The drive to Orange County is never one I look forward to, but it’s not too bad when there’s afternoon tea at the finish line. June and I, along with Auntie Roz, attended a proper high tea hosted by Hello Kitty a few weekends back at the Irvine Spectrum. We were all so giddy for the experience that the hour-long drive didn’t even phase us.

Whereas the cafe is open to the public, the speakeasy hidden behind the cafe called the Bow Room requires advance reservations. Here is this pretty pink space, afternoon tea is served during the day and cocktails are available late into the night. What a stellar combination.

The three of us settled into a plush pink booth and readied ourselves for an onslaught of sweets and savories ($55 per person). To say that June was thrilled for the experience would be an understatement.

The tea selection had something for everyone. I sipped the Sri Lankan Earl Grey, Rosalind had the whole leaf black tea, and June enjoyed the caffeine-free raspberry rooibos.

The first course brought an excellent goblet of strawberries and pineapple topped with whipped coconut cream.

Next up were equally good smoked salmon sandwiches with dill cream cheese on a pretzel croissant.

The centerpiece was the three-tiered presentation of savory and sweet nibbles. On the first tier was an open-faced cucumber sandwich with milk bread, a sugar cone filled with egg salad, and a caprese tart with pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes. The second tier had spinach quiches and blueberry scones.

And finally, a trio of dainty sweets including a Hello Kitty pettifor, a raspberry macaron sandwich, and a mango tart, on the top-most tier.

To finish were mango jellies in the shape of the hostess with the mostest.

Hello Kitty tea was a truly delightful experience. I really appreciated how every detail was carefully considered with Hello Kitty’s adorable likeness appearing on just about everything, from the saucer to the sugar cubes and even the butter. What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon with my best girl.

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Hello Kitty Grand Cafe
860 Spectrum Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: 949-536-5357

One year ago: Majordomo – Los Angeles
Two years ago: Viet Huong Restaurant – El Monte
Three years ago: {SWOON} Southern Biscuits from Good Gravy Bakes
Four years ago: Fresh Fig Galette
Five years ago: {swoon} Vietnamese Chè at Bambu
Six years ago: Randy’s Donuts – Los Angeles (Inglewood)
Seven years ago: Huîtrerie Régis – Paris
Eight years ago: Eataly – New York City
Nine years ago: Flying Pig – Los Angeles
Ten years ago: Cham Korean Bistro – Pasadena
Eleven years ago: Meet The Lunch Lady
Twelve years ago: The Ramos House Café – San Juan Capistrano