Itinerary: High Tea
Author Henry James said, “There are few hours in my life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as tea.” This weekend, indulge in the slightly decadent ritual.
Thursday
Traffic, stress ... life throws you a bad hair day every now and then. Elixir Tonics & Teas (8612 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, [310] 657-9300) specializes in rejuvenating teas and tonics. The contemplative space has minimalist decor and an outdoor garden, a good place to rebalance your mind, body, and spirit with a Blues Buster or Silk Thread, hot drinks mixed with herbal extracts, or a simple cup of tea. Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $3.50 to $5.50.
Friday
The vintage tea parlor near the Redondo Beach pier, Colletea (320 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach, [310] 372-0348), is dedicated to preserving the civility of high tea with antique finery (most of which is for sale). A collection of fancy hats and boas are on display, and patrons are welcome to wear them as they sip a warm cup of Chamomile or Orange Pekoe. Devonshire cream, assorted finger sandwiches and scones complete the high-tea tradition. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $6.25 to $20.95.
A similarly genteel traditional tea is available in San Juan Capistrano at The Tea House on Los Rios (31731 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, [949] 443-3914). Located in a remodeled Victorian home on the oldest residential street in California, the Tea House contains a music room where mission bells ring, a pump organ and a waterfall made from a Parisian shower and tub. Open Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10.75 to $20.75.
Saturday
Admire tea cups, caddies and a collection of early American silver at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens (1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, [626] 405-2141). On permanent display you’ll find lovely tea sets and tankards that once belonged to the Marble family of Pasadena. The exhibit explores the social history of American silver; the creation of tea and coffee service; and provides an overview on the craftsmanship of cream pots, sugar tongs, spoons and other tea accouterments. Plan ahead and get reservations for a refreshing tea at the Huntington’s highly acclaimed (and just remodeled) tea room while you’re there. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday, noon-4:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $8.50.
Sunday
Be a lady (or gentleman) of leisure. Treat yourself to English Tea at the Sunset Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows (9461 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, [310] 276-2251). When the hotel was about to reopen in 1995 after a major remodeling, experts from the United Kingdom came over to train the staff in the how-to’s of serving English tea. Sit back in the intimate environment they’ve created, complete with live music from a gold-leaf piano, views of the terrace and Century City. Open daily, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. $24.
Across town you can enjoy tea at the Lobby Lounge at the Regent Beverly Wilshire (9500 Wilshire Blvd. [310] 275-5200). Tea is served in the elegant Wilshire wing of the hotel, which was built in 1928. The tea room overlooking Rodeo Drive is the height of elegance: white linen-covered tables under an Austrian cut crystal chandelier. Patrons can sip on a vast array of international teas and indulge themselves in regional English desserts. Open daily, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. $21; royal tea with champagne, $25.
Another option: The Living Room Tea at the Peninsula Beverly Hills (9882 Little Santa Monica Blvd. [310] 551-2888) where tea is served with fresh baked goods and harp music. Daily, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Reservations required. $16-$26.