Before World Tea Expo started @TeaMoment reached out to see who would like to do a tea lunch at The Tea Room on The Queen Mary in Long beach, CA
It ended up today as a lovely lunch with @TeaMoment, @amodatea and @teaformeplease.
I enjoyed the Windsor Tea – it included 4 different tea sandwiches, scones, and desserts.
Not the most unique tea service, or best, but it was all tasty and the tea was good. There was some confusion whether the tea was Tea Forte or Tazo as the menu seemed indecisive, the flavors seemed better aligned to Tea Forte.
What made the lunch was the company, the location was also pretty.
A few warnings to those planning to visit – the signage is lacking, we got lost two or three times and had to seek help to find the tea room. You need to pay to board the ship, but if you tell the ticket window you have reservations when buying your pass it acts as a food voucher. Last caveat is although it may have once been a grand ship, it does seem to be showing it’s age.
Not surprisingly this location was featured in the current issue of “The Tea House Times” that is being given away at World Tea Expo.
They mention how tea used to be a white glove affair when the ship sailed, sadly it wasn’t that grand now, but still enjoyable.
From the Queen Mary website:
“Enjoy tea time, anytime at the Queen Mary Tea Room. Inspired by authentic British afternoon tea, the Queen Mary Tea Room offers a unique dining experience without the formal setting of traditional tea rooms.
Located next to Diana: Legacy of a Princess, A Royal Exhibition on the Sun Deck, The Tea Room offers dazzling harbor and skyline views in an elegantly casual setting.”
“The Windsor Tea Experience
For a truly British tea experience, there’s nothing more authentic than our Windsor Tea Service. Starting with your own personal pot of gourmet loose leaf tea, the Windsor Tea includes a series of delightful tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones with locally sourced clotted cream and homemade jam, and concludes with a sweet array of petit fours. Deliciously prepared and uniquely displayed, the Windsor Tea offers guests a unique and leisurely dining experience that makes any day a special occasion.
Minimum 2 people for Windsor Tea service – $32/person.”
“In addition to the Windsor Tea experience, the Tea Room also offers a full-service lunch menu consisting of distinctive salads, soups and sandwiches. Enjoy a delicious Chicken & Mango sandwich served on a fresh croissant, or a Shrimp Salad with crispy mixed greens and tossed with green goddess dressing. Cleanse your palate with one of our gourmet teas, sparkling water or sodas, or even indulge in a glass of wine. ”
http://www.queenmary.com/dining-bars/the-tea-room/
