Sunday, April 25, 2010

High Tea & Sympathy

This afternoon I joined a friend for High Tea at the King Edward hotel in downtown Toronto. The day was wet and chilly - altogether lovely for sitting indoors, sipping Earl Grey tea, and munching a variety of delicate finger sandwiches. The sandwiches, scones with jam, and several light pastries were elegantly presented on a three-tiered platter. We sat comfortably for a couple of hours, enjoying the offerings and sharing our plans for the summer.

Looking around at the other tables, I observed that afternoon tea appears to be a "chick" thing. Not one man was visible in the vicinity, with the exception of the waiter who came by periodically to refill our teapots with hot water. All the tables were occupied by two or more women, earnestly engaged in conversation like ourselves.

The coffeeshop is a comfortable place one comes to think of as a "regular" hang-out, whereas the tea-room is more suited for special occasions. Well, catching up with an old friend was definitely a special occasion, and High Tea at the King Edward was a lovely treat. I'm glad we went.

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