Celebrating Birthdays at Royal Park Hotel

My girlfriend, Lori, contacted me awhile back about a date to take me to Afternoon Tea at the Royal Park Hotel for my birthday, and today was the day.  Since our mutual friend, Linda, always celebrates her March birthday while she's in Florida, Lori treated her to tea today too.

[L-R:  Linda, Me, and Lori]

When we arrived the tea hostess, Mary, had our table set with bone china that featured violets - the flower for the month of February.

The Royal Tea includes Sparkling Cider [or champagne] and for a group of our size, a choice of two Mighty Leaf teas.  We chose Pear Caramel [China black tea] and Bleu Peacock [oolong].  Both were good, but my favorite was Pear Caramel, and Mary kept the teapots filled throughout our tea.

The hot Hors d'Oeuvres were Pear-Almond Brie En-Croute and Spanakopita.

The three-tier server was laden with savories, scones, and desserts.

The six tea sandwiches/savories were:  Cucumber with Herb Cream Cheese; Egg Salad Tomato Bruschetta; Roast Beef on a Rosemary Puff Pastry with Cheddar and Horseradish Cream; Hickory Smoked Chicken with Pear Chutney; BLT on Toasted Rye; and Aged Cheddar Cheese Creme Brulee with Orange and Date.

I forgot to take a picture of the English Fruit Scone [currant and raisin], served with Clotted Cream, Lemon Curd, and Preserves.

I didn't take a picture of the pastries either since I boxed them to bring them to my hubby. They were:  Chocolate covered Strawberries, Raspberry Tart, Shortbread Cookie, Slice of Cranberry Orange Bread, Orange Cheesecake Pop, and Dark Chocolate Decadence.  Jerry said they were yummy!

It was a lovely afternoon.  Thank you so much, Lori.  Friendship is the best gift of all!