Reviews

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: We have visited many tea rooms from London to Canada's Empress Hotel's and many of California's tea rooms. In comparison, we were very disappointed with this tea experience. The table was set and room decorated with what is considered 'chic'. However, we missed the classic teacups, teapots and decor. The fork was too small to eat with. They did not have sugar cubes and you had to ask for honey, cream or milk. The tea selection was lacking. We only liked one of the 3 we ordered. Although you get your own pot of tea, it is not your typical teapot and you can only pour two cups and YOU have to keep asking for more. As for the food we ordered the Royal Tea which is $30. For $30 we had high expectations.We were very disappointed and left hungry. You do not get your money's worth. The best were ... (more)the scones and the dessert carmel mousse which were delicious. The fruit cup had a nice presentation but only a few pieces of variety of fruits on top and all grapes underneath. The rest of the meal did not impress us. The puff pastries were tiny and you couldn't tell them apart. They tasted the same. The tea sandwiches were not sandwiches. They were simply one slice of bread cut into three shapes with a thin layer of spread on each piece and one item on each. Either a tomato, slice of cucumber or an artichoke topping. The artichoke topping tasted the best simply because it had the flavor of marinated artichokes out of the jar. The desserts were all store bought and extremely tiny and unflavorful. They looked like they should be in a doll house's table setting. These Tres Amigas for the first time left hungry after visiting a tearoom. If you want lunch such as a crepe, come here but if you want a great tea experience, save your money and go elsewhere.

- Tres Amigas Tea Critics 11/14/08

Variety:     Artistry:     Service:     Food: I have been to this tea room several times; it is the only one in the downtown San Jose area, apart from a few bubble tea cafes. I like it very much. This tea room is located in the back half of a women's clothing boutique and is seperated from the store area by a large velvet curtain. It is furnished with very elegant European style furniture, including two sofas with low tables nearby. The menu has recently been expanded with the addition of savory and sweet crepes to the a la carte menu, so that it is now possible to walk in without a reservation and have a nice lunch. Tea and scones -- with a little bit of clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon curd -- are also available to walk-ins, but afternoon tea with all the works (sandwiches, desserts, etc.) requires a reservatio... (more)n. I made a reservation for afternoon tea recently for my birthday, and the total bill was $35 with tax and an 18% tip. As the previous poster mentioned, the prices are high, but as the tea room is located in a newly gentrified, 'trendy' part of town, I feel that explains the high prices. Chic Chateau is a place that I don't go to every day or every week, but I seek it out when I want to splurge in a nice quiet place. Dropping in for just a pot of tea is not too bad; $5 for a 'bottomless' pot, as I remember. They also brought me a couple of madelines a while ago when I stopped in for just a pot of tea. I believe that some of the savories and desserts served with the full afternoon tea can be purchased at Trader Joe's but I am not certain. Service has always been better than average, and most often the service is excellent. The owner has served my tea and food more than once. Most of the servers are dressed neatly and attractively, although one time I had a waitress -- who was very friendly -- but who was wearing ripped jeans, a tank top and flip flops to serve in. Her appearance seemed more appropriate for a hippy bohemian cafe in San Francisco's Mission District than an elegant tea room. Sometimes there is only one person serving and preparing the food, so I have had to wait a few minutes, but it has never been too long. In all, I appreciate the time and effort that the owner has obviously put into her business. I also give teas and cater tea events and I know how much work and money goes into making a nice tea experience, much less a great one. I have brought friends here several times and every time we all leave refreshed and happy.

- Elizabeth 08/01/08