On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, The Astronomer’s mother treated me, June, and Auntie Roz (also known as The Astronomer’s sister) to afternoon tea at The Huntington.
Years ago, I had stopped into the Rose Garden Tea Room to scope out the scene. I remember being surprised by the fact that the sweets and savories were served buffet-style from an open-air refrigerated case. I am very much an afternoon tea snob, so I walked away slightly appalled and passed on tea for the time being.
Fast forward to the present. The buffet is ancient history and in its place are gloriously formal tiered serving trays and “fresh offerings made from scratch with local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients,” at least according to the website. The updated afternoon tea experience is much more fitting of The Huntington’s impeccable grounds (and my expectations).
The grown-ups selected the “Traditional Tea Service” ($35), which included tea, a selection of savories and sweets, and a glass of Canella prosecco. June enjoyed the “Children’s Tea Service” ($20), which also included tea, as well as a few ‘kid-friendly’ food options.
The top tier of the serving tray included warm scones—chocolate chip and cranberry—that were buttery, flaky, and just the right amount of sweet.
Served on the side were lemon curd, pumpkin butter, raspberry jam, and whipped rather than clotted cream. The curd beat the herd for me.
The selection of savories was varied and quite enjoyable all around. There was an Avocado Mushroom Sandwich, Chicken Salad Sandwich, Cheese Quiche, English Cucumber Sandwich, Smoked Salmon and Caviar, and Truffle Egg Salad. The last two were my favorites.
On the sweet side of things were chocolate raspberry ganache tarts, coconut macaroons, mango cupcakes, profiteroles, shortbread cookies, and strawberry cheesecakes. The dark chocolate tart, along with the cheesecake, were tops for me.
Our waiter kindly allowed us to mix and match June’s menu. We passed on the peanut butter and jelly sandwich and the “Fire Ants on a Log” for the smoked salmon and English cucumber sandwiches. Additionally, she was served scones and all of the desserts.
And of course there was tea. I sipped the Huntington Signature Blend, while June enjoyed the Raspberry Nectar.
This was an afternoon very well spent.
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The Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
One year ago: Slacker.
Two years ago: Slacker.
Three years ago: Lu’s Garden – San Gabriel
Four years ago: Sushi Kanesaka – Tokyo
Five years ago: {swoon} Pani Puri at Surati Farsan Mart
Six years ago: White Truffle Dinner at Valentino Ristorante – Los Angeles (Santa Monica)
Seven years ago: Bouchon Bakery – Las Vegas (The Venetian)
Eight years ago: Good Girl Dinette – Los Angeles (Highland Park)
Nine years ago: Vegetation Profile: Royal Riviera Pears
Ten years ago: Bánh Mì Cá Sardine
Eleven years ago: Brasserie Perrier – Philadelphia