Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea - A Reprise

The starched aprons, polished silver teapots, and vintage cut glass were pulled out of storage and put back into service this weekend as we celebrated the Downton Abbey movie in style with an elegant Afternoon Tea. Quotes from the previous seasons of Downton Abbey were interspersed throughout the menu and will be included below.

Upon arrival, guests were served an effervescing Peach Shrub in the aperitif glasses. We were excited to introduce the Republic of Tea limited edition blends that are now available at The Rosemary House! In response to Lord Grantham's query, "Shall we have some tea?", we served the Grantham's English Breakfast Tea, Downton Christmas Tea (a herbal tisane), Lord and Lady Grantham's Tea (spicy black tea), and The Bate's Tea (think plum pudding!).

Appetizers, which included warm Spinach Artichoke Crostini and Petite Cordon Bleu were served individually to each attendee.

Lady Edith Crawley states, "It feels so wild. To be out with a man, drinking and dining in a smart London restaurant."

A seasonal salad featured Mixed Salad Greens, Parmesan cheese, goat cheese crumbles, fresh sliced nectarines, honey roasted pecans all dressed with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette with fresh basil.

All the while, Lady Mary mused, "People grow up and move away and things change."

Following the salad, a trio of sandwiches was presented. It included Rosemary Chicken Salad in Pastry Boat, Cheddar and Carrot Relish Rounds, and Cucumber, Tomato, & Radish with Chante Cheese Spread on Puff Pastry.

The next course included Traditional English Cream Scone, Triple Lemon Tea Bread, Sweet Cream and Lemon Curd and fresh Orange Slices and Cubed Pineapple. Lady Edith pondered,  "I sometimes wonder if I should learn to cook. You never know when it might come in handy."

"I'm a woman, Mary. I can be as contrary as I choose.", Lady Grantham, the Dowager Countess. And don't we all love the Dowager?

A trio of desserts included an Earl Grey Teapot Cookie, a Caramel Cream Sandwich Cookie, and Poppyseed Cake with Chocolate Ganache and Cream Frosting.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Thank you to all our customers that joined in the festivities this weekend. We love the extra effort you put into your outfits!

"We should always be polite to people who are kind. There's not enough of it about.", Mrs. Patmore