Anchors Aweigh! Tea on the Queen Mary
Ahoy Tea Friends and Happy September,
As summer winds down, I have been thinking about some of the tea related travels I experienced this summer. Probably the most wonderfully unique place I've had afternoon tea was on the Queen Mary which is docked in Long Beach, California.
We were taking a short cruise to Ensenada, Mexico and the port was a block away from the Queen Mary. I couldn't pass up the chance to have tea at this historic site so I made a reservation for their first seating at 11:30.
I was happily surprised when I realized this table was reserved for us. (Sorry, it was tricky to get decent photos with the window light.)
The room was clean, modern and spacious.
I didn't want to eat a traditional British afternoon tea course because I was boarding the cruise in just over an hour. Didn't want to start the trip on too full of a stomach. I opted for half a shrimp salad with hearts of palm, avocado and hard boiled eggs along with the Gravlax (Alaskan salmon) sandwich. It was fresh and flavorful.
I have to say I was a bit surprised the tea room didn't serve loose tea. They serve Tea Forte teas and I choose a white tea called White Ginger Pear. It's described as a Pa Mu Tan white tea with sweet pear and a zing of ginger. The tea was a nice choice for a summer day and it paired well with my lunch-not overpowering.
We had the chance to explore the ship before and after tea. I exercised self control in the gift shops for there were Harney & Sons Historic Royal Palaces teas and this beautiful tea set which is copied after the pattern of the original teaware served during Queen Mary's Atlantic crossings.
I loved reading all about the history of the ship, its famous passengers and how it was used as a transportation vessel for thousands of service men and women during WWII.
I wish I had time to see this exhibit.
World's longest replica of a ship made out of Legos.
For more on the history of the Queen Mary and its other dining rooms and accommodations, click here.
Happy Tea Time this week,
Nora
Nora, how lucky were you to be in the right place at the right time. What a lovely experience.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Happy Labour Day, Nora! Looks like your tea on the Queen Mary was ship shape!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful tea time on the Queen Mary, Nora! Thanks for sharing your table, food and a peek at some of the sights. The Lego display is unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteHappy Labor Day!
I envy you for going on the Queen Mary. I am hoping to do that one day, it looks so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to be able to take tea on the Queen Mary! The Lego ship is fabulous! Thank you for sharing with us and Happy Labour Day, Nora!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sandi
What a lovely post Mary and I am so glad you got to visit the Queen Mary. I follow them on face book and think it so clever that they use the ship this way. Thank you for linking and posting!
ReplyDeleteI guess I need my coffee Nora - I called you Mary - I surprised I didn't call you Queen Mary!
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat Nora to enjoy tea on the great Queen Mary!
ReplyDeleteI love all your photos - the food looks more like luncheon!
I would expect tiny cucumber sandwiches along with an assortment of delicious cakes.
I'm surprised they didn't serve loose tea as well!
But a wonderful experience for you I know.
Beautiful photos - it's the closest that I'll ever get to her - thank you!
Shane
Thank you, sweet Nora, for taking us along on your adventure through your delightful pictures. It's always a pleasure visiting you, dear friend. Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHi Nora,
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful cruise ship photos and the tea room looks gorgeous! Belated Happy Tea Day! Karen
Hi Nora,
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful cruise ship photos and the tea room looks gorgeous! Belated Happy Tea Day! Karen
How wonderful! WOW! I think we are all so envious and glad you posted pics! ENJOY! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDelete