FOOD + DRINK RESTAURANTS

Tea Service at Windsor Arms Hotel

sitting with brenna at the tea room of the windsor arms

I went to Toronto for two days last week to research stories for my blog, to attend a social media event and to meet people. One thing on my list was having a formal tea service. When I saw that Windsor Arms starts serving their tea service at 1 pm, I jumped at the occasion. Some people find it old-fashioned but I like the luxurious feeling of sitting in a classical tea room. For me, the more formal style is part of the pleasure.

I went with Ian Barr and Brenna Flynn of Rocket XL, the firm that planned the Pillsbury Baking Challenge for which I am a judge. Since we only communicated by email or on Twitter before that day, I wanted to actually meet them. The tea service experience was enhanced by our lively conversation.

What comes with the Full Tea Menu at Windsor Arms?

full tea menu at windsor arms hotel

We each chose a tea blend. I opted for the Earl Grey tea with blue flowers. The lavender adds an exquisite touch to the classic Earl Grey blend. Brenna enjoyed her Earl Grey tea with roses. Since they had to go back to the office after, they ordered the Full Tea menu. I indulged by ordering the Complete Tea menu, which added a sparkling wine (or a sherry) to the full tea menu.

tea sandwiches in rolls at windsor arms hotel

We started with elegant sandwich rolls. They look so much more elegant than basic triangles. They served us three delicious sandwiches:

  • Smoked Salmon and Salmon Caviar with an Oven-Roasted Tomato Cream Cheese
  • Baby Greens with Asparagus, Cucumber Salsa and Chive Cream Cheese
  • Grilled Chicken with Citrus Essence

The smoked salmon sandwich and the asparagus one were my favorite. The scone with raisins pleased me. I did not try the plain scone. Besides the sandwiches, the scones and the sweet desserts that I captured on photos, they served us a goat cheese and caramelized shallot tart. The finale was a small bowl of strawberries with whipped cream. As you can see there was a lot of food. Overall, I am pleased with my tea service at the Windsor Arms.

windsor arms hotel :: exterior view

For almost any tea service, you need to make a reservation 24 hours in advance. I knew it but I didn’t reserve! Still, they have accommodated us by sitting us at a nice table.

Business and Pleasures

A while ago, I read an interview where Martha Stewart mentioned that she booked her meetings around her daily activities. For me, it a pleasant way to talk business. When I asked Ian to join me for lunch at a place that I was researching for a blog post, I made him laughed by making this reference to Martha Stewart.

+ Tea Menu at Windsor Arms

  • Sharon
    November 3, 2009 at 23:49

    I have three friends that I go out to ‘tea’ with probably every 6-9 months. We’ve tried all the hotels, Royal York, King Edward, some tiny tea shoppes, the Old Mill … etc. The BEST tea in town is the Windsor Arms. We shop Bloor Street then hit the Arms for tea. The ambiance of that room with the fireplace, starched linens, the assorted tea pots, fabulous food …. it is the right setting for catching up with friends and enjoying a cup of tea!

  • Hivron | MrsMacchi blogs for you...
    November 4, 2009 at 00:48

    Kim, you are making me plan a trip to Toronto, that is something right up my alley! Beautiful pictures!

    • At Home with Kim Vallee
      November 4, 2009 at 02:58

      Hivron: I have another post in reserve that will make you want to visit TO even more.

  • Brenna Flynn
    November 4, 2009 at 04:00

    I echo Kim’s sentiments. High tea was a worthwhile social experience. I’d recommend indulging in the experience!

  • katerine rollet
    November 4, 2009 at 04:37

    That looks like great tea service! Too bad we don’t have one in Montreal anymore. (the Ritz is closed and the St-James isn’t offering it anymore ☹ ). Do you now any others?

    • At Home with Kim Vallee
      November 4, 2009 at 14:50

      Katerine: So sad to hear that the St-James has stopped their afternoon tea since I always wanted to invite my husband on a Friday afternoon because they served Port instead of sherry. But we never seem to take the time. I read on the fact sheet of the Queen Elizabeth that they serve an afternoon tea service in the Tea Lounge.

  • Tea_Hive
    November 4, 2009 at 08:05

    Tea Service at Windsor Arms Hotel | At Home with Kim Vallee http://bit.ly/4luaTr

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • moonflowerstarf
    November 4, 2009 at 09:07

    Tea Service at Windsor Arms Hotel | At Home with Kim Vallee http://bit.ly/zDYXH

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • LisaT
    November 4, 2009 at 10:53

    I also am a fan of the tea luncheon! A few years ago while on vacation in Savannah GA we went to a lovely place there called “The Tea Room”, it was a bit more casual than The Windsor Arms but still quite delightful. Here in Philadelphia they serve tea at the Four Seasons and The Ritz Carlton where it is more of a dress-up, formal affair.

  • Ian Barr
    November 4, 2009 at 15:10

    Mmmmm…. I’m craving those sandwiches. It was great to finally meet you in person Kim. Despite the laugh, I think Martha offers some great insights that I need to use in my own life. I’m glad you enjoyed your stay in Toronto and hope to see you again soon. Next stop, Montreal!

  • Jenn Lee
    November 4, 2009 at 15:25

    High Tea at the Windsor Arms is great. I enjoy it so much. Next time your in Toronto let me know, I’d love to finally meet you in person 🙂

    Jenn

  • windsorarms
    November 4, 2009 at 20:30

    PLZ RT! Check out this awesome Windsor Arms Tea Service article. Thanks Kim http://bit.ly/1J51pd

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • ResortSuiteGirl
    November 4, 2009 at 20:40

    I love tea @ WA! RT @windsorarms: PLZ RT! Check out this awesome Windsor Arms Tea Service article. Thanks Kim http://bit.ly/1J51pd

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • Hivron | MrsMacchi blogs for you...
    November 4, 2009 at 20:41

    Looking forward to that post!

  • windsorarms
    November 4, 2009 at 21:11

    Windsor Arms High Tea Service Review – http://bit.ly/1J51pd http://bit.ly/dysNw

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • Lisa
    November 4, 2009 at 21:12

    Took my Mom for her birthday…
    Windsor Arms Afternoon Tea is better then High Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara on the Lake.
    It’s now her place of choice for special occasions!

  • CompletelyTea
    November 4, 2009 at 21:25

    @libretea another Toronto tea place… RT @windsorarms: Windsor Arms High Tea Service Review – http://bit.ly/1J51pd http://bit.ly/dysNw

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • windsorarms
    November 5, 2009 at 17:09

    @KimVallee Thanks for the wonderful article, please join us again real soon http://bit.ly/1J51pd

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • Laura
    November 10, 2009 at 13:48

    My friends and I celebrate our birthdays once a year with tea at the Windsor Arms we love it so much. It is the best in Toronto (I think). The pictures really capture the experience too. Great post.

  • Christine Korda
    January 22, 2013 at 15:53

    Kim,

    Thank you for the wonderful review of our afternoon tea. I am not sure if you are aware, we now offer Twilight tea at 5:30pm and 6:00pm, it even has it’s own menu.

    We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.

    Regards,

    Christine Korda
    Director Communications & Special Events
    Windsor Arms Hotel
    18 St. Thomas Street
    Toronto, On M5S 3E7
    416-971-9666