3 Spots For Afternoon Tea in CT: Culture Tea, Tea W/ Tracey & The Drawing Room

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” -Henry James

Indeed, there is something so deeply relaxing and enjoyable about the ritual of afternoon tea.  That one hour in the middle of the day where you take a break from whatever it is you were doing. That chance to get away from the race we call life.  An excuse to share quality time with family and friends… or, heck! even a little bit of “me” time. 

Ah! Don’t you just love the pampering and all the delightful eats on those dramatic 3-tiered servers. The beautiful china, the dainty bites of food, the soothing hot tea of your choice – made especially for you.  How divine!

My mom and I LOVE afternoon tea!  So every time she comes to visit me, I am eager to take her to some special tea experiences in and around Fairfield county Connecticut.  Sadly, afternoon tea places around here are few and far between.  Nevertheless, we have managed to explore a few options.  We recently visited three places in the area.  Each quite lovely and each fits the bill of what you would hope to get out of the experience.  Yet, each is unique in its own way.  Following is my take on the three spots (although, I have certainly picked out my favorite… read on and find out which one)  

Culture Tea, Wilton CT

Alexander Higle’s and Dr. Shu-Chuan Chen’s love of gourmet food and fine teas has inspired them to open a delightful little place in downtown Wilton last August called Culture Tea.  The incredibly comprehensive list of teas offer many organic choices as well as tisanes (herbal tea).  Culture Tea offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea menus.  Mom and I went for afternoon tea, of course!  We really appreciated Alexander’s thoughtfulness in setting up a small space heater for mom because she was feeling a little cold due to the weather.  His soft-spoken and deeply attentive nature made us feel pampered and relaxed.  The interior is elegant but not in a pretentious kind of way.  There are plenty of cozy tables – but my favorite is the table for two by the window.  What a perfect setting to enjoy afternoon tea! 

We tried the cheese and berry scones – sadly, they were a tad bit dry.  Of the assorted tea sandwiches, egg was our favorite.  Every savory and sweet bite here was somewhat understated in flavor.  Perhaps that is the intended style of the owners.  But after all is said and done, I totally see myself returning to Culture Tea.  Perhaps next time to explore breakfast or lunch.

Read the complete article on Fairfield County Foodie.