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!