Boston Eats: Afternoon Tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel

I feel so lucky to have attended afternoon tea once a month since March!  It's my sort of meal...drawn-out, warm, comforting, and a time to just sit and enjoy a friend's company. 

So happy to be at tea!  

(and can you believe those gorgeous Heidi braids?  Things I wish I could?  That.)

Afternoon Tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel

Served every day from 2:30 to 4 pm; reservations recommended (afternoon tea menu here)

Ambiance - The restaurant is right on the deck next to the harbor, making it a bright and open space, even on overcast days.  You do share a space with other diners having a regular meal, but given the 2:30 - 4 pm time frame, there are usually very few people around.   Truly, it's a quiet place to sit and enjoy tea.  It is louder on the weekends, but not so loud that you can't hear your dining companions.

Waitstaff - Our waiter was lovely and attentive. 

Savory - The grilled cheese with ham is surprisingly good served at room temperature.  I love their salmon, and the puff pastry is delicious.

Sweet - Chocolate-covered strawberries are kind of a mess to eat, but otherwise I loved the desserts.  The chocolate pearls, the apricot custard, the key lime pie---all wonderful.

Scones, clotted cream, and jam - While their scones aren't served warm and kept warm, they are quite servicable.  Jam, honey, and marmalade are all offered, as well as a devonshire-style cream. 

Tea quality - The english breakfast is traditional and served loose; the waiter specified to wait a few minutes until we poured our tea, but I would prefer if they actually timed the steeping and came back to serve it to avoid the bitter taste of over-steeped tea...but that said, when you're adding milk and sugar, it doesn't matter quite as much.  (If you're the person that really likes the nuances of teas, L'Espalier is the place for you)

Cost - $39 per person

Overall - This is my favorite place to get tea on Mondays and Tuesdays, and it ties with the Boston Public Library for Wednesday through Friday teas.  It's traditional, quiet, and the setting is just gorgeous.  Bonus points are awarded for the proximity to the water and potential for a gorgeous post-tea walk.