Afternoon tea traditions and Mother’s Day have long been celebrated hand-in-hand, but the act of sipping tea and nibbling on tiered bite-size creations has certainly risen in popularity in recent years.
As the pandemic continues to alter the ways we celebrate special occasions with friends and family, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts across the country have transitioned their famous afternoon tea programs into COVID-friendly formats. Yes, we can still celebrate mom while indulging in a touch of elegance...you'll just need to do it outside (again) this year if you're planning to have guests.
From a very Instagramable takeout tea tower by Fairmont Hotel Vancouver to a strawberry-centric menu with scenic views at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, here are a few of our favourite afternoon tea offerings from across the country to celebrate Mother’s Day in style.
Fairmont Empress Hotel
In addition to the Victoria hotel’s famous Empress Pekoe Tea iced tea, the Empress Tea To Go box is packed with a variety of housemade sweet and savoury delicacies such as the signature Empress raisin scones, violet almond tarts, white chocolate and lavender ganache macarons, and more. Empress has also created a Children’s Prince or Princess Tea to Go set filled with treats tailored to suit younger travelers.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
The iconic afternoon tea from Notch8 Restaurant is currently available for takeout featuring a unique to-go tea tower that comes complete with a selection of Lot35 teas. Sweet and savoury snacks include Notch8 offerings like sultana and buttermilk scones, tea sandwiches like watermelon radish with lemon butter and sunflower sprouts, and sweets such as the raspberry vanilla waffle cone and the macerated strawberry and cream cheese blini.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
The Spring Afternoon Tea to go from Globe at Fairmont Vancouver Airport features a seasonal menu that includes elevated offerings like lobster and mascarpone pretzel sandwich, truffle egg salad with caviar vol au vent, butter scones, strawberry cheesecake, lavender meringue pops, and more. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free options are available upon request.
Fairmont Palliser
Calgary’s premiere afternoon tea provider, Fairmont Palliser, has transitioned its program into takeout wonderfully with a multi-course Mother's Day feast that includes a variety of finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets, along with a smoked duck breast with beetroot puree, cherry jus, warm mushroom toast, and mascarpone.
Additionally, the Calgary hotel’s tea selection is expansive, ranging from Fairmont’s own Earl Grey and English Breakfast to Ontario ice wine and Japan Sencha Kakagawa.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Along with scenic views of Lac Beauvert and the surrounding Rocky Mountain landscape, the Emerald Patio afternoon tea offers a seasonal menu featuring strawberry-centric items like a ricotta, strawberry and crispy prosciutto crostini, a strawberry and smoked salmon involtini, traditional strawberry-based desserts, and much more.
Reservations for patio dining are recommended.
Fairmont Royal York
Clockwork at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York has created a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea takeout package for two featuring a selection of homemade scones, tea sandwiches, pastries, and tea, including a vanilla bean cream and berry compote scone, a double smoked trout salad sandwich, an Earl Grey crème and orange marmalade choux au craquelin, and Fairmont LOT 35 tea.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
In addition to its Classic Afternoon Tea and Little Prince and Princess Tea packages that come packed with sandwiches, scones, sweets, and more, Zoe’s has created a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea package that includes sandwiches like the seared ahi tuna with sweet and sour carrot, daikon slaw, and cilantro, as well as housemade sweets such as the autumn-spiced white chocolate and red wine macaroon.
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea package will be available on May 8.
