Afternoon tea in Chicago
 

Any pros & cons on these properties?

- Four Seasons
- Ritz-Carlton
- Peninsula
- The Drake

Thanks!

Sweets and Savories
 

Haven't had tea at all the places, but afternoon tea at Drake was pretty good.
But if you are willing to try something outside of a top-notch hotel, I would recommend afternoon tea at Sweets and Savories @1534 W Fullerton. They have wonderful tea and finger sandwiches, but their dessert is simply divine!!

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/d...mx-dating_heds

Please don't this as an offense, but I think that afternoon tea can be very disappointing and overpriced.

May I propose an alternative:

The Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton both serve a fantastic buffet lunch Monday through Saturday. They are both about $25 and the spread is wonderful. The food is very high quality. At the Ritz-Carlton buffet lunch, I've had roasted sirloin, rack of lamb, smoked salmon with all the appropriate accompaniments. At the Four Seasons buffet lunch, I've had maple glazed salmon, roasted prime rib, etc. Decadent desserts included :) These buffets are are an excellent value.

And both of these buffets are served in the same rooms where the afternoon teas are served.

http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs...lounge_36.html

http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagorc...ining_101.html

Thanks, francophile and urigio. Will definitely check into your recommendations.

I've done the Peninsula. It was quite nice but not shockingly incredible. Nowhere near the spread one might get in say....Hong Kong at the Pen. However, if you are expecting a nice afternoon tea thats what you'll get at any of these. From a friend who is obsessed with giong to Afternoon Teas (really), I hear that the Four Seasons is the best. The lunch buffets sound AMAZING btw.

W

Another idea you may wish to consider is the Walnut Room at Marshall Field's on State Street. The room dates to back to about 1907 and with Federated's insistance that Marshall Field's should be Macy's next year, who knows how much longer it will be possible to have this experience?

Teas are brewed loose, from Whittard's Teas (and Whittard's of Chelsea Teas are sold in the Gourmet Foods section in lower level of the store), sandwiches of chicken salad, egg salad, cucumber, and salmon, scones served with lemon curd, strawberry jam, and devonshire cream.

An alternative
 

While not traditional tea, the Peninsula offers an alternative called the "Gentlemen's Retreat." It is served in the bar and consists of a glass of their special Woodford Reserve bourbon, some mini sandwiches (burger, smoked salmon) a lamb chop. Followed by coffee and dessert and a cigar.... I did this 2 years ago and found it rather enjoyable.....

They charge 35USD now...seems reasonble for Pen quality and ambiance.

I'll preface by saying that I'm completely ignorant about this phenomenon. That said, the women I work with used to have a weekly afternoon tea at the Four Seasons, which they swore by.

For old school, can't beat The Drake. My favorite Chicago hotel.

I have to second The Drake. Afternoon tea at this place beats anything I've had anywhere else (including five star hotels in India where they take their afternoon tea very seriously).

From Crain's:

Find a spot of calm with afternoon tea

A light late-afternoon meal served on a tier, alongside a pot of tea, can be just the thing for shoppers, travelers or workers who've missed lunch. And most places serving afternoon tea are quiet, providing an elegant option for a late-in-the-day business meeting. We'd been to the city's best — Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Peninsula — many times, so we set out to try three others.

InterContinental Chicago
505 N. Michigan Ave.
(312) 944-4100

The Salon is a lovely street-level space with deep couches, low tables and views of passing pedestrians. Tea, served from 2 to 5 p.m., is a deal at $15.95 per person.

My friend and I were the only patrons on a Wednesday afternoon, and, unbelievably, no one noticed us or our need for service for nearly 20 minutes.

Finger sandwiches (minimally filled, on white or light bread without crusts) were freshly assembled and very good, especially the smoked salmon. My vegetarian friend appreciated the razor-thin tomato and cucumber sandwich.

Dense, flaky scones and clotted cream were genuine and addictive, causing both of us to chuck the "just a taste" plan. Eight teas were offered; we chose a chamomile and black currant, both with rich colors and pleasing flavors. A tiny fruit tart was the best of the assorted pastries.

Aside from occasional harp music, the room is quiet.

Atwood Café
1 W. Washington St.
(312) 368-1900

One for tea seemed odd to me, but the waitstaff at this restaurant in the landmark Hotel Burnham was unfazed and may have even turned on the pampering: I had a velvety booth all to myself and prompt, attentive service. Best of all was the food itself, the tastiest and most unusual "tea" I'd sampled ($20, November to January only, 2 to 4 p.m.)

I had nine teas to choose from, most with goofy names like the Oompa Loompa or the Doctor Know It All. Finger sandwiches redefined the category: prosciutto layered with honey-fig butter and crostini topped with warm brie and sliced red apples. Fresh dill was a welcome addition to a smoked salmon sandwich.

Dried-cranberry scones were buttery and studded with sugar crystals. Miniature palmiers were light and crunchy, just as the pastry should be.

With its deep colors, fanciful chandeliers and huge windows framing a bustling Loop corner, this cafe could lift moods anytime of year.

Drake Hotel
140 E. Walton Place
(312) 932-4614

Too bad the fare isn't as pleasing as the Palm Court itself, a grand room with beamed ceiling, central fountain, curvy booths and, yes, palm trees.

Tea is $24.50, served 1:30 to 5 p.m. We had a choice of 20 teas, and the herbals we ordered — ginger twist and honeybush — were served in delicate china pots.

My friend was delighted to have the egg salad sandwich to herself, and the ham and asparagus roll was creamy and light; the roast beef had too much mayonnaise. Golden fruit bread was moist, like cake, and far better than the dry scones. Pastries were nothing special.

The old-world atmosphere and friendly service left me relaxed and renewed. But the Drake should put out a far better spread.