This mom stuff isn't easy, but having a wide open schedule is a big perk.
To wit: what's better than weekend afternoon high tea? Weekday tea!
With Anne's arrival from NYC providing the extra special occasion, I roped Michelle and Morgan into meeting us in the Living Room at the Peninsula Hotel in BH for an impromptu Monday tea. Getting in proved to be no problem. Given the previous challenges I faced trying to get tea reservations, it was a relief to go during a time when demand is lower than weekends. It also helps to have friends with flexible and itinerant employment, typical of some academics and entertainment professionals. God bless L.A. for that.
With the baby asleep most of the time (good thing, because I felt guilty managing a crying tot with the harpist right next to us), I was able to relax on the overstuffed couch by the fireplace for a couple hours, enjoying the Belvedere blend black tea and nibbling on petite foods served on hand painted china. The tea menu has a lot more options and different "packages" than other places I've been. The $24 option that we chose came with less packed tiered plates, but afternoon tea doesn't need to substitute a meal. Scones, delicate but stuffed veggie sandwiches, chicken salad triangles, and a few nibbles of small sweets constitute enough of a satisfying snack. The teas themselves are top quality, and individual cozies help the staff remember who's drinking what. (My green themed cozy was the prettiest.) Lack of lemon curd was the biggest disappointment.
I like that it doesn't have to cost forty-plus bucks to soak up the marble-clad atmosphere and avail oneself of other little treats, like Molton Brown products in the bathroom. The sitting room-type furniture arrangement is better suited to moms who need some extra comfort, too. As long as we can go during the week, we'll be back.
It's so nice to have you do all of the research for us. It makes our decision making so much easier!! Thanks.
Posted by: MBT Online | July 15, 2011 at 03:11 AM