Tea at the St. Regis
I read an interview in Oprah magazine recently about tea. Oprah was chatting with Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh. Nhat Hanh was talking about how mindfulness could be practiced by drinking a cup of tea. He says one should take an hour to drink a cup of tea mindfully. I had to laugh (with envy) at that level of focus, not doable in my busy daily life, but I completely agree that taking time out for tea with a friend can certainly be an enlightening and soul-nurturing experience. Park City's new St. Regis Deer Crest offers just the opportunity, offering an Afternoon Tea Ritual every Saturday and Sunday from 3 - 5 p.m.
Held in the cozy library just off the airy lobby at the St. Regis (you can also choose to sit out on the sunny patio), the ritual begins with the lovely task of making your tea selection by getting to smell the various tea leaves offered. Far beyond English Breakfast tea (which is of course, available) are creative mixtures such as the Mountain Berry (saskatoon berry with a ripe fruity scent) or the gentle Harmony tea, with peppermint, chamomile, orange blossom and all-spice. Some of these teas taste like a meal in themselves, but don't let that deter you from enjoying the tea fare.
A lovely tiered tray presents three tea sandwiches each: smoked salmon with tarragon caper cream cheese and red onion compote; cucumber with local goat cheese and dill; and shaved ham with walnut cream cheese and a golden raisin jam. You'll also receive three different Swiss chocolates that are so shiny and artsy, you won't want to eat them (but somehow you'll find a way); and three varied petit fours, depending on what the chef feels like baking that day. Scones are also served, buttermilk, dried cranberry and ginger apricot, with English double Devonshire cream, lemon curd and seasonal jams.
Afternoon Tea: $38/person. Add a glass of Charles de Fere brut champagne: $49/person. Be a child and get finger sandwiches of pb&j, ham and cheese and tuna; sweets including s'mores chocolate bark, shortbread cookies and delectable mini cupcakes: $15. What a great place to hold a little girls' birthday party! The kids will be talking about the unique ride up the funicular for weeks. What a great place to host a bridal shower. What a great place to sit quietly with a friend and have a good long catch-up on a winter's afternoon, like I did.
Calling for reservations is best, but walk-ins are welcome if there's space. 435.940.5769 or stregis.com/deercrest.
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Kristen Gould Case is editor of Park City Magazine and a freelance writer who publishes nationally. Weaned on the blue ice slopes of New England, she moved to Park City 25 years ago and hasn't looked back.
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