Whether you like it or not, it’s that time of the year again… Everywhere you go or look there’s pink, red, heart-shaped shit and teddy bears. When we were little, we were all in it together. Valentine’s Day meant bringing your tricked-out CVS cards to class and sneakily giving your 2nd grade bae the sassiest one in the bunch. Make Valentines Day about your best bitches this year, because champagne and finger sandwiches are better with your babes.
This Valentine’s Day gather up your girlfriends and plan an afternoon filled with delicious pastries and high-tea. Mackenzie, Charlotte and Myself experienced afternoon tea at three amazing venues: L’Espalier, The Langham, and The Catered Affair at the Boston Public Library. We can all say with confidence that this is exactly what you should do this weekend. Here are a few pictures from our high-tea experience!
The Langham Boston:
Between the delicious pastries and the soothing tea, I got lost in the cuteness of it all! Not only was it extremely exquisite, but the service was incredible. You get to choose between about 20 different teas and each one sounded more pleasing than the other. I went with my go-to mint tea & it was one of the best I’ve ever had. We started off with mini tea sandwiches for the first course: smoked salmon on brown bread, egg and chive salad on brioche, cucumber sandwich, and curry chicken sandwiches… Am I making your mouth water yet? Well, it’s not over just yet. The second course included 4 cream scones, which were followed by 3 different jams: strawberry jam, lemon curd, and a Devonshire cream. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, the dessert dish came out… Mini pineapple cupcake, lemon meringue cupcake, caramel mousse, and a triple chocolate flourless cake. If you’re not already making your reservation right now, then I don’t know what else to say to convince you. At $36 per person, it’s a reasonable price for a special occasion or just for a casual afternoon to catch up with your girlfriends. Afternoon tea is a one of a kind experience. With this being my first high-tea date, it was an unforgettable adventure! I can’t wait to introduce this to my girlfriends. Afternoon tea is definitely the new brunch.
— Camilla
Click here to check out the menu & book now!
Special thanks to Dinah Saglio for making this great experience happen!
L’Espalier:
To say my time at L’Espalier was divine would do no service to the impeccable experience they provide. We entered through a private elevator, were brought up to a lovely hostess who checked our coats and invited us to seat in a waiting area prior to having tea. I was offered water as I waited just a few moments until the rest of my party had arrived. My friend Xhuljana joined me for her first afternoon tea experience. In retrospect, it’s a shame she’ll have such high expectations for tea in the future– L’Espalier was near perfection. As every high-end restaurant should, they served food made from the freshest ingredients. Our mini-sandwiches were notably fresh— not something you expect from pre-fixed menus. There was always someone filling your teacup– and while I tend to appreciate the visual aspect of the teapot for posts, I was so impressed with the quality of the tea it seemed miniscule. The lighting is great, the service is literally without any fault. The cheese is made in New England farms and our server happened to know every fact about the farms they came from. At $50 a person, it isn’t the least expensive, but for a 5 star resturant— it’s not bad for a special weekend activity. My friend loved her first tea experience, I think it’s time you treat yo’self
— Mackenzie
Click here to check out the menu & book now!
Special thanks to Rebekah Jackson and Lauren Palumbo for making this great experience happen!
The Catered Affair at the Boston Public Library:
Afternoon tea at The Catered Affair- I want to scream about it from the rooftops because everyone needs to know how lovely this experience was. Located just off of the gorgeous courtyard of the historic Boston Public Library, The Catered Affair offers impeccable service in a bright and airy architecturally pleasing setting that would put other restaurants to shame. Greeted with a smile by the host, my friend DJ and I were led to our table in the chic dining area. The menu was cleverly presented to look like an open novel upon the table- a clear nod to the surroundings. The genuinely warm and friendly servers pulled off teamwork effortlessly, with one checking our coats, one pouring us water and another taking our order. I decided to go with a flowery green tea called Wedding Blend, parting ways from my usual Earl Grey, while DJ chose a Blood Orange Hibiscus blend. Promptly after, a dreamy spread of nibbles was brought out, stacked three tiers high like something out of a fairytale. Savory tea sandwiches, sweet petit fours, and tea scones accompanied by fruit preserves, lemon curd and double cream were shared over great conversation in the relaxed yet elegant environment. As if we weren’t already on cloud nine, we were sent over complimentary glasses of champagne, a gesture sweeter than the mouth-watering french macarons we were treated to. Costing only $35 for afternoon tea, The Catered Affair at the Boston Public Library is an affordable indulgence in a luxurious setting, and is the ideal way to spend an afternoon.
— Charlotte
Click here to check out the menu & book now!
Special thanks to Nisreen Galloway and Alyssa Nichols for making this great experience happen!
What will you & your girlfriends be doing this Valentine’s Day? Make sure to hashtag #mackinstyle if you try the high-tea experience!
