RtS: The Fairmont Hotel

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by Strangler Lewis

Hotel-wise, I prefer the Ritz scene because it's well, ritzier. Tea-wise, I prefer Lovejoys. However, unless it's moved in the last six months, it's deep Noe Valley, not Cow Hollow. It's not as expensive, and I always feel pleasantly batty going there, especially as I am generally one of the few gentlemen in attendance. There's also the sister shop across the street, the downside of which is I'm the one in charge of keeping the kids from breaking things.

Ugh! You're right, Noe Valley....(down the pike from my favorite bakery, NOE VALLEY Bakery...duh)

I do love Lovejoy's (my boss's sister founded Lovejoy's), it's my favorite place. I loved the Ritz back east, I've not been here in years. I've always had a lovely tea at Top of the Mark (fantastic spread).

I was just doing some research and found a few other places to try, all sound very interesting.

Samovar Tea

The King George

The Secret Garden Teahouse

and in Pasadena, there is Rose Tree Cottage and The Huntington (they do a fabulous tea)

[Strangler Lewis]

I'm sure Top of the Mark does a fine tea, but the feng shui strikes me as all wrong. Afternoon tea is comforting, grounding; it should be enjoyed at ground level. Rooftop bars are for contemplation, floating away and maybe a sense of grandeur. That means alcohol.

The Huntington in Pasadena is now a Ritz Carlton. I try to stay there for court appearances when the government will pick up a chunk of the tab.

[Snowflake]

edited to delete the double posting

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by Strangler Lewis

I'm sure Top of the Mark does a fine tea, but the feng shui strikes me as all wrong. Afternoon tea is comforting, grounding; it should be enjoyed at ground level. Rooftop bars are for contemplation, floating away and maybe a sense of grandeur. That means alcohol.

The Huntington in Pasadena is now a Ritz Carlton. I try to stay there for court appearances when the government will pick up a chunk of the tab.

Oh, the Top of the Mark is great. It's wonderful for Easter if you have children. I really do recommend it.

Oops, I meant The Huntington Garden/Library in Pasadena. It's great.

I just checked out Rose Tree Cottage's website and apparently, the city of Pasadena is doing some affordable housing zoning and they may raze this lovely group of cottages to build 80 condo units.....if you've not been and are heading to Pasadena soon, I say check it out (locals too)