Vicki and Virginia
User's reviews
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Simply TeaVine
Although she had a BIG event the next day and must have been swamped with things to do, Dean Smith graciously welcomed us to Simply TeaVine, shared the history of her log cabin [in the family for 4 generations, and filled with family heirlooms & antiques], and served us delicious, homemade blueberry scones and our choice among numerous teas. It was a delightful occasion. The only thing that could have made it more delicious was real clotted cream.
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The Windsor Rose English Tea Room
A group of 5 of us went to the Windsor for Afternoon Tea. The service was very good. The choices of teas or other drinks were very good. The sandwiches, scones and desserts were good, and extremely plentiful. We enjoyed the photos and memorabilia relating to the royal family scattered around the wallls. However, the overall atmosphere [decor, table settings, etc.] was less elegant/pampering than we generally expect when trating ourselves to Tea.
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The Roswell Teahouse
We enjoyed our Afternoon Tea at The Roswell Teahouse very much. The food, made from scratch, was excellent [although the soup was made from English peas, even though we had been told that they were split peas]. The selection of teas is outstanding, and the Tea came with a 'bottomless pot', hurrah. The atmosphere is serene, almost zen-like. The decoration is simple.
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The English Tea Room & Gift Shop
On a trip to the area, we stopped twice at the English Tea room: once for their Windsor High Tea and once for a Cream Tea. Both were delicious, and beautifully served. We enjoyed chatting with the owners about their plans, and considering the choices of 100 teas to select from. Highly recommended.
Tearoom response:
Thank you Vicki & Billie. Its been a year now since Onwers Tim & Jan took us on but its been a year thats flown and the best is still yet to come. Come back soon! Martin
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The Peninsula
We have enjoyed Tea at several Chicago locations, but have found the Peninsula to be the finest. The selection of teas is excellent, including several 'premium' teas. The food is delicious. The view of Michigan Blvd is lovely, as is the chamber music. But the aspect which really surpasses all the other venues is the impeccable service. We did not have to request to have our pots refrshed -- they were taken care of regularly. We were asked after each course [sandwiches, scones, etc.] if we'd like more. On Friday's the fashion show is an added treat.
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Ivy Leaf Tea Parlor
What a nice experience! The building, a 1940s home, has been lovingly restored & decorated. The selection of teas is excellent. The 'Light Afternoon Tea' is delicious [I love the trace of peppermint in the scones], although what is given as 'clotted cream' is NOT clotted cream. Service is discreeet, but very good. We're anxious to return!
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NoMi, high atop the Park Hyatt Hotel, overlooking Michigan Boulevard, claims to 'epitomize sophistication in dining. Seducing diners upon first glance are the stunning appointments, distinguished art collection and awe-inspiring views of the Chicago skyline. Described by Wine Spectator as 'leading a streamlining of American cuisine,' chef Gamba's culinary vision pays homage to time-honored French techniques blended with his own distinctive touches. The intrinsic flavors of each ingredient are emphasized, letting dishes emerge as their own masterpieces.' The setting is sleek & trendy, the service impeccable. Afternoon Tea is $18.00 Tea is brewed from leaves. The teapot and utensils are silver. The servings are small, but delectable. Open faced sandwiches on toasted rounds [about the size of a ritz cracker]: salmon, cucumber, ham. In lieu of scones, 2 citrus madelines with strawberry jams. For desserts: macaroon, chocolat tarte, vanilla custard with raspberry sauce [served in an egg cup]. Impeccable service, delectable food, serene setting. We'd return.
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Walnut Room, Marshall Fields
The Walnut Room, on the 7th floor of Marshall Fields on State Street, is one of the oldest restaurants in Chicago, dating from 1907. It has brilliant and complex parquet floors and beautifully carved walnut wood ceilings. Tea is served until 5 p.m. Having attended a matinee, we arrived breathlessly at 4:55. At first the waiter laconically told us that 'the woman who did tea was gone', but with a little cajoling he agreed to take care of us. He resat our table, adding a vase of roses, brought our Tea, and checked on us regularly. Teas are brewed loose, from Whittard's Teas [and Whittard's of Chelsea's Teas are sold in the Gourmet Foods section in the basement of Marshall Fields]. The sandwiches consisted of chicken salad, egg salad, cucumber, and salmon. Large scones, one of cinammon & one of raspbery were served with lemon curd, strawberry jam, and devonshire cream. [the scones were toasted & a little dry, but that may be due to the fact that it was 5 pm on Saturday -- but the flavor was delicious]. Desserts consisted of chocolate covered strawberries, white chocolate cups with chocolate mousse filling, dark choclate cups with white chocolate mousse filling, dried apricots dipped in chocolate, and a lime tart. [one of each per person, no need of sharing, as is too often the case]. Don't miss this Chicago landmark!
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Drake Hotel
Afternoon Tea is offered in the elegant Palm Court lobby for $24.50. A harpist played. The tea is brewed from loose tea; our pot was refreshed frequently, but fresh tea was not provided [we did not request it]. A 3-tiered tray consisted of sandwiches, scones & desserts. The sandwiches were cucumber with tomato, roast beef, egg sald, rolled ham & aspargus. Banana nut bread accompanied the scones with jam and cream. There was only 1 each of the desserts [WHY do tearooms do this? Everyone wants to taste everything, and it is messy trying to share]: chocolate mocha torte; lemon tart; swan eclair; custard tart with fruit. The food was delicious, the waiters attentive, and the setting lovely. We would return.