Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel, New York

A few weeks back Joseph and I took James on his very first trip to New York in celebration of our 3rd wedding anniversary. We catered as much of our itinerary to our toddler as we possibly could: trips to Central Park Zoo, ice cream lunches at Bryant Park, Lego Store, pastas and pizzas at Eataly for our carb-loving child, and yet somehow we also found time to squeeze in an afternoon tea … [Read more...]

Afternoon Tea at Holts Café, Holt Renfrew (Yorkdale Mall), Toronto

And we're back! During our short hiatus we focused on family and work, took a week-long trip to Vegas, and (of course) squeezed in a few new afternoon tea places to share. While some were a pleasant experience, others lacked lustre. One of the few places that we did try was the Holts Café in Holt Renfrew at Yorkdale Mall. I honestly didn't expect Holts Café to serve afternoon … [Read more...]

Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental, New York

Happy month of May to everyone! With Mother's Day just around the corner (that's Sun May 14 btw), I'll be sharing our afternoon tea posts on Instagram (@dreamsofvelvet) over the next few weeks, because whose mama doesn't love tea? Not sure where to go? You can also check out our collection of afternoon tea posts here as we continue to update the list. Today's review takes us a few … [Read more...]

High Tea at Sorelle and Co., Toronto

Helloooooo Spring! Ahh, who am I kidding... Old Man Winter is still lingering on and on and it's already the end of March! It's certainly cold these days but at least it's bye bye snow for now and hopefully (soon) I can take Baby James out to the park in nicer weather. Just a few weeks ago we also had daylight savings so now the days feel longer, which is great for a busy body like me. … [Read more...]

Afternoon Tea at Windsor Arms Hotel, Toronto

These last few weeks have been really hectic at work, but I'm finally getting some much needed time off. A staycation, anyone? YES PLEASE. Toronto has such much to offer and I rarely get the chance to explore my own city, so I'm looking forward to some major shopping and dining with Baby James, which sounds about right if you ask me. ;) Plush velvet seats in my favourite colour, … [Read more...]

Afternoon Tea at Butter Avenue, Toronto

A few weeks ago, in celebration of a wonderful friend's birthday, we surprised her with some much anticipated afternoon tea at Butter Avenue. Butter Avenue is a patisserie and cafe in Toronto renown for their delicate French pastries, particularly their gourmet macarons. Recently they relaunched their afternoon tea service at their Yonge and Lawrence location, much to my delight. As one … [Read more...]

Afternoon Tea at After Queen Tea Shop,Toronto

Last year when I was pregnant with James it felt like a long rollercoaster ride. On the upside was this growing bean in my belly but on the downside was the overwhelming morning sickness (or 'all-day-sickness' as it really should be called). My days were consumed with nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath and an extreme aversion to foods... gosh, I couldn't even keep water down! Now … [Read more...]

Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Like so many other parents, Joseph and I want to give Baby James as many different experiences as possible. At 9 months old we’re certain he won't remember any of it when he's older, but that’s what pictures are for! Besides the obvious benefits for baby, it’s also good for us as parents to get out of the house from time to time. As lovely as it seems to stay at home all day, it can … [Read more...]

Afternoon Tea at Angus Glen Golf Club, Toronto

Happy Sunday everyone! We hope you had a fantastic leap year February. It was a very festive month for us with Valentine's Day, Family Day, Lunar New Year, birthday parties, and baby showers to celebrate. In between it all, Joseph and I actually found the time to go for Sunday afternoon tea at Angus Glen Golf Club that I've been meaning to share. With a 7 month old baby, let's just say … [Read more...]

High Tea at Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto

With my latest pregnancy craving being afternoon tea, along with a much needed getaway from the work week drab, we decided on the Lobby Lounge at the Shangri-La. See, I just can't seem to stay away from a few good scones and clotted cream! Joseph and I were also pleasantly surprised to find an Easter menu available for two weekends only, from March 28 to April 6 :D . … [Read more...]