Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Taking tea at Biltmore

My second tea visit last week occurred at the beautifully appointed Inn on Biltmore Estate. From left are friends Sandy, Linda (who blogs at Friendship Tea), Lynn (Frivoli-tea), me, Phyllis (The Relevant Tea Leaf) and Lynn. A hat tip to the lovely young man named Odai, who smiled away as he snapped photos with the six cameras around the table. Now THAT's service — and we all commented on the lovely service we received at both Biltmore itself as well as at the inn!

Afternoon Tea in the library is available to guests of the inn as well as those who hold day passes or season's passes to Biltmore. Our table was ready and waiting when we arrived following a very full day of tours! (More on that tomorrow.)

Teas from Mighty Leaf Tea Company are elegantly presented in a wooden case and are available for inspection (i.e., sniffing!) before placing your order. I chose one of the Chocolate Truffle teas from Mighty Leaf and loved it!

The teawares are reproductions of Vanderbilt china and feature a rich burgundy color along with the family monogram.

I never fail to be impressed when a tea tray arrives, and this one was no exception!

The savories featured many artisan breads, and the flavors were, clockwise from lower left, a chicken salad with cranberries on a croissant, one I don't remember (I'm counting on one of the other tea friends to have taken note of it!), cucumber, egg salad with radish and dill, pimiento cheese with bacon and tomato, and a mini-quiche. All were delicious, and the chicken salad was my favorite.

Tasty scones were served with lemon curd, jam and cream, and then it was on to the lemon-blueberry bread, strawberry cream puffs, a small slice of a filled cake, and a rich caramel truffle.

Following Afternoon Tea we toured the back of the inn, where gardens were in full bloom. Taking tea at the Inn on Biltmore Estate was a delight for the soul as well as the body!


17 comments:

  1. This post brings back wonderful memories of our trip.

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  2. I love visiting the Biltmore and need to enjoy tea there! Hmmm...next time...

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  3. Taking tea at the Biltmore Inn was indeed a wonderful experience. It was even more memorable sharing it with five special ladies!

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  4. Looks like such a fabulous gathering of tea friends... and the menu and surroundings both look elegantly delicious!

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  5. Looks like a grand time with fellow tea lovers Angela.
    Judith

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  6. Having tea at the Biltmore is on my bucket list. We had lunch at our favorite local tea room -- Emma's -- yesterday ... four generations of us girls! It was quite a lovely lunch! :)

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  7. Very nice. A wonderful way to spend time friends. Deb

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  8. What a wonderful afternoon that was!

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  9. Oh this is such a dream come true!

    You are so lucky! And to meet up with tea bl ogging friends, how truly awesome.

    What a weekend for you all!

    I am happily jealous in a good way!

    What fun!

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  10. I am so enjoying all the postings from your group! Wonderful!

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  11. This is a dream of mine. I'd love to see the gardens & take tea. What fun!

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  12. What a beautiful place to meet! I live in Asheville and love to visit the Biltmore. I'm glad you were able to enjoy meeting friends there! The Inn is so wonderful...pure luxury!

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  13. It looks like your gathering was a great event with many cups of friendship. I am so glad you were able to meet. Having had Tea at the Biltmore several times, I can attest to the wonderful service and the elegant setting.

    During one of our visits to the estate, as a gift for my birthday, my sweet DH arranged a meeeting with the pastry chef complete with a tour of the kitchens and banquet areas. It is every bit as impressive behind the scenes. They are so accomodating and will try to grant any request.

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  14. That looks like a wonderful afternoon tea experience. The food looked great and I really like the tea selection case.

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  15. Bravo, bravo Angela - another great review! It's been years since I've been to Biltmore - time for a return trip! Your photos are wonderful -
    such great attention to detail.
    I appreciate seeing all the sights, thanks for the reviews, Joanie

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  16. Now if I had know you would be at the Biltmore I would have wanted to be there too. Lovely!

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