St. Paddy's Birthday Tea

On March 17, Frank's sisters Lisa and Theresa, their cousin Nancy, family friend Pat, my friend Carol Anne and I celebrated St. Patrick's Day and Pat's 84th birthday by having a fine lunch at Jazzberry Tea House in Pickering Village, east of Toronto. It was the second such gathering for five of us though we went to a different location last year.



The table was set with fine teapots which were waiting to be filled with the steeped beverage of our choice.





For a couple of us, there was no question - Masala chai, please! I don't recall all of the choices but at least one lady selected ginger-orange-peach green tea and one decided on "Mystic Mellon" but the flavour was weak so it must have only had one L in Melon after all. Not quite as groovy as it sounded. ;)





As we waited for our repast, we chatted, laughed and enjoyed the decor. This lovely old dress was hanging nearby. It must be the norm for tea houses because there were similar a-door-nments where we went last year.





Tea was soon served. We each had this adorable mini strainer to catch the tea leaves each time we poured from the pot. After the cup was poured, the strainer was to be placed upon a little metal cup to await the next serving. I can't tell you how many of us would forget to replace the strainer on our cups, resulting in tea leaves sinking to the bottom. Some of us did it multiple times but I'll never tell who that was (it was her!).






Scones were served up with fruit and Devonshire cream. The sandwiches consisted of brie and red pepper spread, cucumber, radish and cream cheese, mango and sundried tomatoes, and turkey with smoked Gouda. There were also slices of smoked salmon to enjoy.






Lisa enjoyed her own vegetarian collection.






Once we were done with lunch, we each had cards for the birthday girl, Pat. She surprised us in return by giving the group a St. Patrick's Day card with a lovely Irish blessing on the front.






But that didn't compare to her sweet message written inside.





And speaking of of sweet, Jazzberry went all out for Pat's birthday cake(s). We each managed to sample a forkful or three from this yummy selection.

It was a lovely afternoon spent in fine company. And I thank you all for joining me in remembering it.

More photos  of some sort coming up soon.

High Tea

A couple of weeks ago, Frank's sisters Lisa and Theresa invited me to join them for high tea.

There were seven in our group which also included Frank's sister-in-law Judy and her daughter Jenna, Lisa's friend Pat and my friend Carol Anne.

We arrived at a lovely country home, complete with Victorian decor. We were greeted by Lady Kimberly, our hostess, dressed in clothing of the day.

We were shown the parlour, where we ladies could have our leaves read if we so desired and on our way back to the dining area, Lady Kimberly pointed out "the necessary." We were told that the proper way to excuse ourselves to use the necessary, was to simply place our napkins on our seats, and leave the room without saying a word.

We each selected our own teapot and tea. I chose a purple floral pot and vanilla chai, which was delicious.

Lunch was a collection of five semi-circular uniquely flavoured sandwiches. Dessert was freshly baked scones served with Devon cream and raspberry preserves, delicious home baked tarts and squares and fresh fruit.

Far too much to finish in one sitting - especially with all that wonderful tea.

One by one, ladies went into the parlour to have their fortunes read. Everyone came out smiling - pleased with the reading.

This was my cup. Does anyone of you read leaves - not that I'd need a second opinion. I quite like what I was told.

Once high tea was over, I wandered around snapping a few photos and chatted with our hostess about her lovely business. I suspect that we'll all return sometime soon.