It’s a standing tradition anytime I’m back in California, I take my baby sister out for some afternoon tea. It was a special little ritual I started with her back in 2013, when I returned to California from Korea for the first time. Granted I’m not able to make the trip back as often as I like, but when I do it’s definitely something we both look forward to.
Tea Rose Garden in Pasadena has always been our go to tea house, with the exception of one year when they were in the process of moving locations. This time I got to check out the new location with her and it was beautiful!
Their old location was colorful, cozy and basically a tea house situated inside a flower shop. I loved it because it was so unique and intimate. The new location is just as beautiful, but this time they went for a more elegant look and feel, with a much needed space upgrade.
The inside is adorned with tall white pillars, fountains, twinkling lights, an assortment of potted plants and shrubs and sparking chandeliers. It’s a bit like having tea inside and outside at the same time. The tables are covered with white linens and decorated with delicate teapots filled with fresh flowers. The entire space is a balance of lovely ornate trinkets and vibrant flowers. It’s like falling into Downton Abbey.
Like the new space, the items on the menu have also changed a bit. My sister and I ordered our usual Rose Afternoon Tea set which comes with six finger sandwiches and a scone of our choosing. This time we tried their cranberry chicken, spicy salmon tempter and cucumber mint sandwiches along with an orange cranberry scone. We were also served three little tea cakes, a chocolate dipped coconut macaroon, fresh fruits and a spring petal salad.
The presentation was lovely and everything was as delicious as I remembered it. The only disappointment was the spicy salmon tempter sandwich, which tasted a bit too fishy for afternoon tea. The salmon cream cheese sandwich they had before was a much better fit.
Other than that, everything was perfect. The tea selection was just as extensive as before, but we always opt for some sort of black tea to have with milk. We are yet to be disappointed by the fragrant aromas and delicate flavor of our selections.
As always, it was a wonderful afternoon of catching up with my baby sister who was finishing up high school and getting ready to attend university. The ambiance was so calm, lovely and really made us feel like proper ladies of society. What can I say? Sometimes a girl just needs to feel fancy.
- Hours
- 10:00am~5:00pm, Everyday
- Address
- 70 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
- Phone
- 626-578-1144
- Website
It looks great. Never seen a fruit tier before, it’s a nice touch.
Yes! It really adds some color to the whole presentation ^^