The city of Montreal resonates with a strong cultural presence and a superb culinary scene with European flair and sophistication. Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth situated at the heart of Montreal, where French and English meets, offers magnificent attention to detail to guests. One item that truly stands out is Afternoon Tea in Le Montréalais Bistro Bar.
Last month, I was joined by my mum for a mother daughter date to spend quality time together before her surgery (which was a success!). After a morning of shopping, we were ready for tea time as per our usual weekend tradition. With reservations for 3h30pm, we were greeted by Assistant Manager Alban Barthel, who was a delight with his French accent. He guided us to our table that overlooked the Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral.
Tea steward, Jonathan Skoda presented us with a selection of loose teas in small circular tin cans in a row of two and went on to explain the differences. Wow! All I can say is that the selection of teas was impressive. We settled on a pot of classic Earl Grey tea as green and herbal teas were out of the question.
Last month, I was joined by my mum for a mother daughter date to spend quality time together before her surgery (which was a success!). After a morning of shopping, we were ready for tea time as per our usual weekend tradition. With reservations for 3h30pm, we were greeted by Assistant Manager Alban Barthel, who was a delight with his French accent. He guided us to our table that overlooked the Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral.
Tea steward, Jonathan Skoda presented us with a selection of loose teas in small circular tin cans in a row of two and went on to explain the differences. Wow! All I can say is that the selection of teas was impressive. We settled on a pot of classic Earl Grey tea as green and herbal teas were out of the question.
BLACK TEAS
Fairmont Breakfast
A perfect breakfast tea with burgundy depth and malt highlights. Bold and robust with a bright golden cup.
Fairmont Earl Grey Organic
A very aromatic bergamot Earl Grey. This classic blend is piquant and refreshing, steaming from the long leaf, high grown Ceylon tea.
Buckingham Palace
A favorite tea with medium body, delicate Earl Grey, jasmine notes, and a bright golden coppery color.
Soom 1st Flush Estate Darjeeling
Produced during March at the height of 1st flush, this Darjeeling is alive with muscatel character and excellent roundness. This tea comes from bushes over 130 years old and grown at an average height of 5,200 feet above sea level.
Vanilla Chai
An invigorating and subtle, lightly spiced Indian tea enhanced with Madagascar vanilla and a candied cardamom finish.
Eclipse Blend
A precious and subtle blend of luxury black teas from India, Sri Lanka and China with natural bergamot essence.
GREEN TEAS
Organic Jasmine Butterfly
A classic Chinese green tea from Fujian Province boasts surprising body and a captivating floral character accentuated by specially selected May jasmine blossoms.
Organic Japan Sencha
A pale greenish cup with a crispy fresh green tea taste. It has a captivating aroma with a clean finish.
Formosa Oolong (semi-fermented)
This Taiwan long-fired semi fermented tea has a somewhat fruity character with light bakey notes and rich amber liquid.
Tea At The Fairmont
A rejuvenating, anti-oxidant rich blend of fine green and herbal teas (Kenyan and Japanese luxury green tea, spearmint, chamomile, rose and cornflower petals).
HERBAL TEAS
Cascade Peppermint
A pungent, fresh tasting peppermint from the Cascade Mountain of Washington. This therapeutic tisane has been known to calm digestive problems and relieve heartburn.
Rooibos Provence
A nutritious red tisane from South Africa, high in antioxidants and blended with rose petals, lavender and natural fruit extracts.
Classic afternoon tea is traditionally served in an English style fine bone china teapot, while goodies arrive on a three layer tiered platter with finger sandwiches on the bottom, scones in the middle and mini pastries at the very top along with marmalade and jam to the side. Going from savoury to sweets, you are in for a lovely treat.
For 35$, you can enjoy a flute of Orpailleur Brut while for 26$, a classic afternoon tea can be had as well. There is nothing more refined, relaxing and indulgent than Afternoon Tea, especially when shared with a loved one or close friends. It is all about conversation and savouring your food and tea. Time is in your hands to relish in the company in front of you for a memorable sipping experience.
Spending time with my mum was quite pleasurable and with service being on point, our afternoon could not have been better. Our Tea steward, Jonathan was quite attentive and made sure we were taken care of from start to end, with a few amusing jokes in between that I definitely chuckled at.
For 35$, you can enjoy a flute of Orpailleur Brut while for 26$, a classic afternoon tea can be had as well. There is nothing more refined, relaxing and indulgent than Afternoon Tea, especially when shared with a loved one or close friends. It is all about conversation and savouring your food and tea. Time is in your hands to relish in the company in front of you for a memorable sipping experience.
Spending time with my mum was quite pleasurable and with service being on point, our afternoon could not have been better. Our Tea steward, Jonathan was quite attentive and made sure we were taken care of from start to end, with a few amusing jokes in between that I definitely chuckled at.
SANDWICHES
Chicken and watercress
Smoked salmon
Egg and cucumber
The scones were well portioned in size. Cut horizontally, then a spread of jam followed by cream, made them taste delectable.
SAVOURY
Devonshire cream
Selection of fresh scones
Last but not least, the sweets were so tempting not to have first but as I say, save the best for last especially the macarons!
SWEETS
SWEETS
Strawberry tart
Chocolate crisp
Pistachio, Lemon, Chocolate, Mint macaron
"Turning moments into memories for our guests"
For more information
For more information
Le Montréalais Bistro Bar
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
900 René Lévesque Blvd. W., Montreal,
514-954-2261 | www.fairmont.com
Hours of Operation
Served Monday to Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Dress Code
Smart casual
Reservations
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Le Montréalais at (514) 954-2261.
Hours of Operation
Served Monday to Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Dress Code
Smart casual
Reservations
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Le Montréalais at (514) 954-2261.
All images were taken with a Nikon D3100.
Enjoy!
Afternoon tea was complimentary. The opinions and views expressed on this post are my own.