Tea for Three

I dearly love that we have firmly established the Christmas Tea tradition for The Three, generally followed by photo ops around Union Square, although this year's decoration diving opportunities were limited. Union Square, however, was its usual festive merry, and the weather was brisk and bright. Just like us!




The calling card I keep in the brim of my hat (as gentlemen do) had slipped and you can see it wedged against my forehead in this otherwise lovely photo. I'm going to consider this a salute to Minnie Pearl.


We were wait listed three months ago at the Palace Hotel for tea, and never made it off the wait list (from number three, and assured it would't be a problem. humbug.). I hesitate to share our Christmas Tea location as it was so absolutely wonderful and so easy to get into I want to keep it our awesome little secret. But as the mezzanine was nearly empty, I think it's okay to share.

Holiday Tea at the Sir Francis Drake was merry, bright, and superlatively delicious. The teas were superb. The orange tea had some cocoa flakes which really infused the tea remarkably (so, so good), and the Belgian "drinking chocolate" was so rich, creamy, and full of quality chocolaty goodness each taste would render us non-verbal. Except for the moaning. And the ultimate concerns over diabetes and/or heart failure. But so worth it.

And the ambiance was a definite improvement over the Saint Francis, which felt a little cafeteria, and was far too many children for our tastes. At the Sir Francis Drake, we enjoyed a doze, quiet window nestled between the player piano, Christmas tree, and the warm fireplace. Perfect as was the company.



Tea included champagne to start, the signature tea course, and a truly sumptuous array of tea sandwiches, scones, and several trays of desserts.






But none as delicious as we are.




And of course, then came the silly. Ah, tradition….










Then sadly, came the sign that it was all over.




Christmas cheers to you all!