"There are a few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea." Henry James

In the Victorian tradition, afternoon tea is served as a social, relaxing and unique experience. I fell in love with a little tea room called The AubreyRose Tea Room in La Mesa, California (San Diego County). This place reintroduced my love of afternoon tea. A truly unexpected treasure.

"If you are cold, tea will warm you, If you are too heated, it will cool you, If you are depressed, it will cheer you, If you are exhausted, it will calm you." William Gladstone

I walked into the little shop in the quaint town of La Mesa. First seeing a sign saying "Relax... the queen will not be in today" *photo 1*  from there you walk to the back of the tea room to find the perfect hat *photo 2 - Claire sitting at our table* Once seated rose water is there to enjoy *photo 3* service delivered on silver platters *photo 4* first course - Cream of Sherry Mushroom Soup, Blue Cheese and Smoked Turkey Pate on a Toasted Baquette Garnished with Fresh Tomato and Basil, vanilla wafer light dusted *photo 5* Over 50 teas to choose from. We chose Darjeeling (considered to be the most rare and prestigious of black teas. This tea has a nutty flavor, pronounced greenness, strong character, yet it is delicate.) and Chaucer's Cup (A warm fragrant infused of apple, cinnamon, cloves, mango, ginger & cardamom. Reminiscent of traditional mulled spiced cider.) *photo 6* onto the assorted tea sandwiches & savories, seasonal fruit and pastries. Cucumber & cream sandwich, egg salad sandwich *photo 8*, sundried tomato palmiere, green bean garlic fondue on a toasted baguette *photo 9* and sconette for the savory. Watermelon, grapes, pineapple and melon for the fresh fruit. Red velvet mini cupcake with cream cheese frosting, lemon cheesecake and bread pudding with whiskey sauce & cream for the pastries *photo 7* to finish Cranberry and orange scone with cream & lemon curd *photo 10*

In the precious moments of life AubreyRose Tea Room has renewed my love of 'Tea Time' and the importance of less haste to enjoy the little pleasures in life.

I also learned how to make the perfect pot of tea -
1. It is best to use a glass or china teapot.
2. Warm the teapot with hot water and letting it stand for a few minutes, then drain.
3. Use 1 teaspoon loose tea for every 5-ounce cup. Place the loose tea in an infuser into the warmed pot.
4.Fill the kettle with filtered, fresh cold water (this helps to bring out the full character of the tea).
5. Bring the water to a rolling boil and then pour immediately over tea leave in teapot.
6. Cover the teapot with the lid. Let steep 3 to 5 min. Careful not to let it brew too long, which will result in a bitter-tasting tea.