I just returned from a frenetic, yet relaxing week away in Washington, DC with family and friends. I think my ideal vacation is going to a big city, trying to cram in as much as possible, and stopping along the way for a cup of tea.
So the first thing we did after landing and dropping our luggage at the hotel was to head to the Mandarin Oriental for afternoon tea. The Mandarin came along way after I left DC 21 years ago, so it was all new to me. We were greeted with individual menus at each setting.
I chose peppermint tea, which has become a favorite over the years.
The tea tray! Salmon sandwiches, cheese biscuits, pesto caprese sandwiches, scones, madeleines, apple tarts, hazelnut cream puffs, and cheesecake.
This is the time of year when the famous Washington cherry blossoms are supposed to be in bloom, but this was about all we saw due to the prolonged winter.
Another day we headed to Teaism near Chinatown, where I ordered the Asian afternoon tea.
This bento box was a DIY salmon maki roll kit. The dessert included a red bean filled mochi, a green tea cake, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For tea, I chose a hot soba tea, which was refreshing on a warmish day.
And on our last day, Jake and I met a friend for tea at Ching Ching Cha in Georgetown!
We were taught how to wash tea leaves, which was fun and not as easy as it looked. The three of us ordered dragonwell tea.
Have you gone out for tea in Washington? If so, what’s your favorite place?
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