tea fit for a queen

when i was in london for the better part of last december, i had the pleasure of attending high tea at the dorchestor. it everything i've always imagined and more. i'm a big fan of tea as it is, all kinds, and i loved it that much more when it was served by a highly trained professional in a spiffy tuxedo from gorgeous china. it was the most heavenly, fragrant tropical green tea i've ever tasted with hints of coconut. we sat in these plush, velvety loveseats trimmed in gold paint, and what topped it all off were the finger sandwiches that came with the tea. there were 5 different types of sandwiches and they were so original and delicious, combinations of things you have never heard of in sandwiches. i tried to remember them all so i could replicate them but sadly my memory fails me yet again. nevertheless, it was an exquisite experience.

"On the surface, Los Angeles wouldn't seem the most hospitable location for upholding English customs- our weather is too pleasant, our teeth are too impeccable. But imports we do- from Charlie Chaplin to Bentleys, polo grounds to soccer pubs. Even the Playboy Mansion is mock Tudor..."

and now you can have the same thing in the city of angels! while perusing Los Angeles Magazine, i found an article about afternoon tea and just about squealed in delight.

1. Montage Beverly Hills (225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-860-7800)

highlights: handpainted china, dainties on a 3-tiered caddy with seasonal menus, homemade jam, and a 7-page tea selection

decor: Lobby lounge, lush and luxuriant in shades of gold

recommendation: Montage blend, with pomegranate, rose, orange ppel, and more, its sweet enough on it's own

price: daily 2:30-5:30, $28

2. Royal/T (8910 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310-559-6300)

highlights: quiche and miso-marinated chicken sandwiches, tea stays piping hot in clear plastic double walled teapots, also offered iced with shots of peach syrup (yum!)

decor: gallery and playful homage to the eccentricities of Tokyo's "maid cafes", waitresses in chocolate maid uniforms, eclectic art collection

recommendation: the Royal/T- infusions of black tea, rose petals, vanilla, and fruit, brewed with soy milk

price: Tues-Sun $19.50

3. Scarlet Tea Room (18 W. Green St., Pasadena, 626-577-0051)

highlights: 5 course tea- begins with seed-flecked strawberry sorbet, continues with exotic sandwiches (chopped mushroom and citrus, fig and goat cheese), lemon curd and jam accompany the scones

decor: colorful chandeliers and beige fabric-covered walls

recommendation: the scarlet cream

price: Tues-Sun, $32

4. Patisserie at the SLS Hotel (The Bazaar, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd, L.A., 310-246-5555)

highlights: chef Jose Andres and pastry chef Michael Gillet's creations, including but not limited to, cones of salmon roe are suspended in plexiglas

decor: Alice in Wonderland- meets disco- meets hunting lodge

recommendation: foie gras sandwiches and beet meringues filled with whipped goat chese are presented on black slate with other dollhouse marvels

price: Fri-Sun, $26

5. Jin Patisserie (1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, 310-399-8801)

highlights: homemade chocolates and delightful desserts, marscapone, passion fruit, and fresh mango all on one teeny cake! teas from the french (j'adore) teahouse Theodor are listed in a dense booklet

decor: outdoors! the pebble fountain flanked by succulents that gurgles in the courtyard, New Age music, a zen-like state

recommendation: ask the staff what's popular with the patrons

price: Tue-Sun, $19

helpful hint: locals crowd the place on weekends and don't dress up, so blend in accordingly!