Rosie Cappa (left) and Edda Barillaro select treats offered by Linda Clifford. (Kristina Edson)
At least two area establishments are offering what has been a long-held tradition in many parts of the world.
High tea, or a light afternoon meal, dates back to England in the 1600s but a Hudson tea shop and florist is offering the soothing experience, as is maison Trestler in Vaudreuil-Dorion.
Linda Clifford of Mademoiselle Clifford’s Floral Emporium was determined to include in her shop something that has been a tradition all her life.
“I grew up in Scotland and tea was always such an important part of everything in good times and bad,” she said.
Her florist and gift shop also boasts a lovely little tea room where fragrant jars of loose teas are served and where patrons chose from a wide array of individual fine china cups before enjoying their tea.
“Selecting a cup is as much a part of the experience as choosing the kind of tea you want to drink from the cup,” Clifford said in her lilting accent.
New culture
Edda Barillaro has come three times to Clifford’s store because she says she wants to experience traditions from another culture.
“I’m French Canadian and had not really ever tried high tea before because it’s not a part of our French Canadian culture,” Barillaro said, adding, “I wanted to experience something new.”
On a recent rainy Saturday, Barillaro introduced her friend Rosie Cappa from Montreal to Hudson’s tea experience. For several hours, the two women chatted, caught up with each other and enjoyed pots of loose tea, baked treats and Clifford’s trademark home-made scones that were served with clotted cream.
“It does feel very traditional and proper,” Cappa noted. Though it was her first time at Clifford’s tea room, she promised it would not be her last.
“I love the presentation… it makes you feel like your living in another era or time,” she said.
Formal afternoon tea usually consists of loose tea that is brewed in a teapot and served with milk and sugar. The light meal is traditionally accompanied by cucumber, egg, ham, or smoked salmon sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, as well as cakes and pastries. Food is usually served on a tiered tray.
And scenic and historic maison Trestler in Vaudreuil-Dorion also offers the experience Monday to Friday, from 1:30pm to 4:00 p.m., from mid-June to the middle of august in their formal tea room, which is sure to be a treat for all.
Maison Trestler’s tea room is located at 85, chemin de la Commune in Vaudreuil-Dorion. To make reservations for formal tea, call 450 455-6290.
Mademoiselle Clifford’s Floral Emporium is located at 60 Cameron Rd. in Hudson.
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