 Tanya's Daily Scoop Covering the West Coast & the World CURRENTLY IN: SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH |  Elisa's Daily Scoop Covering Long Island and NYC's Outer Boroughs CURRENTLY IN: LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK |
| Hello everyone! Sorry I'm bopping on here so late. It's been a whirlwind past 2 days. I'm on the road again just in care you didn't realize... We left Orange County yesterday morning and headed to Las Vegas for some strip style Christmas Shopping. Here are some of the photos from yesterday and a sneak peak at an upcoming Rumble video "Las Vegas at Christmas time during Covid"  A very quiet Vegas (c)travelincousins.com  In Eataly - one of my favorite stops on the strip! (c)travelincousins.com  In Park MGM...where is everyone and why must I wear this mask?! (c)travelincousins.com  Sad and crying that Tiffany & Co. is closed (c)travelincousins.com  Outside the Crystal Shoppes (c)travelincousins.com  Inside the Crystal Shoppes (c)travelincousins.com  Close up of the pretty crystal decorated tree (c)travelincousins.com  Courtyard of the Crystal Shoppes (c)travelincousins.com  Fun Christmas display (c)travelincousins.com Today we spent the day in Salt Lake City, which was lacking it's usual picturesque appeal and was totally socked in... They are expecting quite a cit of snow next week and I imagine all the gunk in the air will be washed away and that the mountain ranges will look glorious once again!!! Anyhow not much to write home about today or to blog about either. I had a bunch of running around to do and will be in Reno and Lake Tahoe tomorrow - so that should be pretty cool and with lots for me to share. I hope that you've enjoyed your day and I look forward to seeing you back here!! Ciao 4 Now, -Travelin' Tanya | Hey there! I just love the beginning of a new week...especially when the sun is brightly shining! I'll be headed out on my daily walk soon, but I wanted to fill you in on a few things first. New Social Media Platforms for Travelin' Cousins In keeping up with the many ways to communicate with you, our followers, we can now be found on two new platforms.  In addition to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, your favorite cousins can also be found on MeWe and of course, Rumble for all of our videos! We love you guys and thank you for all of your support! Tis The Season for Afternoon Tea If you have been following our blog, you know how much Tanya and I LOVE afternoon tea. Between the two of us combined, we have had this specialty throughout the world. With the Christmas season upon us, this wonderful tradition makes for a lovely day out. In fact, many establishments will also be serving Christmas-themed Afternoon Tea Service for an extra special festive experience. While doing our due diligence for this feature, both Tanya and I were terribly disappointed at how many places in and around Los Angeles, California have suspended their Afternoon Tea, namely, The Langham in Pasadena, one of our absolute favorites and The Garden City Hotel on Long Island, another beloved destination. Thank goodness there are many places that are still open and serving these days. We have put together a number of our favorites located in L.A. Long Island and of course, London for this season or when in the respective areas. Here's to a fabulous day! -Travelin' Elisa xoxo |
8 Favorite Afternoon Tea Destinations in Los Angeles,
Long Island and London
Long Island and London
(c) travelincousins.com
The tradition of Afternoon Tea is no question one of the most beloved dining experiences. From its humble beginnings in 1840 England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, as a way to quell her hunger around four o’clock in the afternoon, hours before dinner was served, to modern day, where it has become immortalized throughout the world, the custom is embraced for its ceremonial and tasty delights!
Throughout our travel adventures state-side and abroad, partaking in a well appointed encounter with Afternoon Tea is always on our radar. Today, more than ever, the tradition has prompted inventive themes, creative sweets and desserts and innovative tea blends for an unending brilliance in variety from one establishment to another around the globe.
From Los Angeles, California to Long Island, New York and across the pond back to London, England, here are a few of our recommendations for a tea-rific and tas-tea afternoon steeped in fun!
Throughout our travel adventures state-side and abroad, partaking in a well appointed encounter with Afternoon Tea is always on our radar. Today, more than ever, the tradition has prompted inventive themes, creative sweets and desserts and innovative tea blends for an unending brilliance in variety from one establishment to another around the globe.
From Los Angeles, California to Long Island, New York and across the pond back to London, England, here are a few of our recommendations for a tea-rific and tas-tea afternoon steeped in fun!
Los Angeles, California
Afternoon Tea at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena (c) travelincousins.com
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena - temporarily closed
1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, California
Tel: 626-568 3900
www.langhamhotels.com
One could not ask for a more lovely and upscale setting for an afternoon of tea service than that of the Langham Huntington. Ideally located in Pasadena, it is within close proximity to downtown Los Angeles and its many attractions and entertainment venues.
A favorite of Travelin' Cousins because it also happens to serve a wonderful vegan offering. As of this writing, the hotel's afternoon tea service has been suspended due to the covid-19 situation, however, we highly recommend you keep the Langham on your radar for when things reopen. What's noteworthy is that every Langham Hotel around the world carries on with the tradition - serving afternoon tea on a daily basis. In fact, the London property was the first Langham Hotel, opened in London in the year 1865 and the first luxury hotel in Europe to serve afternoon tea!
Originally opened in 1907, The Langham Hungtington dates back to the gilded age and the property lies on 23-acre grounds. The Lobby Lounge Tea Room overlooks the exquisite terrace and grounds.
Vegan options are available.
Long Island, New York
The Garden City Hotel (c) travelincousins.com
The Garden City Hotel - temporarily closed
45 Seventh Street, Garden City, New York
Tel: 516-747-3000
Looking for an elegant and formal way to enjoy Afternoon Tea? Then look no further than The Garden City Hotel. Traditionally, every Saturday afternoon, beginning at 2pm, the hotel offers their grand tea service, with an exquisite offering of teas, sweets and savory delicacies. Unfortunately, like so many other business establishments, The Garden City Hotel has suspended its tea service indefinitely.
However, we are pretty sure that in due time, this splendid, weekly dining experience will return where guests are served three tiers filled with cakes, mini pastries and desserts in all shapes, flavors and presentations are complemented by a variety of finger sandwiches. The food adventure includes perfectly designed and prepared, aesthetic works of pastry art that adorn the display tower along with savory sandwiches such as Minted Cucumber, Roast Turkey with Cranberry Orange Aioli Roasted Pear, Brie and Walnuts. Vegan options are available.
The Secret Garden Tea Cafe & Shop (c) travelincousins.com
The Secret Garden Tea Cafe & Shop
225 Main Street, Port Jefferson, New York
Tel: 631-476-8327
www.thesecretgardentearoom.com
Perhaps one of the most delightful Afternoon Tea destinations around, The Secret Garden Tea Cafe and Shop is brilliantly impeccable in its attention to detail! This mom and daughter-run establishment serves one of the finest tea services we've have ever had. The fantasy trip back in time to begins upon entering the Victorian-themed cafe-shoppe, clad with floral bouquets, lovely adorned tables, and charming china. Guests are escorted to their table and offered the opportunity to visit the hat room where they are welcome to try on and wear a hat of choice during their dining experience, in the tradition of English tea time.
From the quaint sugar and creamers, to the floral tablecloths, the various serving utensils, including the mini ones, to the flower embellished three-tier server, it was all enchanting. Most striking is the original spin given to each of the food items served, both in terms of their miniature size as well as their colorful preparation and presentation. The edibles were a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Every delicacy was its own specialty, and the thought and effort that goes into each one is quite evident, and topped only by the exquisite flavor and taste.
Chat Noir (c) travelincousins.com
Chat Noir
230 Merrick Rd, Rockville Centre, NY
Tel: 516- 208-8521
www.chatnoirtea.com
With light and airy decor, and open white backdrop and quintessential European-styled, ornate moldings, this friendly bistro serves an English tea service in an otherwise French atmosphere. Musique Française fills the restaurant creating a Parisian ambience that is delightful.
The tea menu is filled with a variety of black, green, fruit and herbal selections. It has become a tradition when having afternoon tea, that each of us order a different blend so we can all share. Blood orange (fruit tea), Cinnamon-Chocolate (black tea) and Green Almond (green tea) are among the varieties we have enjoyed. Their three-tiered display of goodies included a variety of scones, pastries, namely the cutest swan-shaped cream puffs and an assortment of sandwiches, filled with egg salad, cream cheese and cucumber and a scrumptious chicken salad (reported by the non-vegans in our group) and a variety of scones - chocolate chip, cranberry, and cinnamon.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
London, England
Photo credit: B.Bakery
B. Bakery Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tours
www.b-bakery.com/london/bus-tours
The Afternoon Tea Bus is one of the most delightful and enjoyable ways to see the great city of London while enjoying a most delicious spread of baked treats and tea all throughout the year. And we speak from experience! During this Christmas season, B. Bakery is featuring themed bus tours through the streets of Central London, taking in some of the City’s best sights.with a unique offering of delectables.
Their Christmas-inspired menu includes Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcake, Chou pastry with pistachio cream and cranberry compote. They will be served alongside our classic scones with clotted cream and jam, plus the usual scrumptious selection of Brigit’s Teas.
The company is also offering a very special Peppa Pig Christmas Bus Tour for little ones that love Peppa Pig featuring a decorated bus with sing-a-long songs and activities.
Photo credit: The Lanesboroug
The Lanesborough - Peggy Porschen Festive Afternoon Tea
www.afternoontea.co.uk
Situated moments from Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, The Lansborough is not only the place for a charming Afternoon Tea experience, but an opportunity to visit a restored 1828 landmark building. Brought back to its original splendor and one of London's finest 5 star premier hotels,
This Christmas time, The Lanesborough is featuring a festive spin on their Peggy Porschen Afternoon Tea menu with an array of seasonal treats along with a glass of Champagne . Served in the elegantly decorated Céleste dining room, which earned the Highly Commended Award of Excellence at the 2019 Afternoon Tea Awards and a Michelin star in both the 2017 and 2018 Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland.
Gluten free, wheat free and dairy free alternatives are available and require 24 hours' notice. Diabetic and vegan option can be offered with a 48 hour notice. They also offer a vegetarian option for Afternoon Tea.
photo credit: The Rubens at the Palace
The Rubens at the Palace Winter Wonderland Tea
www.afternoontea.co.uk
The closest hotel to Buckingham Palace, within easy walking distance of Victoria Station and some of London's best shops and restaurants, The Rubens at the Palace can always be counted on for having some of the most inspiring themed Afternoon Tea. This holiday season, step into Christmas with a Winter Wonderland with their delicious selection of festive sweet and savory delights and the decadent spirit of the season with mulled wine throughout Afternoon Tea service!
The Rubens is always one of our faves when in London and if you are nearby this season, do make sure to stop by for a festive time!
Photo credit: Hotel Cafe Royal
Hotel Cafe Royal - A Christmas Carol Festive Afternoon Tea
www.hotelcaferoyal.com
If you are a Charles Dickens fan, you will absolutely love this A Christmas Carol themed tea service! Served in The Oscar Wilde Lounge, guests are treated to a selection of savory and sweet tea delicacies inspired by the Dickens classic. Mouth-watering delights include indulgent sandwiches, cakes, scones and your choice of over 30 tea blends and infusions.
