Though I had never experienced afternoon tea before moving to Orlando, it has become one of my favorite things to do, especially when I enjoy it with Mom. It is a fun daytime outing that is just a little different and more elevated than the typical lunch or brunch. Plus, I have come to absolutely love tea.
We recently went to the spring tea at Four Seasons Orlando. Held in Ravello in their sunroom, it is beautifully decorated with flowers at every turn. They have utilized the space well and having the windows open make it feel like we were in the middle of a garden with the flowers and trees surrounding us and birds singing outside.
Though they have traditional tea (the black was actually our favorite), they featured light fruity and floral teas this season. I did enjoy the yuzu ginger quite a bit with the ginger that burns all the way down in the most pleasant way.
The savory food wasn’t quite our favorite, however, I do give the team credit for changing most of the sandwiches each time tea is offered. Most places never change the food and it is fun to see what they can come up with at FS Orlando. We tried the strawberry and turkey, smoked salmon, and muffaletta.
The desserts were absolutely exceptional. We were blown away with each bite. Since we requested gluten free, the mini blueberry muffin/scones were warm and made just for us! With notice, the team is always happy to accommodate dietary restrictions with care and flavor. The lemon pastry was another favorite, but I will be craving the cassis and violet macaron until I have the chance to enjoy another. I really cannot say enough good things about that dessert tower!
Since Mom and I happened to go on Derby Day, I asked the manager Julio (who works in many food outlets at FS Orlando and is great at his job at every turn) to make a mint julep for me. He not only obliged, but he also picked mint from the garden to make it. I’m not sure I will ever be able to drink a mint julep made without garden fresh mint from now on! It was truly exceptional.
I am also a big fan of the build your own flower bouquet station. It is such a fun and personal takeaway from the event. There were flowers in a rainbow of colors to choose from, and I loved the bouquet I made – although I did give it away to a friend who works at the resort. It was fun to spread some of the joy.
Ultimately that’s what spending time at the Four Seasons is for me: to be around kind and amazing people who I have come to know and respect over the years. In an afternoon, I can feel refreshed and as though I had a tiny vacation whether I am hanging out at the coffee shop, grabbing afternoon tea, or treating myself in the spa. The best part is always the conversations I have with the team!
Of course, on this Mother’s Day weekend, it is more than exceptional to be spending so much time with Mom. She is absolutely the best! I cannot wait to share another afternoon tea with her, but any time spent with my mom is wonderful. Here’s to you, Mom – thanks for being my person xoxo
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