Holiday Tea at The Boston Harbor Hotel

Hungry for snack shortly after our arrival at the Boston Harbor Hotel, we ventured down to the Intrigue Cafe. Our intent was a spot of tea and perhaps an appetizer to tide us over before shopping and dinner.

The hostess greeted us and asked if we preferred High Tea or "regular tea". Well High Tea, of course; it just sounded more fun (truth be told, we didn't know the difference). They asked if we had reservations, which we did not, and received a disappointing frown. It seems that High Tea is a tradition for Bostonians and tourists alike, particularly those en-route to the Nutcracker. There was a full house when we stopped by and we were nearly turned away. They explained that just enough pastries are cooked to accommodate the exact number of reservations, plus a few walk ins. And we were one walk in too many that day.

But alas, after pressing the manager a bit to please check if they might have any scrapes of scones remaining, he returned to share the news that another couple had cancelled. And so we were promptly seated for High Tea, which I now know was actually Afternoon Tea. There is a difference. Apparently Afternoon Tea is served at 4pm and consists of tea, pastries and finger sandwiches. It is more of a snack than a meal. High tea is typically served at dinner time (6pm) in lieu of afternoon tea and dinner, and consists of heartier fare served with the tea. Details, details. Since it is Christmas time, the The Boston Harbor Hotel avoids the whole issue by calling it a "Holiday Tea" in their written publications.

Whatever you call it, the Holiday Tea is a "must do" when in Boston at Christmas time. Families and friends dressed up in their "Sunday best" abound. Little boys sit politely in their ties and sport coats; little girls twirl by the Christmas tree, happily admiring their fancy dresses. The piano player, pounding out holiday tunes, is positioned in front of the floor-to-ceiling glass pained windows overlooking the harbor.

The tables are decorated with red, pink and white rose petals, china and menus tied with silk ribbons. The experience kicks off with glasses of Veuve Clicquot Champagne or Sparkling Cider, accompanied by fresh strawberries and Devonshire Cream. The little ones enjoy hot chocolate and cupcakes.

Eighteen loose leaf teas are available, each adult receiving their own pot; the tea strainers at each place setting are sterling silver. Just after the tea arrives, a three tier display of "delights" is presented, consisting of warm scones, finger sandwiches and delicate French pastries.

My favorites were the Shrimp and Avocado served in a crisp and buttery pastry shells, the smooth and light Egg Salad Mousse on tiny wheat rounds, the Smoked Salmon with Creme Fraiche and Caviar and the Pecan Bars. Other delicacies included Chocolate Chip Scones with Devonshire cream, Blueberry, Banana, Pecan and Pistachio breads, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese frosting, miniature Caramel Cheesecake, and Smoked Chicken Salad finger sandwiches.

At $45pp ($25 for children), this more than simply an expensive "snack." It is an experience that is at once festive and extraordinarily relaxing (I would allow 1.5 hours). It will become our new holiday tradition (next time with reservations) before the Nutcracker each year.