Abandon Hope, All Souls Who Dare Partake of an Afternoon Tea Bereft of Clotted Cream
The quintessentially English condiment, a thick and rich cream perfect for scone anointment, is among the criteria that Queen of Afternoon Tea, a food critic whose TikTok reviews of tea houses have skyrocketed in the last few months, deems requisite for a proper afternoon tea.
Who is Queen of Afternoon Tea?
Before becoming a TikTok sensation, Queen of Afternoon Tea founded an Ontario tea room website and accompanying Instagram and Facebook pages. Her love of tea service, for which she credits her grandmother, who introduced her to the quasi-formal dining ritual, soon took her to places like Las Vegas and Miami, where she and her husband would check out the local tea scenes.
What’s the Literal Tea?
Afternoon tea, as opposed to high tea, is the British-born tradition of partaking in freshly brewed tea in the afternoon, traditionally between 3 and 4 p.m., with light fare consisting of, but not limited to, small sandwiches, scones with the aforementioned cream and jam, cakes, and pastries, all of which arrive to the table stacked on a three-tiered serving platter.
The Ideal Afternoon Tea
What distinguishes a good afternoon tea from a mediocre one? For starters, the venue should be unique. After all, a brief reprieve from daily toil on this mortal coil is what, in part, makes afternoon tea ideal culinary escapism.
The Fickle Finger of Fame
Her seemingly overnight ascent in the food realm, making her the Keith Lee of afternoon tea, has had some minor drawbacks. For now, she remains anonymous but understands that in today’s digital age, where, thanks to social media’s inescapable presence, anonymity has turned into a precious resource that few can maintain, she might show her face at some point.
Enjoy the Unknown
A highlight of afternoon tea is its tasting-menu aspect. Outside of allergy issues, most afternoon tea rooms have changing menus, which, she explained, is part of the fun.
The Best of Afternoon Tea in Southern California
Should you want to lift your pinky at afternoon tea, Southern California has a host of choice spots in which to sip:
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- San Bernardino County
Conclusion
Afternoon tea is a unique and enjoyable experience that requires attention to detail, a sense of tradition, and a willingness to indulge in the finer things in life. Whether you’re a seasoned tea aficionado or just looking for a new experience, there are many great places in Southern California to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?
A: Afternoon tea is a lighter, more refined experience, typically served between 3 and 4 p.m., while high tea is a more substantial meal, often served in the evening.
Q: What is the ideal number of tiers in an afternoon tea service?
A: Three tiers are typically considered the norm, with the first tier reserved for savory fare, the second for scones, and the third for sweet treats.
Q: Can I customize my afternoon tea experience?
A: Yes, many tea rooms offer customization options, such as special dietary requests or unique flavor combinations. Don’t hesitate to ask your server for options that suit your taste.
