My friend and I enjoyed an afternoon tea at the lovely Elysian Fields, and... wow…read more
Be still, my little French heart. Elysian Fields is the most charming European-style artisan bakery, it sells everything from floral shortbreads and Victorian buttermints to handcrafted perfumes distilled from blooms grown in their own garden.
But, back to that afternoon tea. Treats made from scratch, a ridiculously wide selection of teas from Mark T. Wendell Tea Company (America's oldest tea house), and everything presented so beautifully. From the food and tea to the gorgeous presentation and impeccable service, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
And seriously, the people at the bakery were SO nice. The lady who took my reservation was really friendly, patient with all my questions, and helpful. Once we arrived, everyone we interacted with was really sweet and made us feel welcome. If you're looking for a whimsical afternoon tea where the food actually tastes as good as it looks, this place is an absolute gem. Also, come hungry. My friend and I skipped breakfast and came around lunch time and we still EACH left with two boxes full of leftovers. They are very generous with the food.
One more thing - the afternoon tea is not a one-size-fits-all. You get to pick from a bunch of choices what you want to eat, and what tea you want to drink. They also cater to most dietary restrictions (Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Nut-Free) as long as you let them know in advance. By that, I do not mean that they prepare the sandwiches and simply remove the meat if you're a vegetarian like me. I had my very own sandwiches, and they were delicious. And last but not least, you can also the order to go if you'd rather host an afternoon tea at home (but, let's face it, it's more fun on site, and they have all the pretty dishes and whatnot!)
And if you aren't interested in tea but just want to buy baked goods, dainty little items, or other treats, the shop has a lot to offer. This is a business I'm really happy to endorse!