Tea Houses & Tea Parties
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Nov 2011
I am hosting a tea party/baby shower for twenty adults and I
need some help catering tea sandwiches and sweets. Does
anyone have a recommendation for someone fabulous in the
Berkeley hills area? Creativity with vegetarian items would
be a huge plus! Thanks so much! Well intentioned, but in a
cast
Best kept secret ... The Culinary Arts Dept at Contra Costa
College! They did a wonderful menu for our Moms Group! We
had our event there but, they will also do onsite catering
or you can pick up and present it yourself they are ....
VERY Reasonable for great quality!
Whole Foods also has a menu online that you can check out. I
believe they make everything and then you pick up and
present it yourself cost is more expensive than above
option. Love Hosting Teas!
I have just the place for you - The Arlington in Kensington
(not far from the Berkeley Hills) We used them for our son's
birthday party last month. They did a fabulous job with the
sandwiches (loved the veggie aaram sandwiches), treats
(brownies, cookies and lemon bars) and coffee (and yes, they
do tea!) It was all vegetarian and very yummy! They have a
ctering menu on their website but if you go in person, they
will show you pictures. Highly recommend you check them out.
Have a fun party! Shilpa
Jan 2011
Would like to order pastries for a tea party. Any
recommendations for local bakers?
Susan
I heartily recommend Joan's Scones for delicious, freshly
baked items such as scones, muffins, pies and cupcakes. She
also does gluten-free, egg-free and dairy free options and
uses organic ingred. Everything tastes homeade. Her number
is 510 563-9396. Jane
For a delightful, inventive and healthy tea party I would
contact Jennifer at www.eatmyloveforyou.com Her email is
info@eatmyloveforyou.com and her phone is 510-280-4091.
Eileen
Oct 2007
Looking for recommendations for a child friendly Christmas tea to take my
6 year old to in either San Francisco or the East Bay.
Thanks!
A lot of the fancy San Francisco hotels do an afternoon tea, and
some of them, e.g., Sheraton Palace, Ritz, do one or two
specifically for children. They tend to be pretty expensive, but if
you want a fancy holiday treat in the City, it can be a lot of fun
(and the cable car goes from the BART station right to the Ritz if
you get off at the Embarcadero station).
That having been said, if that's a little pricey or too fancy for
your tastes, Englunds Tea Cottage here in Clayton serves afternoon
tea as well, and they have an area in one corner specifically geared
towards childrens' teas, if your 6-year old would like to bring a
friend. It has a lower table and chairs, a dress up box, and the
tea lady will come and read them a story. Lovely place, good food,
nice people.
Have fun! (And feel free to email me back if you'd like company at
Englunds I have a 6-year old daughter also and live close by!)
Denisen
Dunsmuir house in Oakland does a christmas tea for children.
Molly
June 2007
I would love to have all the fixings (tea sandwiches, savories, fruit,
pastries, etc.)
without the tea for my daughter's 3rd birthday. Anybody know any caterers
who
provide tea party food?
Loves tea parties
I would definitely contact Patisserie Lafayette:
http://www.patisserielafayette.com
They just bought the tea house in Lafayette, about a block away, plus they did all the
baked goods for the tea house before they owned it anyway. They do their own kids' tea
parties, but I'd bet they'd cater one. Here is the a link to a tearoom site that has
info on the Patisserie tearoom:
http://www.teamap.com/tearooms/patisserie_lafayettes_maison_de_the_2435.html
I used to be an event coordinator and one of my corporate clients had a yearly event for their VIPs
and families where they would have a party before seeing a play. While tea usually wasn't served, they
had tea sandwiches, etc. The caterer did a fantastic job on the food and presentation, and it appealed
to both adults and children. The caterer was LeftCoast Catering out of SF: www.leftcoastcaterint.com
anon
May 2006
Not too many recent reviews on tea houses in the bay area, so I'm
checking in with you all. Requirements:
-on the cheaper side (less than $20 or $25 per person, hopefully)
so the Ritz and the Palace Hotel are out
-prefer east bay, but am already familiar with Captain's Cottage
(Pinole), Webster House (Alameda)
-Also curious for recent visits/reviews on Love Joy's and Secret
Garden Tea House in SF
**Want to celebrate my birthday and baby two all at once, so send
me those recs!! Thanks in advance. :)
mss
You might check out Tal-Y-Tara in SF. I haven't been there
myself, but have heard really great things about this tea house.
It doubles as an equestrian shop... http://www.talytara.com/
anon
I haven't been here but want to try
the Camellia Tea Room in Benicia, it sounds really nice
http://www.camelliatearoom.com/menupage.html
Also Lisa's Tea Treasures in Lafayette, 925-283-2226 is now
called Lafayette Circle Cafe. I haven't been there since the
change of name/ownership, but it used to be very good.
Deborah
I haven't been to Lovejoy's in over a year, (I used to frequent the place quite often)but I
have always enjoyed myself there.It's not cheap, but much better priced and much
more fun and relaxed than the ''Fancy Hotels'' Do you know about teamuse.com? They
have a teamap which lists and rates tea shops all over the US. I looked up a few when I
travelled back East a Summer ago and it was very helpful. Wish I was celebrating my
birthday at Lovejoy's!
Hildy
My friends hosted my baby shower at Lovejoys - I am not sure
how expensive but I can't imagine it was too bad. We all loved
it and all traveled from the East bay to SF for the shower
which wasn't bad (the travel). The food was great and
atmosphere very cute. It's smallish but we didn't feel rushed
out or anything. I would definitely recommend it.
Lara
Lovejoy's is lovely and has tea ''packages'' at a variety of
prices.
I love tea time! I enjoy going to the Ritz for a special occasion but, as you say, it's
certainly on the pricier side. One of my favorite spots is Samovar in San Francisco. I
had my baby shower there and loved it. My friends arranged it with one of the
owners, Karter, and he couldn't have been nicer. Note: they charge a lot to reserve
a special table but I would just let them know ahead of time that you can't pay that
but would like to have the gathering there anyway and want to know if they are still
willing to plan things out ahead of time. They'll probably just tell you to show up
without a reservation and if you have a big group it might make sense to do so at a
time they suggest is less busy to make sure you get a good spot. I really love both
the food and the tea there and the atmosphere is really nice. They are in the Castro
but have recently opened up a second spot at the Yerba Buena Center which might
make an easier trip from the East Bay because it's so close to the BART.
http://www.samovartea.com/
Have a great time wherever you go!
Anon
December 2003
Our highly spirited 25 month old daughter is attending a couple
of teas this holiday season.She will be atttending one at the
Palace Hotel and the other at the Ritz-Carlton.I have some
questions like how formal should one's attire be?Also do we
bring a favorite Teddy Bear or are we bringing one to donate or
both? Was it a fun expierence?Is this too young? I would really
appreciate any feedback from those who have attended in the past.
Thank you.
anon
We go to the Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz every year. Many girls
are quite formal in velvet dresses and others (like my
daughter) wear leggings and a comfortable top. I usually wear
black slacks and a nice sweater. If your daughter enjoys
dressing up this is a great venue but she doesn't have to. They
supply the bear.
Ann
June 2003
I've read the archives on this and the most recent posting is
from 99. I'm putting together a small baby shower for my sister-
in-law who is pregnant with her fifth and last child - at least
that's what she keeps saying:). I'd like recommendations for a
nice affordable place to have a high tea that is not in San
Francisco. Does anyone know of one in Contra Costa? Lafayette,
Orinda, Walnut Creek? Berkeley?
Thanks.
EA
The Captain's Tearoom in Hercules is a wonderful place for high-
tea. They have 1 private room that seats possibly up to 15 or
so, and 2 other rooms that will suit smaller parties, or larger.
My friends took me there for my 50th birthday and it was so
wonderful.
I don't have the number. I believe it's on San Pablo avenue in
Hercules.
Have fun,
June
Note from Myriam:
I think that this is The Captain's Cottage in Pinole. Their
phone number is: 724-1470
There's a tea room in Lafayette, on Lafayette Circle, behind
Petar's. It's called Lisa's Tea Room. It's a little house that's
been converted into a tea room, very quaint decorations, nice
linens, & a fun time! Sorry don't have the number handy but
PacBell should!
Christina
Note from Myriam: I think this is Lisa's Tea Treasures. Phone number
is: 925/283-2226
Lisa's Tea Treasures in Lafayette and Webster House B and B in
Alameda are both really nice
Deborah
There is a lovely place in Lafayette - Lisa's Tea House - that
does nothing but TEA!! It is in a lovely old home away from the
busy street. It would be perfect for your multi-generational
party. Here is a link to a review, with pictures -
http://www.teamuse.com/article_011102.html
Lisa
I have been to Lisa's Tea Treasures in Campbell for a baby
shower and it was wonderful. We had finger sandwiches, and tea
and cookies. There is also one in Lafayette, although I have
never been to that one.
barbara
Try calling Captain's Cottage on old Pinole - 724-1470. I am
not sure if they do ''High Tea'' but several people have told me
it is very nice. It is located inside an old victorian home on
San Pablo Avenue and I know they do parties because my cousin
had a small kid's tea party there for her b-day.
Kerri
Check out Lisa's Tea Room in Lafayette. It's cozy and has a
great selection of teas and sandwiches.
Whitney
A few years ago, one of my friends had a small bridal
shower at the Webster House Bed and Breakfast Inn in
Alameda (1238 Versailles Ave, 510-523-9697). There were
maybe 12 or so of us, and we had a very nice tea with
sandwiches, pastries, etc. on the deck behind the
house--nicer, in fact, than some of the teas I've had in
London or Victoria, BC. I don't know what their prices are
like, but definitely worth a call to find out.
Lianna
We are big tea house mavens, even having flown up to Victoria,
Canada to the Empress hotel for a weekend high tea. Ergo, we
have done all of the East Bay (and SF) tearooms. The best
tearoom in the East Bay is Camelia tearoom in Benecia (really
only a 25, 30 minute drive). Their food is much better than
either the Captain's Table in Pinole (the slowest service on the
planet--2 1/2 hours to get all of our food) and Lisa's in
Lafayette (albeit Lisa's is cute, although a different layout--a
lot of little cozy rooms as oppposed to the one medium-sized room
at Camelia).
In SF, the Palace hotel serves the best tea.
Ready to don my hat and gloves at a moment's notice.
Finger Sandwich Lover
August 1999
Does anyone know of an appropriate place to take a 4-year old for a
traditional British tea, preferably in the East Bay? I don't think she
is ready for the Fairmont's high tea so I was looking for someplace to
practice. Thanks! -Allison
Lovejoys Antiques & Tea Room is in San Francisco, but is an absolutely
wonderful environment for people of all ages. My 10-year-old had her
birthday party there. It's small, informal or formal (whatever you feel
like), and delicious. It runs $10 per person for high tea in a group. The
woman who runs it is equally wonderful. It's on Church St. at 24th in San
Francisco. The only East Bay place I know of is in Lafayette (forget the
name). It's more straight-laced English (with the aprons and environment)
but not as child friendly and more expensive. Lovejoys was a great find,
and very worth every penny. While we were there, a party of elderly women
who all dressed up with hats and gloves were enjoying tea, a younger party
of women were having a baby shower in the corner, two couples dressed in
jeans, and our group which came in shorts and dresses both. They have a
large menu and their house tea is incredible. They know how to please
youngsters. I recommend it highly for everyone.
Tamara
If you're willing to venture into SF, try Lovejoy's at 24th Street and
Church (Noe Valley). It's set up with couches, tea tables, etc; is very
low key; offers a "wee tea" (tea or cocoa, cream cheese and jelly
sandwiches, etc, for about $6.00), and is generally a comfy place to go
(though not much room to run around). Bart goes to Mission and 24th; you
can walk from there, but as it's very uphill, I'd suggest just hopping
on a bus that goes along 24th street. And it's a good kid place, with
children's stores, book stores, and a little park perfect for toddlers
at Douglass or Diamond (I forget which) and 24th.
Wendy
I would recommend the Webster House in Alameda for a nice tea. Also the Ardenwood
Historical Farm in Fremont has teas in, I think but am not certain, spring and
definitly in December. The Dunsmuir House in Oakland hosts 3 weekends of teas
in December, that I would recommend as well. Last December, I went to a holiday
tea at an eastbay church which was just lovely. I attended a lovely mother's day
tea at the UC Botanical Garden's two years ago that I would highly recommend, too.
My favorite cozy tea house is Lovejoy's in the Noe in San Francisco. It is a very
relaxing place that is both an antique shop and tea house. The tea and all matter
of accompaniment is delicious. The china is mismatched which is very charming. It
is very easy to get to from the East Bay, by taking BART and transferring to the N
Church Muni line once in SF. Lovejoy's is on Church just north of the intersection
with 24th.
There's a woman in Orinda who runs an antique shop who I have heard teaches seminars
on tea and hosts actual teas at I believe the Orinda Community Center. (I know this
is vague.)
Chez Panisse is supposed to be good, but what I've read doesn't indicate that it
is "British."
A very reliable source recommends Chai in Larkspur (Marin County) which is easy
to get to via the Richmond/San Rafael bridge.
There are guidebooks and resources on the internet about tea & tea houses in
Northern California.
for a couple check out:
http://www.metroactive.com/dining/sanfran/tea-rooms.html
http://www.travelguides.com/inns/full/CA/7498.html
For Asian teas which are fun in the East Bay I pesonally recommend: Tin's in
Oakland for dim sum, Ochame in Berkeley, and the new Far Leaves which is fun
and way, way cool! Of course I just love the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate
Park which by the way is the birthplace of the fortune cookie!
Please don't let my suggestions limit you. I consider myself to be an
intermediate tea enthusiast. Check out some Northern California travel
guidebooks, telephone books, and whatever else you can think of. Ask friends.
Also, I am looking for new places to take tea and would love more ideas
& recommendations.
http://outland.cyberwar.com/~opisica/teatime.htm
http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Food/Drink/Tea/
directions to Lovejoy's Tea from East Bay
Take BART to SF; transfer to MUNI J Church (there's no such thing
as an "N Church".) Get off at 24th. Lovejoy's is on the east side of
the street in sight of the platform.
Have fun!
Holliday
For tea, I would call Lovejoy's in SF and ask if they have an East Bay store
(or could make an EB recommendation). If you want tea in SF, Lovejoy's is
at 24th and Church in Noe Valley.
Eric
Last year I found, quite by accident, a place for tea in Niles,
the little community west of Fremont. Actually, it is an antique shop
that also serves tea. As I recall, it did serve sandwiches in addition to
desserts. My then 8 year old niece was with us and no one seemed to mind.
I'm afraid I don't remember the name, but it won't be hard to find since
it is on the (historical) main street in Niles across from the train
tracks. The other interesting thing about Niles (which all of you
probably know already) is that this area was considered the original
"Hollywood". Several of Charlie Chaplin's (and others) films were made
there. In fact, every year they have a Charlie Chaplin festival of some
sort. Anyway, this might be a good place to practice. In addition to
having tea, you can walk off the wonderful desserts by going in and out of
the shops and checking out the small railroad museum. Enjoy!
Jeanette
I saw the previous postings about tea places and just wanted to
add some details. I'm a tea fanatic! I recommend the following:
Lisa's Tea Treasures in Lafayette, 925-283-2226
Webster House in Alameda, 510-523-9697
Chai of Larkspur, 415-945-7161
Ardenwood Historic Farm (East Bay Regional Park) in Fremont
has two tea events coming up:
Saturday, Sept. 11th "Victorian Tea and Fashions:
Saturday, Sept. 18th "Melodrama Tea"
For some reason, the flyer I have lists two different
phone numbers for these: 510-797-3161 for the 11th and
510-636-1684 for the 18th.
Susan Leech in Orinda does workshops and tea parties
on "Taking Tea in the English Manner". Her number is
925-254-2206
The Sheraton Palace in S.F. is also fantastic! I've been
several times and can't wait to take my kids for the Prince
and Princess tea. Each child gets a crown and a "scepter"
(huge spiral lollipop).
Lastly, I don't recommend the Dunsmuir House teas. The
building and grounds are lovely, especially at Christmastime,
but the tea was very expensive and skimpy.
Sharon
Try Captain's Cottage in Old Town Pinole on San Pablo Ave. I haven't been
inside yet but it looks charming, quiet and appropriate for a young
lady. Tea is served during specific hours only. I missed the Saturday tea
time by a few minutes so call ahead before you go.
Sharon
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