Cheerio, good fellow!

In her excited tone, she informed me that I was to be her date for a very special lunch.  A lunch to celebrate the upcoming arrival of numero cinco.

As we drove, she hinted but I was left completely clueless until we arrived at The Secret Garden Tea Room in Sumner, WA.

My first tea!!

I was pretty excited even though I HATE tea.  Or as I like to call it...watered down grass clippings.

It was the experience I was after.  

Lucky for me, they also serve a piping cold pot of fresh brewed, pink lemonade for the more intelligent minded folk who don't drink their lawns.

What a splendid place full of English charm and daintiness.  

See?  Super dainty!

When I speak of she, I mean my neighbor of 5 years and delightful friend Lori.  

She is slightly more experienced at the tea thing...her pinky is up.

Upon arrival you are asked for your tea and preferences.  Although there are many options, Lori wanted me to experience the Traditional Larkspur Luncheon Tea.

Within minutes, you are served a crispy, yet soft, hot out of the oven, golden brown scone, served with a side of strawberry jam, homemade lemon curd and traditional Devonshire cream.  Bloody good ol' chap!

Next comes the teeniest, tiniest, egg cup filled with a splendid raspberry sorbet to cleanse your palate.

It is quite perfect in every way.

But it was the triple-tiered magnificence that really got my knickers in a bunch.  As the server set it down in the middle of the table, all my outside troubles melted away.  I was transported to dream land as I feasted my eyes on a glorious smorgasbord of one-bite wonders.  They were all truly delicious.

Tea Sandwiches including:
cucumber dill
chicken salad
egg salad

Savories & Fresh Fruit such as:

bacon wrapped water chestnuts

quiches

caramlized onion tarts (my favorite)

pineapple

grapes

& oranges

 Seasonal Tea Pastries & Sweets like:

lime creams (so good)

shortbreads

orange truffles

coconut macaroons

fresh rhubarb pies (my favorite)

& cupcakes

and to finish it all...a lemon-scented, hot towel service.

We perused their adorable little gift shop as well but it was a delightful afternoon of being pampered.

Trust me on this one.  Get yourself some girls, moms, daughters together and reserve yourself a spot for high tea at The Secret Garden Tea Room!