January 27, 2023

Valentine’s Day Tea

Valentine’s Day tea has become a fun tradition for the ladies in my family. It started when my daughter was 2 years-old. Since then my daughter, mother-in-law and I have been going to afternoon tea every year to celebrate Valentine’s day.

Galentine's DAy Tea

I know most of you will be celebrating Valentine’s Day this week, but Galentine’s Day is catching on. I’m seeing more and more ladies taking time to celebrate with their girls, and I’m here for it.

Whether you’re dating or in a long term relationship I still think it’s important to make time for your girls.

I’ve celebrated Galentine’s Day with my friends, but I I decided that a Valentine’s Day afternoon tea party would be the perfect way to celebrate with my mother-in-love and my daughter.

Valentine's Day Tea at Lavendou

We went to Lavendou for French high tea. Now Lavendou is located in a shopping plaza that includes a Condom Sense, but don’t let that deter you. This French Bistro is unassuming from the outside, but once you step inside, you are transported to Provence.

You will find exposed brick walls, and tables draped in Pierre Deux table cloths of royal blue, sunflower yellow, and red gingham. It is very shabby chic.

We were greeted and seated by a gentleman with a thick French accent, who we later learned is the owner and manager, Pascal. It could all be in my head, but somehow Pascal’s accent lent a greater authenticity to the experience.

Although the restaurant was busy with a number of patrons enjoying high tea, a bridal, and a baby shower, the staff was very attentive.

If you are a tea lover, this is the place to visit. Lavendou offers a dozen different teas for you to enjoy, including blacks, greens, oolongs, and a Darjeeling. We opted for the Hibiscus aux Framboises, which is a wild berry hibiscus tea with hints of Valencia orange. The tea was fragrant and had a lush fruit flavor. Our tea service also came with English Breakfast tea.

What to serve at Valentine's Day Tea

We were presented with a three-tiered tower of yummy goodness. The first tier had freshly prepared finger sandwiches filled with cucumber salad, chicken salad, and a cream cheese sandwich made with a nutty tea bread.

The second tier had scones accompanied by raspberry preserves, whipped butter, and clotted cream.

The final tier had an assortment of freshly prepared fruit tarts and tea pastries.

Lavendou has tea services Monday – Saturday from 11:30 am- 4 pm and reservations are highly recommended.

Although high tea is usually associated with the British, after visiting Lavendou, the French are definitely contenders.

Whether or not you have a special someone to celebrate Valentine’s Day with, make sure you take some time to celebrate Galentine’s Day too.