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High Teas In The DC Area  by Victoria Frost

Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
Washington, DC
Reviewed by kiki361@yahoo.com

Visited: December, 1999
Tea: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent. Appearance: Excellent. Comments: Wonderful ambiance and food!

We went with a large group of "girls" and the service was still excellent. A harpist played, the room was pretty and I'd highly recommend.

Jefferson Hotel
1200 16th St. NW (at M Street) Washington, DC   (202) 833-6206

Scones are baked while you wait - they take about 15 minutes - so they come to you hot and fragrant, served with Devon cream and jam. Afternoon tea is served in the cozy bar/lounge, where original letters and other documents written by Thomas Jefferson hang on the paneled walls. Sink into a red-leather chair and relax as you nibble on those scones; tea sandwiches filled with cucumber and cheese, duck pâté, or smoked salmon; and homemade cookies and miniature fruit tarts. You may choose from a selection of 10 to 16 teas. Afternoon tea is served daily from 3:00 to 5:00PM for $21 per person. Dress neatly.

Teaism
400 Eighth St. NW, Washington, DC   (202) 638-6010

Offers a choice of two very different kinds of afternoon teas: the more traditional menu of tea sandwiches, ginger scone, cookies, lime curd tartlets, Swiss chocolates, and a pot of tea; or the Asian menu, which offers you rice balls with pickle and sesame, tea-cured salmon and nori, tofu with ginger, green tea ice cream, mochi, plum truffle, and a pot of tea. Both are delicious, and are served daily from 2:30 to 5:30PM, for $15.00 each. Note: The Lafayette Square branch of Teaism also offers afternoon tea.

Washington National Cathedral
Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues NW, Washington, DC   (202) 537-8993

Tea at the WNC begins with a tour of the world's sixth-largest cathedral, or, in May and September, a choice of either a garden or cathedral tour, winding up on the seventh floor of the West tower, whose arched windows take in a stunning view of the city and beyond to the Sugarloaf Mountains in Maryland. Tea consists of scones and jam; sandwich triangles of egg salad or smoked salmon, or maybe pastry cups of tarragon chicken salad; tiny pastries; and brewed tea. During the school year, you can descend from the tower in time to enjoy evensong services performed at 4:00PM by the Youth Choir. Tea is served every Tuesday and Wednesday at 3:00PM following a 1:30PM tour, for $18 per person. Reserve as far in advance as possible (the cathedral accepts reservations up to 6 months ahead).

Stone House Tea Room
Leesburg, VA   (703) 779-2933

Enjoy a lovely afternoon tea and experience hospitality Old World style. Menu includes finger sandwiches, scones with imported clotted cream, rich and delicate sweets, fresh fruit and a properly brewed pot of tea. Sittings at 12:30PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:30PM. Reservations required, call for pricing and availability.

Oatlands Plantation
Leesburg, VA   (703) 777-3174

Tea served at noon and 2 PM Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through June, except June 14. Reservations are required and must be placed between 9:00AM and 5:00PM on weekdays and only by credit card. $17.95, adults; $8.95, children 8 and younger. Tickets to tour Oatlands may be purchased at the time of the reservation for $5 a person. The carriage house is accessible to the disabled.

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Updated: 05/08/04