What’s On Your Plate Blog Challenge – Fairmont Empress Edition

On By Widow BadassIn Adventures in Food, What's On Your Plate

In December my co-host Donna and I decided to treat each other for Christmas with an experience – Christmas High Tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria. We had already tried a couple of high teas closer to home and I knew we would eventually make our way to the Grand Dame of all high teas on the island but didn’t think it would happen so soon. Kudos to Donna for suggesting it and making it happen!

We were kinda excited to make it to the lobby of the hotel. In case there was any doubt.
High tea is always served in the upstairs Lobby Lounge. Our table (framed by potted palms and near the grand piano) was waiting for us, candles in the tea warmers already lit.
Our server Yousef brought our teas shortly after we made our selections, and instructed us on the use of the tea timer.
Yousef also offered to capture the moment of our first sips of tea.
My beautiful friend and co-host, Donna.
It was a Christmas High Tea, and the sweets tier reflected that beautifully.
The savouries were also delicious! These are just a few of them.
And the still-warm scone was absolutely amazing with clotted cream and strawberry-vanilla jam.
Donna insisted I shoot this proof of her eating Christmas cake. (It was very good and I would have gladly eaten her piece and she could have eaten my chocolate thingy…which I ended up taking home for the kids, along with Donna’s macaron.)

During our 2 hour tea we were treated to piano playing as well as carol singers. Magical! After experiencing uh..overwhelm at the size and quantity of offerings at another high tea, we were pleased to be able to consume almost everything on our tiered tray…it would have been a shame not to; everything was so pretty and delicious!

I remember having high tea at the Empress back in 2003 with my late husband (then boyfriend) and the kids. He kept asking our server for more sandwiches, which were promptly supplied! I suppose this happens, with the men people with larger appetites who partake? I wonder if extra sandwiches would still be provided now, in these different times.

It was the perfect kick-off to the fast-approaching holidays, and with the perfect companion! Of course, we found our way to the hotel’s gift shop after our tea experience, and as well as purchasing some tea and one of those cute tea timers, I found the holy grail this:

I had been looking for a new waffle weave robe for years…ever since the one I had bought on my honeymoon had become threadbare from constant use been retired. SCORE!!! Merry Christmas to me 😉. Thank you, Fairmont Empress!

Please join me and Donna in sharing what’s on your plate! Join the Link Party or let me know in the Comments. I hope you all had a wonderful December however you celebrate (or not)!

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Rock on,

The WB

53 thoughts on “What’s On Your Plate Blog Challenge – Fairmont Empress Edition”

  3. Looks like a gorgeous high tea! I’ve never had one because of the whole food allergy thing…was this gluten free? I might just have to do some baking for when my bestie comes to visit at the end of the month. We can have our own version 😉

    Reply

    1. This was not gluten-free as neither of us have that issue, but we were asked about food intolerances/allergies so I am sure they have accommodations for that. Thank you, AJ 💕

      Reply
  4. debscarey

    I am a huge fan of afternoon tea – it’s the most civilised meal ever 🙂 Currently planning the next one with my good friend, although yet to find out if my god-dog is joining us (clearly, I hope so).

    I always find them so filling and, greedy though I am, I never manage to finish. Even Himself, who’s a jolly big chap has never felt the need for extra sandwiches but maybe there’s a bit of whatever the equivalent of manspreading would be called in those circumstances going on?

    HNY Deb (and the lovely Bowz)

    Reply

    1. It IS the most civilized meal – you are so right! My late husband, who was tall and fit, had a huge appetite and was forever asking me to upsize my meals when we were out so he could eat his and finish off mine too. Why he just didn’t order more food for himself is beyond me. Happy New Year to you too, Debs 💕

      Reply
  8. m2muse

    So fun & decadent. You took some “crumpets” home to the kids. I was wondering about a doggy bag from such an elegant place. No dainty left behind! Happy New Year, Deb.

    Reply

  9. Love that close up of the foods you were served. High tea is so much fun. I need to do it again. My niece bought a vintage tea set just so she could start a tradition of haven’t a tea party with her granddaughters and we’re hoping they love it enough to keep it going. If nothing else, she’s having fun planning it. Love your new robe!

    Reply

    1. You won’t be surprised if I tell you I am on the hunt for a tiered tray so I can serve high tea at home 🤣, will you, Jean? Thanks 💕 Love that your niece is starting that particular tradition!

      Reply

  11. I remember a pretty amazing high tea overlooking Purlingbrook Falls in Australia. Very fancy and there is NOTHING like a good scone with clotted cream and jam! Love the photos here!

    Reply

  12. Hey Deb! Happy New Year and yes to creating experiences instead of just buying more stuff! And while the location and presentation look lovely, I’m guessing the best part is going with someone special. Glad to hear it was magical for you both! ~Kathy

    Reply

  13. What a wonderful experience and with such a photogenic co-host! Love all the food pictures but love the friendship more! As to the new waffle house coat – what a great gift to yourself and a way to remember the experience.

    Reply

  14. Hi, Deb – Awesome post! I am delighted that you paid such good attention and documented this experience with excellent detail. Me, I don’t think I ever knew our server’s name. I was way to focused on the amazing food, tea, and my beautiful friend! <3

    Reply

  17. I love a High Tea, Deb. So special and elegant and that is also how I would describe you and Donna. I took my daughter for high tea with some friends as part of her 40th birthday celebrations. I have a friend who is turning 50 this year and we are planning a high tea for her. I remember getting a robe from one of our cruises and it is always so comfortable to wear. Thanks for hosting #WOYP and your high tea experience. x

    Reply

    1. You are most welcome, Sue! High tea is always a good choice, isn’t it? Thank you very much 💕. Donna and I were surprised at how nicely we cleaned up and vow to do so more often 😁.

      Reply

  18. Deb, I love the photo of you and Donna looking all ladylike sipping tea. And, I just realized that your celebrity look-a-like is Candace Bergen! Can’t believe I didn’t notice that before. Anyhoo, what a fun outing, especially during the holidays. Love that hotel.

    Reply

  19. Although I’ve visited the Empress several time (although never stayed there), I haven’t yet indulged in their High Tea. Obviously, this oversight will have to be fixed the next time I’m there. How bad would it be if I requested coffee rather than tea… would they kick me out?

    Reply

    1. Hmmmm…I don’t know about that one. Donna and I might have to join you and speak in your defense 😉 so you don’t get kicked out of the hotel let alone the country 🤣. Thanks, Janis 💕

      Reply

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  22. What a wonderful way to start the Christmas season. The food looks delicious and the setting very civilised and restful. Wishing you a very Happy New Year

    Reply

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  24. I love it – lovely ladies at tea! at such a fancy & festive venue, with delicious yummies. And a bonus to boot: I wonder why waffle weave robes are so hard to come by. I managed to get myself one after many years of searching too.

    Reply
  25. hilarymb

    Hi Deb and Donna – I’m very late … but this looks so much fun – I only walked through the foyer – but know the situation. You obviously both thoroughly guzzled yourselves happy! Cheers and Happy New Year going into February! Hilary

    Reply

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