Subscribe to Global-Writes by Email Subscribe to Global-Writes by RSS Canada A Victorian Promise Kept by Jeanne Bartlett Salt Spring Island, BC’s Paradise by Richard Mason Rocky Mountaineer Train Journeys by Melanie Votaw Nova Scotia's Flourishing Wine Industry by Joe Hilbers Vancouver, B.C. Before the Ship Sails by Michelle Winner 1 to 5 of 5

A Victorian Promise Kept

Story by Jeanne Bartlett

In June, 1973, my family and I ventured to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada in our motorhome. My husband and I were on our way to start summer school at Eastern Washington State and decided to take a short trip to visit the Empress Hotel to enjoy their famous afternoon tea service. It was such a delightful memory that when we left on the Evergreen Ferry, my daughter, Diana, and I promised each other that we would come back one day.

Fairmont Empress Hotel

This last September we got the chance to do just that. I told Diana that there was a wine cruise which offered an excursion of that same afternoon tea treat we remembered. We made our reservations on the cruise and the outing, and the reality was everything we remembered and more.

We left the ship and were bussed to downtown Victoria and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. We were escorted to the elegantly-restored Tea Lobby, which had a panoramic view of sparkling waters of Victoria's Inner Harbour. The tables and chairs appeared to be antique with a definite flavor of the Orient, reminding us that tea was the featured beverage. There were eight in our group; some sat on the plush brightly-colored settee, and the rest settled around the table in delicately carved chairs with plush seats.

Signature “Tea at the Empress”

We watched as the signature “Tea at the Empress” was brewed and served by a skilled master of blends. Then the delicious repast began, with luscious strawberries straight from the Cowican Valley and whipped cream so thick you could stand your spoon in it.

The most dramatic moment came when the server brought the silver three-tiered tray laden with our feast. We began our adventure with the bottom layer, which contained the innovative sandwiches: an egg salad croissant, a smoked salmon pinwheel, a mushroom pate crostini, and a delicious mango and curried chicken sandwich. Looking at the two additional levels, we knew we couldn't eat them all but had to make some choices.

Next we discovered the middle level: the freshly-baked raisin scones with our own small jar of strawberry jam and Empress Cream. Now if that wasn't enough, layer number three was comprised of some of the most delicious pastries you could image, creations of award-winning pastry chef, D'Oyen Christie. How could you even choose among the lemon curd and berry tart, rose petal shortbread, green tea cheesecake, chocolate tulip with wild cherry and Battenberg cake? Problem solved, they gave you an attractive box to accommodate all your uneaten goodies. In addition to the container, you also received an elegant commemorative box of Empress Tea as a remembrance of your special day.

You can reserve this experience by contacting the Fairmont Empress Hotel, 721 Government Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, toll free 1-866-540-4429.

© Story by Jeanne Bartlett, 2011

Canada A Victorian Promise Kept by Jeanne Bartlett Salt Spring Island, BC’s Paradise by Richard Mason Rocky Mountaineer Train Journeys by Melanie Votaw Nova Scotia's Flourishing Wine Industry by Joe Hilbers Vancouver, B.C. Before the Ship Sails by Michelle Winner 1 to 5 of 5