I am a proud cool auntie with mostly nephews. My niece and I are close and have always enjoyed doing sophisticated “lady” things together. Every year since she was five years old, we’ve gone to The Grand America high tea for her birthday. We get dressed up, she borrows my fancy (costume) jewelry, and we have tea, or in her case, hot chocolate, and we have Afternoon Tea in the lobby lounge. Just the two of us.
We are approaching six years of our ladies who take tea tradition, and I will continue it as long as she is interested. It’s a chance for us to talk about everything from table manners to food preferences, and more recently, she’s been discussing her schoolwork, aerialist classes, and her friends.
I’ll never forget the first time we went. She was both excited and nervous. It was easily the fanciest place she’d been to. She was feeling shy, and as we sat down, the server came by to say hello, speaking to her as if she were a grown-up. We were seated on an overstuffed couch with the table low in front of us. In Grand America High Tea tradition, they pour hot water into a wine glass with a hand-sewn tea flower that blooms slowly over the course of your meal, providing a beautiful centerpiece.
When you attend High Tea at The Grand, your table is pre-set based on your reservation. Laid out when you sit down is a strawberry parfait with chantilly cream and scones with clotted cream, preserves, and lemon curd. I showed her how to put her napkin in her lap, and she reached out to take her first anticipated bite of scone. Then disaster. The scone tumbled from her little hands and landed clotted cream side down on the carpet under the table. She turned to me with sad eyes, looking like the world had ended. I could see all the emotions: disappointment at missing out on the promised bite, embarrassment for making a mistake, shame that she had ‘ruined’ things before we even got started, and fear that I would be angry or that she would be in trouble. It all happened in five seconds. My heart broke. I was determined to show her that everything was OK before the tears could start. I knew that the beautifully trained staff at The Grand America would back me up.
I told her, “It isn’t a big deal. I promise you. Let me show you,” and proceeded to beckon our server. She looked horrified. Why would I draw attention to us? I told our server what had happened, and, like an absolute professional, he whisked away the mess; someone else brought another scone immediately, without batting an eye (or, for that matter, a side eye). Both assured her that it wasn’t a problem. It was a showcase of stellar service, marked by kindness. The afternoon proceeded with tragedy averted. I know she remembers that moment. We’ve talked about it since. It was the type of service that sets a five-star hotel apart from all the rest. And one of the reasons I always go back.
Afternoon Tea at The Grand America consists of “Beverage (tea or hot chocolate), accompanied by strawberries & crème chantilly, finger sandwiches (vegetarian option available), English scone with cream, berry jam & lemon cream, and an assortment of afternoon tea pastries.” Which hardly does the experience justice.
For tea, they offer white and green teas, oolong and black teas, a dandelion chai (caffeine-free) specially crafted for the Lobby Lounge, herbal infusions, and flavored hot chocolates (regular, mint, raspberry, and coconut-almond). The pots are endlessly refilled upon request. And if you want a little extra indulgence, you can sip on a glass of bubbly as well.
The food is served on tiered plates and consists of tea sandwiches (think cucumber and smoked salmon), seasonal pastries, typically including a sweet tart, a French macaron, and other small bites. You can order a children-only portion, which has some kid-friendly options for particular eaters. My niece has graduated this year to the ‘adult’ menu due to her love of cucumber sandwiches. You can also order a cheese plate to accompany all the pastries.
If it’s a special occasion, please let the team at The Grand America know. They will bring out a special birthday or celebration dessert, and the harpist will serenade you. Always a thoughtful touch.
Insider Tips:
- You must book ahead. Everything is made from scratch, and they only make enough for the day’s booking.
- They often have special or seasonal teas. One year, we went when they had a ballet / princess tea with the casts from Ballet West. They also offer Holiday Teas in December with Santa, and a Witches Tea in October. It is worth checking their calendar for special events.
If you go: The Grand America
555 South Main Street, SLC
Visit The Grand America website to book your reservation.
Read more about The Grand America Gingerbread House or about Japanese Tea Snacks at the Tea Bar.
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