Today is the day that tea lovers around the country rejoice because today is National Tea Day! That’s right coffee drinkers – step aside because today is our day to step into the limelight and enjoy a day all to ourselves.
I gave up coffee (again) last December for a variety of reasons, but the biggest was because of travel. Say what? I was tired of crossing time zones after long flights and having a massive caffeine withdrawal headache. So no coffee for me for now, although at times I do partake in a cup or two like I did in October while visiting Melilla and Cartagena. My preferred tea of choice is always English Breakfast Tea although these days I’m also enjoying a cup of Paromi Tea palace green tea in the afternoon, too.
The Tea Association of the USA says that “tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water, and can be found in almost 80% of all U.S. households. It is the only beverage commonly served hot or iced, anytime, anywhere, for any occasion. On any given day, over 158 million Americans are drinking tea.” And we all know that I’m one of those 158 million tea loving fanatics.
When I’m traveling, I enjoy trying new and if possible, afternoon tea with all the lovely little scones, pastries, and sandwiches. One of my all time favorites ever was the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at Sanderson London. But what if I’m not traveling? Where can I go and experience a little bit of the world right here in the US? Let’s explore a few options on National Tea Day.
Castle Hill Inn – Newport, RI
One place I’d definitely consider visiting today on National Tea Day is Castle Hill Inn, a Relais & Chateaux property in nearby Newport, RI. You’ll feel transported to another place and time as they effortlessly combine some of the best views of Newport’s waterfront with the warmth and quiet luxury of 19th century seacoast life in their afternoon tea program. Guests of the hotel can choose from more than 25 teas as well as light bites like sandwiches and pastries. Afternoon tea is served daily and is included in all room rates.
In December they have a special tea time called the Teddy Bear Tea, which is an elegant holiday tea exclusively for children. Children visit with their favorite teddy bears for afternoon tea, complete with warm tea, petit fours and classic holiday readings. Families are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear in original packaging to donate to Child & Family of Newport County. This way, every child benefits and everyone can enjoy a snuggle with a teddy bear. How great is that?
Waldorf Astoria New York – NYC
If you’re visiting New York City or happen to be one of the lucky ones that lives in NYC, make your way over to the Waldorf Astoria New York for a Chinese take on afternoon tea on National Tea Day. Their newest restaurant, La Chine, combines the best of Chinese and French cuisine to create the La Chine experience.
Introduced earlier this year, La Chine Afternoon Tea offers guest an elegant service of savory and sweet fare served with their expansive tea menu. It’s 2016 and this is so not your mother’s afternoon tea. In this non-traditional tea service, guests can begin their culinary journey with a beginning with collection of scones and savory amuse-bouches followed by a dim-sum course and a final course of a selection of pastries.
The Imperial Tea Menu for $88 per person of the La Chine Tea for $68 per person is offered from Thursday to Saturday from 12:00PM – 3:00PM and on Sunday from 12:00PM – 4:00PM.
Whether you visit Newport, RI or New York City on National Tea Day or any other day, I encourage you to travel the world and when you’re not traveling, dream of traveling while sipping tea or enjoying a lavish and decadent afternoon tea.
What type of tea will you be drinking today on National Tea Day? Will it be just tea or are you going all out and enjoying afternoon tea as well?