Afternoon Tea

Saturday afternoon I met up with The Little Black Dress Club for an afternoon tea and snacks. The Hotel Ivy offers a tea service daily from 3-5 pm that involves a selection of teas, small snacks and desserts and the option to add a glass of Sparking Wine or Sherry. I figured it would be a great afternoon for a group of 10 ladies.

I arrived a little early to scout out our location and was able to grab two big coaches and a few elegant chairs. The wait staff brings out the selection of premium loose leaf teas and we all picked our flavors, I choose a Pomegranate Oolong and a glass of sherry to start. I know I love sparking wine but I have never tired sherry, where else might I get an opportunity to try it?  It is sweet, but not as strong flavored as port and it is definitely a sipping drink. I felt so old fashioned having afternoon tea and sherry  

Our tea arrived and we had the chance to sweeten and fix to our desires. I added a bit of honey and lemon to mine and enjoyed seeing how everyone else finished theirs. The Pomegranate Oolong had a nice light flavor and a great aroma.

I was most excited about trying all the delicious savories and sweets! We had a plate of mushroom and goat cheese mini sandwiches, tomato and bacon on a crisp baguette, chicken meatballs and one of the lovelies dessert trays I have ever seen. There was a blue cheese and apricot pastry, small bites of pastry and various fillings and a decadent chocolate and raspberry layer cake.

Having afternoon tea at The Ivy was a truly unique experiences, I need to find more places in the Twin Cities that do this.