No tea travel to British Columbia is complete without visiting Butchart Gardens. Of course, the almost miraculous transformation of what was once a barren quarry to this slice of epic landscaped heaven is the main attraction, but there’s a special place in my heart for their afternoon tea. It’s only served in the Spring and Summer. You can visit the gardens all year long, but the spring and summer are the best times to see the gardens in full bloom.

You must first buy admission into the gardens themselves, then you’re off to a delicious adventure. The dining room in housed in the old quarters where the Butchart family once lived. Jennie Butchart was the visionary who transformed her garden and the former mansion is nothing to sneeze at either.

The tea room is set in a charming solarium with incredible views of her private garden.

(Thank you to the wonderful General Manager, who allowed me to take a few shots after hours)

I chose Earl Gray for my tea, because I just can’t stop myself when I smell Bergamot. The Bergamot orange looks more like a fat lemon. Grown in Italy, France and Turkey, it’s the oil from the skin that flavors the tea. It’s been studied  for it’s neuroprotective properties. But the data is still new and drinking Earl Grey tea, while known to be a great pick-me up, most likely won’t help with neurological disorders. But in the future? Many medicines are made from natural sources, so who knows?

Let’s not forget the goodies. Of Note:  Berry Trifle, Maple ham on a cheddar scone, and chocolate Baily’s cream truffle. The sausage and Gruyere cheese quiche, pictured below, look at how flaky the crust is, which in my mind is a must for a good quiche:

You can find the entire menu on the website at:

http://www.butchartgardens.com/dining/experience

Also Try: “The Dining Room has been praised for an innovative pairing of wines with The 2011 TASTE Wine List Award for Best Showcase of Island Wines, recognizing a wine list that best showcased the wines of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.”

From the moment you arrive in Victoria B.C., and pull into arguably one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, you are treated to the breathtaking aura that is one of the most popular tea spots in the world. From the practical ferries, to the tall masted schooners, to the little water taxis, this working harbor shuffles millions of visitors per year to this Eden-like town.

And one of the jewels in the crown that is Victoria, is the Empress Hotel, with it’s world famous Tea Room where afternoon high-tea is so highly regarded, it’s practically a sin to stop in Victoria and not experience it. 

The first time I luxuriated in the ritual was when I was a teen. Nearly four decades later on a family vacation I was excited to be back, bathed in the warmth of the rich chintz and hand carved wood furniture, antique rugs and crisp linens and deep velvet.

After tea, a walk around the lobby is a must. There’s a tea shop right across the way with exquisite gifts and unique items. My favorite were the tea cup sets you may buy separately by the piece so you can walk out with several patterns to liven your collection.

For more information, click on the link below.

http://www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria/dining/afternoontea/

It’s thick, creamy, ice cold and yummy. And very sweet. Bubble teas are spreading around the world  because they are a great pick-me-up with less caffeine than coffee drinks and the tea adds antioxidants. But they are high-caloric and packed with sugar.  This delicious mango/green tea I sampled in a British Columbia mall, was exquisite.

SO WHAT ARE THOSE BLACK THINGS ANYWAY?

Call it wild, but those large black roe-like objects are the bubbles in bubble tea.  Little black gummy spheres of tasteless tapioca. Bubble teas originated in Taiwan and there’s really no rhyme or reason for them being there but they are fun. Be careful sipping, the straws are large to ensure they can slip through, so you can get the full gooey bite, but if you aren’t careful, you can inhale one.

Bubble tea is fun but personally, I think the tapioca is a nuisance. And no, you can’t order it without them. Next time, I’ll opt for a smoothie. And in case you’re wondering yes we sell it in our SHOP because some people love it and it really is a matter of taste preference.