Monday, March 29, 2010

Tea at the Empress

Double click on the collage to see pictures in more detail.

Twenty years ago we visited Victoria, BC, Canada
and I wanted to have tea at The Empress.
The proprietor of the B&B where we stayed at the time said
it wasn't worth it and to have tea somewhere else.
We listened to him and I have always wished I had tea at The Empress.
As part of extending my birthday celebrating throughout the month, my husband and I visited Victoria last week and had tea at The Empress.
It was a delightful three days filled with tea and sunshine.
Just beautiful!
Tea at The Empress was one of the highlights.
Sitting by the window was fun as we could see people outside taking pictures in front of The Empress, but we could also see people inside enjoying tea.  There were friends sharing tea, mothers and daughters sharing tea, and business men sharing tea and discussing business.  The service was impeccable and the surroundings were beautiful.

Our menu:
Fruit cup
Savories:
Mushroom pate on a baguette
Rolled salmon and herb cream cheese
Cucumber sandwich
Chicken curry sandwich
Carrot sandwich
Scones with strawberry jam and cream
Sweets:
Lemon tart
Chocolate cake with marshmallow
Vanilla crisp
Checkerboard Chocolate/Vanilla cake
Chocolate Truffle

The tea I enjoyed was their 100th Anniversary Blend, which they gave us each a box of at the end of the tea.
Now I can say "I had tea at The Empress".  What fun!

19 comments:

Angela McRae said...

What fun and what BEAUTY, Marilyn! Actually, taking tea at the Empress is on my "bucket list," so I hope it doesn't take too many years for me to get to do it!

La Tea Dah said...

What fun! Well said, Marilyn! I'm so glad you were able to do this and that it was such a lovely experience. I note the trademark Empress teacup pattern in your photo collage. Bask in the memory and enjoy every moment --- over and over again!

LaTeaDah

Jeanne said...

I love all you share.
I love you
Thanks for the glorious mail that arrived today.
Blessings
This is Holy week♥

PeggyR said...

What fun! Thanks for sharing your adventures!

martha said...

It is special. I'm so happy for you that you got to enjoy their tea experience, Marilyn. I loved your photos and appreciate your menu description. Thanks for the memories.
marthae

Rosemary said...

What a memorable experience. Thanks for sharing the delicious menu and the beautiful photos. I hope to have the chance to take tea at The Empress some day! Some day!
Nancy

Donna and Miss Spenser said...

YES...thanks for the memories...even if mine are a bit fuzzy!! I hope I can visit again one day too!! Thank you!
Donna

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I've heard tea at the Empress is grand. I've had afternoon tea at the Fairmont in Toronto and it was just lovely - long before I started blogging and would know to take photos. :-)

Caroline said...

Oh I just love high tea...such a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! Your mosaic is just beautiful!

christina said...

these photos are gorgeous and the menu... lovely.
xo

Time Traveling in Costume said...

Oooh, I see my teacup! Did you buy one too?
I still say everyone needs to have tea there once, no matter what anyone says. I'm glad you made it again.
Val

Tracy said...

*SWOON*...So very glad you had your wish fulfilled, Marilyn... and that is was the tea time of you dreams! What a splendid place and a splendid tea you had. I love such an elaborated tea... Tea time heaven! :o) Thank you for sharing a sampler of your time at The Empress. ((HUGS))

parTea lady said...

I loved seeing your collage of tea at the Empress. Even though I spent most of my years in Canada, I've never visited Victoria, BC - but I would really like to.

The hotel reminds me a little of The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, but on a smaller scale. I've taken afternoon tea there and it was wonderful. It was built in 1929 and has quite a history. It is a good place to put on your tea TO DO list.

Vicky said...

My husband visited Victoria once and swore he'd take me someday. I hadn't even heard of The Empress, but now I can go with a destination in mind! What a lovely collage and so glad you got a chance to go afterall!!

Unknown said...

What a menue and great experience. Now I'm hungry.

Gayle said...

A dream of mine is to have tea there as well. Oh my...swoon.

Dutchbaby said...

Oh I love tea at the Empress! Though I understand the proprietor's advice, because the price was ridiculously high, it is worth doing once, if only to find out what all the hubbub was about. Like you, I found the people-watching to be highly entertaining and the service was great! In the end, we have a lasting memory and bragging rights. What's that worth?

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

What a wonderful birthday celebration! I would love to go there as well! Sigh...maybe someday! It sounds magical!

Katherine

Mary said...

I had tea there many years ago and loved it. The Empress is a beautiful building - seeing it come into view as the ferry rounds the harbor is one sight I'll always remember.

Last visit to Victoria was with granddaughter Jasmin a few years ago - she especially loved the museum of BC as the Titanic Exhibit was there and we had such a memorable time experiencing that.

So glad you had your tea Marilyn.