This is my Top5 afternoon tea ideas for Mother's day that I will share with Deborah Moore this morning on AM1470. Mom's special day is right around the corner so don't wait until the last minute to plan something special for her! I decided to look into this a bit early this year so I can have some useful information to share with all of you before it's too late. Actually, to my surprise, for once, I am just a teeny bit ahead. A few of the establishments I contacted have yet to confirm their Mother's Day menu but they've provided some general details and I've included my last visits to all of these spots to give you a clearer picture.
The first three on the list are unique because they offer a special menu made just for Mother's Day but I think you'll be happy with any one of them.
XOXO,
Mimi
1. Fairmont Vancouver - "Tea at the Top"
Mother's Day will be one of the best times to have tea at the Fairmont Vancouver because it's one of the only days that their "rooftop" on the 15th floor is open to the public. With live piano playing in the background, you'll also enjoy a nice view of Vancouver's Downtown core.
Their Mother's Day menu hasn't been confirmed yet but I did attend their Easter "Tea at the Top" and it was $65/person. It was one of the biggest and best afternoon tea sets I've had to date. I would recommend this one for the novelty of the rooftop, and the food quality and selection. Read my last visit to the Fairmont Vancouver here.
Pricing: TBD (their Easter "Tea at the Top" was $65/person)
To reserve: 604-662-1900, email [email protected] and also on OpenTable.
2. Secret Garden Tea Company
Secret Garden is one of the original pioneers of afternoon tea in Vancouver and they now have a brand new location in Kerrisdale, just steps away from their original location. For those who have already been to tea at the Secret Garden, it's a good reason to make a revisit.
A great thing about their menu selection is their option for Gluten-Free tea and their Take Away Tea. Wouldn't it be nice to take mom out for a picnic in the park and share a sweet basket of pre-made goodies? A really nice option for moms who don't like the fuss or for those who want to spend the day outdoors.
Read my last experience of the Secret Garden Takeaway Tea here. (I have since re-visted the new space but have yet to make an individual post. I found the quality this time to be average but since it was priced on the lower end, at $35/set, I'd have to say it was a fair value.)
Pricing: Mother's Day afternoon tea is $42/person. Gluten-Free tea $42. Children's tea $32. Take away tea $36
To reserve: By phone only (not online). Call (604) 261-3070 between 9am and 5pm. 2138 WEST 40TH, VANCOUVER BC
Website link here.
3. TWG Tea
The new-ish TWG tea salon specializes in luxury tea selections and tea-infused foods. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, it's one of the more luxurious tea salons in the city.
They have a huge variety of luxury teas at over 500 and some of the premium ones are rarely seen at other establishments in the city. TWG Tea is a great choice if mom is a tea connoisseur. Their menu is also very extensive as they offer a variety of different tea sets and main dishes. Despite being a global brand, the chef at each location has free reign to curate their own menu according to local tastes and ingredients - which are nothing short of luxurious and decadent, and at a price, of course. Overall, it's positioned at a higher price point than the rest of the others on this list but well worth it for the food quality and top-notch service. (Tea sets alone aren't as expensive as the Fairmont one above. Yet, its on the small side).
For Mother's Day Weekend (Sat/Sun), they are serving only their Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Sets. They have seatings at 9:30am/11:30/1:30/3:30 & 5:30 so it's great for those who need to start later. The price and theme is to be determined but they did divulge that it will be in the $50 range and there's going to be lot's of PINK!
I really like the use of luxurious ingredients in their tea-infused foods. Read my last two visits to TWG Tea: Sakura Tea at TWG, Afternoon Tea at TWG
Pricing: TBD (staff said it should be in the $50 range)
To reserve: Online thru open table. (604) 692-0071, 1070 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2Y2, Website link here
4. Laduree
Laduree is one of my personal favorite for tea houses in Vancouver. The smart branding and flown-in-from-France macarons will really transport you to a sweet little Parisian world while you're there. It also has an extensive gift shop of Laduree products - candles, chocolates, tote bags etc. - so its a great way for you to let mom pick out her own gift. I think she'll be delighted! They have a brand new location inside Holt Renfrew, giving you a chance to shop afterwards in Pacific Centre Mall.
Be the first to try their cocktail and champagne service starting on Mother's Day! They will be unveiling macaron inspired cocktails like the Isaphan - a concoction made with the signature ingredients of lychee and rose - talk about yum! It's sweet and finishes dry, the perfect combo.
They will be offering their full menu on mom's day so there will be plenty to choose from, whether you have a big or small appetite. Their menu is more sweets focused and that's where they really excel. I would recommend going there if mom is into sweets. Read my last visit of Laduree here.
To Reserve: (604) 336-3030, 1141 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B5
5. L'Opera Patisserie
For those in the Richmond area, there is L'Opera Patisserie. They occupy a luxuriously decorated little space on No. 3 Road just a few steps away from Richmond Centre so you can bring mom shopping afterwards.
Their macarons are also one of my favourites in the city. Remember to grab a box before you leave. That way mom can reminisce for the next few days as she enjoys them. Okay, who am I kidding, it won't last that long - get two boxes 🙂
Read my last visit of L'Opera here.
Pricing: Their current Spring Tea set is $48/person
To Reserve: (604) 270-2919, 153-5951 Minoru Blvd, Richmond, British Columbia, BC V6X 4B1
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