Top Two Traditional Tea Times in Portland, Oregon
The lavish Russian afternoon tea service in the (CLOSED) Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant of the downtown Heathman Hotel is presented only on Saturdays, at noon and 2:30 p.m. Reservations are required. A separate table is dedicated to preparing the tea using a magnificent samovar. All teas come from local Smith Teamaker, including custom blends. Two I enjoyed were Chocolate peppermint Pu’erh for a dose of caffeine, followed by Peppermint Leaves for a refreshing caffeine-free sip. Recipes for some items on the menu have been handed down from chef Vitaly Paley’s own grandmother. I ate absolutely everything on my tiered tray. My favorites were Traditional Blini (with salmon caviar and sour cream), Butterbrodi (open-faced rye sandwiches), and Tort Po Kievski (hazelnut meringue, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache).
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| Beefeater doorman at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon |
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| samouvar tea table for Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon |
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| tiered tea tray for Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon |
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| savory selections at Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon |
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| savory selections at Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon |
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| sweet selections at Russian afternoon tea service in Tea Court Lounge of the Headwaters restaurant at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon |
Gracie’s restaurant is the posh site for a traditional English afternoon tea at the Hotel deLuxe. Smith Teamaker brews are served here as well, including two custom blended for this venue--a strong malty Provenance Black and fruit Green deLuxe. A three-tiered tea tray includes a variety of sandwiches (the smoked salmon and tarragon cream cheese on rye is particularly tasty), warm scones with housemade Marionberry jam and clotted cream, and an assortment of cakes. Most items are made in house. Tea-based cocktails are also available.
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| tiered tea tray for afternoon tea at Gracie's restaurant in Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon |
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| afternoon tea selections at Gracie's restaurant in Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon |
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| tiny tea cocktail at Gracie's restaurant in Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon |
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images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated September 8, 2023
Delicious post, Carole! I'd love to visit Portland and check out Gracie's and Headwaters.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful afternoon experience. Gracies Tea Room looks like an elegant and delicious experience. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh my there is a place in America with clotted cream! I didn't know there are places with afternoon tea service like they have in the UK!
ReplyDeleteI've not had a Russian afternoon tea - it looks wonderful. I will certainly keep Headwaters in mind for any visit to Portland.
ReplyDeleteThe food looks divine! Coupled with all the pomp and circumstance and you have a fantastic experience. Great post about Portland!
ReplyDeleteI love high tea, low tea or plain afternoon tea. It's a mix of sweet and savory!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of a Russian tea! Is that a thing? Or is it unique to Headwaters? It looks and sounds absolutely wonderful! And so does the more traditional English high tea at Gracie's, for that matter.
ReplyDeleteI imagine it is a tradition in Russia, but I don't know for sure, but it is certainly an enjoyable variation of the traditional English tea.
DeleteI've never been to a proper English (or Russian) high tea! Would love to try this! Looks scrumptious!
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