The Lowdown on high tea - afternoon tea Boston's most civilized ritual

December 30, 2:30 AMBoston Food ExaminerJacqueline Church

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Tea: Photo: KSKrogh

Boston's history with tea is long and storied.

Did you know how many types of afternoon tea you can enjoy in Boston?

From little ducklings offerings for kids under 12, to seriously adult offerings including tea infused with Scotch. Proper British tea and Japanese tea ceremony, how about a tea sommelier to help you make your choices?

Since 1773 tea time has been a Boston tradition. On a cold December night, a small band of colonists threw 340 chests of tea into the Boston Harbour as a sign of protest against “taxation without representation.”

So began Boston's relationship with tea.

What is High Tea?

What is now called "high tea" or more properly "afternoon tea" is a tradition that you should make your own. Read "Welcome to the World of High Tea" for more on the afternoon tea ritual and why we really should call it "afternoon tea."

Here are a sampling of tea services in Boston. If you're in the business of making New Year's Resolutions, why not resolve to enjoy one of the most civilized ways to while away an afternoon?

Tea service generally consists of an assortment of savory sandwiches and sweet pastries. Warm scones with devon cream and lemon curd is nearly always offered.

Boston's Best Teas:

Enjoy one of these  afternoon teas:

The brand new Mandarin Oriental hotel offers tea service in the hotel's lobby. Sit by the fireplace, enjoy original art, and some of the best pastries, the lightest scones, around. Fine china, gracious service in a beautiful room. Sweet and savory offerings in one of two menues incorporating local foods such as cod, lobster, Vermont cheddar and more.

L'Espalier in the same property, offers its own unique spin on afternoon tea with a focus on caviar and cheese.

Boston's hotels - including the Langham (home to the famous chocolate bar), the Taj, the Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons all offer their own unique versions of the traditional British tea service.

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Did you know you can learn about the ancient art of Japanese Tea Ceremony, right in the heart of Boston? The Kaji Aso tea studio offers classes and demonstrations. A very different type of tea ceremony it is an art form that requires years of study to master but still can be enjoyed in one afternoon.