Afternoon Tea at AquaTerra

Are you a fan of Downtown Abbey or Jane Austen movies? Well if you are, we're already bffs but then you also know quite well that along with the chatter of who fancies who, there's always gossip to be had around afternoon tea.

Oh, the tea and I mean spilling the *tea* ladies and gents - we all love getting around the table and chatting away about what's happening with folks in our circles.

But here's a little history before I dive on into my experience, afternoon tea was introduced in the late 1800s and was meant to be a bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. This pause for tea became a fashionable social ritual and took off like a viral social media post! Because seriously, nowadays with our busy lives, it's nice to take a moment and enjoy a scone and a pot of tea - afternoon tea gives us a much-deserved break from the rush of life.

With working a full-time job and having a side hustle, finding a moment to step back and enjoy the little things sometimes is hard. For someone who delights themselves in tea time, I was thrilled when I received a gracious invitation to try out Aquaterra's new Afternoon Tea experience with my foodie partner-in-crime also known as my fiancée.

Let's just say, it was east coast inspired yet English at heart!

Starting with the basics, traditional afternoon tea consists, in its simplest form, of dainty sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and preserves and delicate pastries - Aquaterra's afternoon tea, on the other hand, had a twist. Their innovative take had a blend on "Aqua" elements aka seafood with a base of "Terra" aka land ingredients - quite unique!

THE TEA

Presented with Pluck Tea options such as Apple on the Green, Earl Grey, Just Peachy, Canadian Maple and more - stepping outside of my comfort zone,  I tried a herbal tea. Spa Day (maybe it was hinting I need to take a vacation) was my choice - it's calming aroma simply called my name. Infused with peppermint, chamomile and rose petals intertwine, it was a fitting tea to enjoy before the start of a new work week. Each sip seemed to ease my mind and my endless to-do lists in my head fade away.

Also! If you're looking for something a bit more boozy, try the tea infused cocktails!

SANDWICHES & SAVOURIES

This tier was by far the most impressive. Traditionally dainty sandwiches with either smoked salmon or cucumber would be served during afternoon tea but Aquaterra incorporated a delightful spin with the incorporation of brioche shrimp rolls, smoked salmon blini and chicken Waldorf salad on a brioche bun. You're in for a real treat!

Scroll down, and you'll see what I mean! 😋
Chicken Waldorf salad on a brioche bun with local Hall’s apple butter, torched brie and walnut dust.

Smoked salmon on Ironwood organics red fife blini, caper chip and dill crème fraiche.


Quiche with local Haanover Farms peameal bacon, spinach, and gruyere.

SCONES & FIXINGS

Crumbly and soft on the inside, the scone with the blend of clotted cream and house-made strawberry jam (my favourite!) was delicious.

SWEETS & ASSORTED FANCIES

Oh, the sweets...they were something else.

A nice balance of flavours, they included lemon tarts with toasted meringue, French macarons to triple chocolate brownies, the showstopper was the raspberry shortbread meringue. Though I will say, by this point our bellies were slightly full but oh, so content.

Where: 1 Johnson Street, Kingston, Ontario

For reservations or information, call 613-549-6243

Thank you to Aquaterra for sponsoring this post.