| 1055 Second Avenue San Diego , CA 92101 619 238 1818 |
Tucked away in the historic Gaslamp district of
San Diego lies The Westgate Hotel - an unmatched
escape for the elegant and luxurious tea
enthusiast. As it was originally modeled after an
anteroom of the Palace of Versailles, it is no
surprise that the Westgate's lobby transports you
to a timeless era where radiant antiques adorned
the rooms and afternoon tea was an essential
ritual. In fact, just steps into the Westgate's lobby,
you will be met by a striking Steinway antique
grand piano in the corner, Baccarat crystal
chandeliers suspended from the ceilings, and
intricate Persian rugs that catch your footsteps.
During the holiday season, The Westgate is
especially a grand retreat, as they host their
afternoon tea in a lovely private room. The walls of
this room were covered with pink designs that
cast a soft glow over our crisp linens, and the air
had the sweet smell of roses floating from the
centerpieces. Combined with the peaceful
harmonies from the live harpist, this room was
certainly an escape from the hustle and bustle of
the city streets!
When the tea ceremony began, we were met by
two charming waiters dressed to the nines in their
white suits. They offered us an assortment of teas
and shortly followed with a delightful array of
finger sandwiches. Proscuitto San Danielle with
Goat Cheese Fromage Blanc and Tomato Pear
Chutney, Quail Egg and Domestic Caviar on
Blinis, and Black Tiger Shrimp with Cucumber and
Cilantro Cream were just a few of the treats to
choose from. We were later served the most
decadent Sugar Cane Scones with Devonshire
Cream and a Petit-Four of equally indulgent
sweets. The Tiramisu was my favorite!
When our teapots had come to their very last
drops, we strolled through the lobby to enjoy the
holiday decorations. Children were gathered
around the Christmas tree visiting with Santa, and
the lights of the city were sparkling through the
windows. It was so peaceful ... as if time had truly
slowed down to reflect the lifestyle and pace of the
18th century decor around us.
In all, The Westgate set a sensational precedent
for San Diego tea courts. However, the true
essence of the evening came from experiencing
everything with Marie. She genuinely has a
contagious passion for this pastime, and her
detailed knowledge of tea etiquette is nothing
short of impressive. Beyond knowing which
sandwich to eat first and what flowers compliment
the table best, she demonstrated how calming and
nice afternoon tea really is ... like a day at the spa.
If you ever have the opportunity to personally
accompany her, count yourself lucky, too! Marie
will allow you to unwind, relax, and elegantly be
enlightened on the beautiful art of tea.
-Bridget Cameron
This review is based on a special holiday tea event
at the Westgate Hotel.
San Diego lies The Westgate Hotel - an unmatched
escape for the elegant and luxurious tea
enthusiast. As it was originally modeled after an
anteroom of the Palace of Versailles, it is no
surprise that the Westgate's lobby transports you
to a timeless era where radiant antiques adorned
the rooms and afternoon tea was an essential
ritual. In fact, just steps into the Westgate's lobby,
you will be met by a striking Steinway antique
grand piano in the corner, Baccarat crystal
chandeliers suspended from the ceilings, and
intricate Persian rugs that catch your footsteps.
During the holiday season, The Westgate is
especially a grand retreat, as they host their
afternoon tea in a lovely private room. The walls of
this room were covered with pink designs that
cast a soft glow over our crisp linens, and the air
had the sweet smell of roses floating from the
centerpieces. Combined with the peaceful
harmonies from the live harpist, this room was
certainly an escape from the hustle and bustle of
the city streets!
When the tea ceremony began, we were met by
two charming waiters dressed to the nines in their
white suits. They offered us an assortment of teas
and shortly followed with a delightful array of
finger sandwiches. Proscuitto San Danielle with
Goat Cheese Fromage Blanc and Tomato Pear
Chutney, Quail Egg and Domestic Caviar on
Blinis, and Black Tiger Shrimp with Cucumber and
Cilantro Cream were just a few of the treats to
choose from. We were later served the most
decadent Sugar Cane Scones with Devonshire
Cream and a Petit-Four of equally indulgent
sweets. The Tiramisu was my favorite!
When our teapots had come to their very last
drops, we strolled through the lobby to enjoy the
holiday decorations. Children were gathered
around the Christmas tree visiting with Santa, and
the lights of the city were sparkling through the
windows. It was so peaceful ... as if time had truly
slowed down to reflect the lifestyle and pace of the
18th century decor around us.
In all, The Westgate set a sensational precedent
for San Diego tea courts. However, the true
essence of the evening came from experiencing
everything with Marie. She genuinely has a
contagious passion for this pastime, and her
detailed knowledge of tea etiquette is nothing
short of impressive. Beyond knowing which
sandwich to eat first and what flowers compliment
the table best, she demonstrated how calming and
nice afternoon tea really is ... like a day at the spa.
If you ever have the opportunity to personally
accompany her, count yourself lucky, too! Marie
will allow you to unwind, relax, and elegantly be
enlightened on the beautiful art of tea.
-Bridget Cameron
This review is based on a special holiday tea event
at the Westgate Hotel.
Westgate Hotel
