfume. Yum, just yum.

Assortment of Petit Tea Sweets (Raspberry Streusel) – A nice good chunky chewy bite!

Assortment of Petit Tea Sweets (Cheesecake) – A lot of “MMMM” and whining and dancing for one little bite of cheesecake. I could have had a whole tin to myself. (see, F– Girl!)

Seasonal Shortbread Cookie (Red Velvet) – Good sturdy cookie, not too sweet at all.

So what made this visit really special… Aside from the spectacular sandwiches, the amazing decor, and my comfy girlfriends… The owner came out to meet with us. In conversation I had mentioned to our sweet server that we were part of the Tour, and shortly after the gorgeous genius of this all came out herself! It was so kind of her to allow us to have a peek inside her head, on the inspo to her tea house. This was mid-meal. But AFTER the meal, she came back again. That’s when you know a genuine connection was made. And for my girls, that was really special to them. Doing this for as long as I have + as often as I get to, I have had the opportunity to meet some awesome human beings behind operations of some brilliant tea rooms + restaurants. So I was grateful that the girls got to experience that part too. Customer service here is top notch as well. My lovely Readers + Followers, if you haven’t already- treat yourself to a fantastic tea service at Dartealing. Tell them I sent you! (kissy face emojis) Maybe you’ll see me there…behind the pile of fish + chip sandwiches!! Hahah!

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With the exception of Muir’s last spring, the end of our 3rd Leg is full of Revisits to Tea Spots from the start of the Tour almost 10 years ago!! I’ve given them their own Superlatives too, so be in expectation of Best Sandwiches, Best Everything, Best Experience, and Best Venue coming very soon! But for now, let’s focus on Best Tea…

Spot #18 Revisit:

Lovey’s Tea Shoppe

4430 Coast Highway Pacifica, CA 94044

www.loveysteashoppe.com

Different trim, different sign, and a few new galvanized tub planters in the front… Still the cutest random building along the highway! We often passed by Lovey’s on the way to our beach for Beach Days, and every single time- I would point to it and say aloud in the car ‘See YOU later!’, like the cool mom that I am. (shrugs) Hahah!

The inside looks a lot different than before. Right when you walk in, there’s a gorgeous curio cabinet filled with all the cup + saucer sets you could ever want…their teas, and different trinkets + jewelry to shop. To the left, maybe like 4 tables for guests. And then the right side is their like office space. Uuuultra intimate!! And we LOVED it. We had the place all to ourselves for a bit.

I took 2 of my darling friends. When my family moved to our new city 2 years ago, we quickly connected. Which we all kind of laugh at, cuz we don’t just do that with people. But as I always say, “Real recognize Real.” So, we felt that familial bond early in. They are fleshly sisters and are both caregivers as well. Hardworking + giving women. *Shout Out* to all the Caregivers out there!! And to all the ones accepting the caretaking too, I see you.

I loved this table. I was trying to measure it with my eyes, cuz we are on the market for a new dining table at home hehe. It was the perfect size, and we had so much space for just the 3 of us.

LOTS of teas to choose from…hold on. [I counted] 50 teas PLUS like 4 or 5 featured teas of the month. Now usually, that would overwhelm me. But since I came to this place especially for the tea- I was game! I’m just gonna list all the ones I was interested in ordering cuuuz I want to!!

Black Vanilla w/ Lavender

Black Vanilla

Black Currant

CHESTNUT

Chocolate Raspberry

White Peach

Lychee Rose Green

Vanilla Rooibos

Vanilla Rooibos Chai

Pacifica Blue

Now you know what you can look forward to when you come!

Okay so, we didn’t get those. HAHA. 2 of us ordered from their Specials, and 1 of us ordered a different one on the menu.

Earl’s Chocolate Cream (special) – This was explained as a ‘chocolate earl grey’. You all know I love me a creamy earl grey…but, I’ve never had a chocolate one. So intriguing right?! So glad my friend chose this one, cuz I wanted to try it too! Her first sip, she said “MMM!” It really was the creamiest.

Chocolate Cherry Bliss (special) – This one was my choice. Not usually a chocolate tea-lover, not usually a cherry tea-lover either. But these two together?? Bring it on sister! You could tell right away it was chocolate AND cherry, no question about it. Choc up front then cherry in the back, and ooh it was good!

Chocolate Truffle (regular menu) – She said you didn’t need anything with it. And that my friends, is how you can tell a good quality cuppa. When there’s no need for sugar or cream or honey or lemon to “doctor up” your cup, that is high quality tea. What was fascinating about this one- it didn’t smell like my chocolate [tea]. It smelled like a legit truffle!! There was a noticeable difference and this one was indeed Chocolate TRUFFLE tea.

Adorable wallpapered background for this tier shot!

Cucumber with Dill Cream Cheese – These were thicker cuts of cucumber we were dealing with here, and I liked it!! Nice crunch, and the dill was faint.

Coronation (Curried) Chicken Salad – The curry in this chicken salad was the perfect amount. My favorite sandwich from the bunch!

Ham with Marionberry Jam & Market Greens – I didn’t even know how to describe this one…!? It was complex, but a good complex. And the bread was so soft!

By this time, we were all gulping our teas. “I’m gulping!” my girl says.

Sliced Green Apple with Cheddar and Pub Mustard – This one had really fun textures together.

My friend wanted to try another tea. I love when tea rooms allow this! I mean, when you offer so many, you can’t fault your guests for wanting to try more than the one pot that comes with their tea service. This is a TEA party right? So for me, it speaks volumes when a Spot allows you to switch out or try more than one. Big points!

Peach Bellini – She said “I like this, I like this, I like this!” That it kept tasting different after every sip. I thought it smelled so delightful, I wanted a perfume of it!! Hehe. She loved it so much, she even bought some!

They let you choose your scones here! It was either Honey Pecan or Lemon Ginger today. Two of us got the pecan, and my other friend is a ginger-girl so that was a no-brainer choice for her.

Honey Pecan – It was so fluffy, almost cake like. Loved the crunchy pecans.

Lemon Ginger – My girl “Loved” hers! Her sister even liked it better than ours. They bought some of those too!

Crumpet – Aren’t those tiny butter hearts just the cutest!? Are you gonna say it with me this time? All together now: “I love when they serve crumpets!!” These were the chewiest. And they really like the lemon curd!

At the end of your tea service, they come around with their Sweets Tray! Today’s had: 2 different types of petit fours, a big cookie, and 2 different types of truffles. You get to pick one. (But I really wish we could have chosen TWO hehe!)

Tiramisu Truffle – I chose this one cuz it was the most different aand cuz it’s my husband’s favorite. (smiley face) I knew I would only take a bite and take the rest of it home to him. Creamy texture, yum!

I didn’t notice this the last time… But, they have the sweetest outdoor set up!

I’m so happy we got to revisit Lovey’s. Even tho we pass it often, I haven’t been back to have tea since February 2016!! (I didn’t realize I had scheduled this visit in the same month!? How neat) What I had written about in my initial review still stands true- beautiful customer service. I wish I could go into detail for exactly how they accommodated our party, but I’ll leave that between us. (wink) Just know that they took GOOD CARE of our Caregivers, and my girls loved this place! “Superb” pick, is what one of them told me. Always makes me feel good to know that I chose a good spot for my tea-loving friends too!

If you are looking for an afternoon tea with really high quality tea, this is your place.

A bonus for me is it’s by the water. I grew up fishing with my Daddy at Pacifica Pier, so making the walk down to the ocean is my biggest treat after having tea there. The waves were feisty and we got a good fix of some Salt Water Therapy!! Ugh, I could have stood there all day…

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