Sunday's Child

Tea Cups and Saucers

No, it wasn't Disneyland, it was the Secret Garden Tea Company in Vancouver. Our generous friend, Carol, treated Sue and me to gift certificates for "high tea" at a cozy little tea shop in the heart of Kerrisdale. We were joined by Doris, Ruth and Avril. As its name implies, the restaurant specializes in teas from around the world.

We spent the first few minutes of our visit perusing the tea menu. Each person chose the type of tea she fancied. I chose creamy Earl Grey, and let me tell you -- it was yummy times two. The piping hot cuppa was simply the best tea I've had since giving birth to my second child 24 years ago (there are certain circumstances that make even the blandest cup of tea special – child birth is one of them).

Anyway, the five of us sat at our table and enjoyed one another's company as well as our ensemble of high tea goodies. The bottom dish of the three-tiered rack held savoury morsels (mini croissants stuffed with roasted red pepper and slices of Havarti cheese, miniature cheese scones topped with bocconini cheese and tomatoes). The middle plate was filled with sweeter fare (sugared scones, blueberry loaf slices, and tiny dishes of clotted cream and raspberry jam). The top plate was elegantly appointed with diet-breaking desserts (pumpkin mousse slices, caramel éclairs and lemon tarts).

Now it's back to reality. Monday morning is nigh; the demands of another busy work-week are but hours away. Sigh. Perhaps it's time for another cup of tea.