In The House at Pooh Corner, A.A. Milne wrote, "A Proper Tea is much nicer than a Very Nearly Tea, which is one you forget about afterwards." While I often sip on a nice cup of hot tea, preferably savored while curled up with a good book, I've always relished the British custom of high tea. So to celebrate my niece's tenth birthday, I made reservations for two at Tea on the Tiber in historic Ellicott City.
There in grand style, we had a Proper Tea complete with burgundy chiffon ribbon bedecking the antique ladder back chairs, sipping hot chocolate and Earl Grey teas while sampling sumptuous treats from a three-tiered trolley.
Apple-caramel cake, shortbread, chocolate-dipped strawberries, pineapple chunks, slices of dill cheese, and Waldorf salad. Each delectable treat tasted more divine than its predecessor. A sliver of cucumber sat atop a marble rye square with a hint cream cheese spread between them. A flaky croissant filled with a sliver of turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce teased our taste buds. But, the piece de resistance was the simple fresh tomato slice on a round of fluffy white bread.
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Our high tea adventure culminated in a walk along Main Street in historic Ellicott City to enjoy the shops (and work off the calories). We both agreed the experience well worth repeating — my niece announced she'd like to come back for her eleventh birthday. Personally, I'm hoping we don't have to wait a full year to return!
Consider catching up with a dear friend this winter over A Proper Tea. It will surely be a day that you remember afterward!
