Celebrating the process of making chocolate, the Dallas Arboretum hosted a special "chocolate tea."
A formal, afternoon 3 course tea, the service and dinnerware was elegant and understated. The relaxing atmosphere provided by the arboretum ensured an enjoyable afternoon of quiet conversation with table companions. The food, while good, was overshadowed by the teas, which were unimpressive and at times down right nasty, having been allowed to steep way too long .
For Becky's review, see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=10/2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
Tea Event: Breast Cancer Awareness Tea
Tea is always an excellent way to take time to visit with friends and a tea with a mission is doubly sweet. August found Becky and I at the ninth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Tea in Fort Worth.
The website had specified “Sunday best” but we were little prepared for the glamor of our fellow tea go-ers. As we walked into the Marriott, we were treated to a vision of hats, gloves, and pearls. After registering, we were directed to a silent auction with items ranging from beautiful gift baskets to adorable pink earrings. For those less comfortable with the uncertainy of an auction, there was the “Pink Store” with various small items available for purchase.
Soon it was time to find our way to our table which turned out to be another adventure in and of itself! Each table had a unique theme and we flitted from table to table taking them all in - tiny fairy statues, tropical Hawain foliage with leias, Indian elephants (complete with everyone wearing saris), Asian plates complete with name cards in Chinese and chopsticks, cowboy boots, whimiscial hat boxes with tea pouring from the top, beach ball center piece with chocolate shell candies, and even a disco themed table complete with disco ball.
Even more amazing than the tables were the hats. Becky and I stared in awe at the varied confections perched high atop the lovely heads of their owners, ranging from simple elegant pieces to daring constructions, like the winner of the Dare-to-Wear category, a riot of yellow carnations and organza with a tiny yellow hat perched at the very top (or my personal favorite - a beautiful chinese latern made into a hat).
After tea was served, the program consisted of a slide show tribute, pink roses presented to breast cancer survivors, an informative medical lecture on inflammatory Breast Cancer, an inspiring talk from the found of Men Against Breast Cancer, and a live auction that included some lively bidding for such high-dollar items as tickets to a Cowboy’s game.
The entire experience was one of education, elegance and fun, pulled together with a polish and surety that made attendance a pleasure. As we drove away, we were animatedly discussing what we had learned and how we might try to host a table next year. How about travel?
The website had specified “Sunday best” but we were little prepared for the glamor of our fellow tea go-ers. As we walked into the Marriott, we were treated to a vision of hats, gloves, and pearls. After registering, we were directed to a silent auction with items ranging from beautiful gift baskets to adorable pink earrings. For those less comfortable with the uncertainy of an auction, there was the “Pink Store” with various small items available for purchase.
Soon it was time to find our way to our table which turned out to be another adventure in and of itself! Each table had a unique theme and we flitted from table to table taking them all in - tiny fairy statues, tropical Hawain foliage with leias, Indian elephants (complete with everyone wearing saris), Asian plates complete with name cards in Chinese and chopsticks, cowboy boots, whimiscial hat boxes with tea pouring from the top, beach ball center piece with chocolate shell candies, and even a disco themed table complete with disco ball.
Even more amazing than the tables were the hats. Becky and I stared in awe at the varied confections perched high atop the lovely heads of their owners, ranging from simple elegant pieces to daring constructions, like the winner of the Dare-to-Wear category, a riot of yellow carnations and organza with a tiny yellow hat perched at the very top (or my personal favorite - a beautiful chinese latern made into a hat).
After tea was served, the program consisted of a slide show tribute, pink roses presented to breast cancer survivors, an informative medical lecture on inflammatory Breast Cancer, an inspiring talk from the found of Men Against Breast Cancer, and a live auction that included some lively bidding for such high-dollar items as tickets to a Cowboy’s game.
The entire experience was one of education, elegance and fun, pulled together with a polish and surety that made attendance a pleasure. As we drove away, we were animatedly discussing what we had learned and how we might try to host a table next year. How about travel?
Tea Room Review: Adolphus Tea
With a reputation for the "most elegant tea in Dallas", the Adolphus had quite a lot to live up to. Fortunately, and thanks to their excellent tea captain Michele, it did.
Four courses of lovely food were served, accompanied by live piano music. The atmosphere was quiet, peaceful, and most of all elegant. The tea menu was likewise well-appointed with a large number of choices of loose leaf tea, which were difficult to decide between. Thank goodness for Michele who was able to provide impeccable recommendations for every course.
Well worth the price tag, the tea at the Adolphus has certainly earned it's reputation as one of the best teas in Dallas.
For Becky's review, see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=09/2007
Four courses of lovely food were served, accompanied by live piano music. The atmosphere was quiet, peaceful, and most of all elegant. The tea menu was likewise well-appointed with a large number of choices of loose leaf tea, which were difficult to decide between. Thank goodness for Michele who was able to provide impeccable recommendations for every course.
Well worth the price tag, the tea at the Adolphus has certainly earned it's reputation as one of the best teas in Dallas.
For Becky's review, see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=09/2007
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