The Drake
| 140 E. Walton Place Chicago, Illinois Tel. 312 787 2200 |
Entering the Drake is like stepping into an
earlier century time warp. It was designed
to impress those of noble birth who
would visit the hotel. Even though we are
not considered noble, we pretended to be
for this one fleeting moment. Known as
the pride of Chicago since 1920, it has
played host to famous people all around
the world.
Afternoon tea at the Renaissance-style
Palm Court is a very popular event. Even
Oprah Winfrey, John Cossack, Aretha
Franklin and Chelsea Clinton had
afternoon tea here. Adjacent to the
opulent lobby, the setting here is very
elegant. Since no reservation is required,
we arrived very early in order to have
good seating. We choose to sit by the
Romanisque fountain in the middle of the
room. Mounted on top of the fountain is a
grand floral arrangement, served as the
centerpiece of the room.
The traditional afternoon tea is accented
with fruit bread and scones served with
whipped cream and fruit preserves. Tea
sandwiches are then served, with
choices like the egg salad, tomato and
cucumber, ham and asparagus, and my
favorite, wheatbread spread with
mayonnaise filled with shredded lettuce,
roast beef and crisp onions. This arrived
on a three-tiered serving stand. It was
then followed by a plate of french
pastries for dessert. From over three
dozens of teas, I picked out the Princess
of Wales -- a traditional green tea.
The atmosphere from which we took our
tea was very pleasant as well. The harpist
played soothing melodies close enough
that we could hear it with the sound of
the fountain.
Also, it is difficult not to notice the
excellent service from the waitstaff. They
were always present so that we did not
have a chance to ask for anything. While
enjoying ourselves, we had a delightful
conversation with Selva, the manager,
who turned our experience into an even
more special occasion.
Afternoon tea is serve from 1:00 - 5:00
pm. daily. They also cater big parties. Do
not leave until you visit the ladies room. It
is worth the time!
earlier century time warp. It was designed
to impress those of noble birth who
would visit the hotel. Even though we are
not considered noble, we pretended to be
for this one fleeting moment. Known as
the pride of Chicago since 1920, it has
played host to famous people all around
the world.
Afternoon tea at the Renaissance-style
Palm Court is a very popular event. Even
Oprah Winfrey, John Cossack, Aretha
Franklin and Chelsea Clinton had
afternoon tea here. Adjacent to the
opulent lobby, the setting here is very
elegant. Since no reservation is required,
we arrived very early in order to have
good seating. We choose to sit by the
Romanisque fountain in the middle of the
room. Mounted on top of the fountain is a
grand floral arrangement, served as the
centerpiece of the room.
The traditional afternoon tea is accented
with fruit bread and scones served with
whipped cream and fruit preserves. Tea
sandwiches are then served, with
choices like the egg salad, tomato and
cucumber, ham and asparagus, and my
favorite, wheatbread spread with
mayonnaise filled with shredded lettuce,
roast beef and crisp onions. This arrived
on a three-tiered serving stand. It was
then followed by a plate of french
pastries for dessert. From over three
dozens of teas, I picked out the Princess
of Wales -- a traditional green tea.
The atmosphere from which we took our
tea was very pleasant as well. The harpist
played soothing melodies close enough
that we could hear it with the sound of
the fountain.
Also, it is difficult not to notice the
excellent service from the waitstaff. They
were always present so that we did not
have a chance to ask for anything. While
enjoying ourselves, we had a delightful
conversation with Selva, the manager,
who turned our experience into an even
more special occasion.
Afternoon tea is serve from 1:00 - 5:00
pm. daily. They also cater big parties. Do
not leave until you visit the ladies room. It
is worth the time!
