TEA FOR TWO BLOSSOMS AT VANDUSEN

“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea,” or so says Bernard-Paul Heroux, an early Twentieth Century philosopher. Many people the world over subscribe to his sentiment.

While Vancouver overflows with plenty of places to grab a good cup of java, the number places serving traditional afternoon tea can be counted on less than 10 fingers. Now there’s one more to add to the list – one in a very special location.

Starting April 2nd, Truffles Café at VanDusen Botanical Garden will be serving a ‘proper’ Afternoon Tea complete with three-tier tray of goodies, ceramic tea pots and cups, organic and private label teas.

“It seemed a natural thing to do here,” says Truffles owner Nin Rai. “I can’t imagine a more beautiful setting in which to unwind over a cup of tea. The stress just melts away here.”   With its floor to ceiling windows over-looking Livingstone Lake and the Woodland Garden, Truffles always feels light and airy. Small tables and chairs scattered about the room as well as comfy lounge chairs and a couch add to the café’s casual ambiance.

Value priced at only $28 for two people (many tea rooms charge double that), or $50 for four, Truffles Afternoon Tea includes a three-tiered tray loaded with sweet and savoury goodies plus an extensive selection of teas. The first tray tier contains a choice of daily sandwich which has been cut into smaller portions.  Depending on availability, there could be a choice of Honey Mustard and Chicken or Roasted Veggies and Goat Cheese or Turkey, Brie and Cranberry to name just three. Also on the first tier are freshly made scones (you have your choice of sweet or savoury).

The middle tier contains a large croissant (divided into two portions), coconut macaroons and shortbread cookies while the top tier features jewel-toned French macarons and petit-fours.Selections change on a daily basis and depend on what has been baked that day. The Tea Tray also is accompanied by ramekins of house-made strawberry jam and VanDusen’s own un-pasteurized, organic honey.

Tea selections include VanDusen’s own private label black tea (blended for the Garden by The Secret Garden Tea Company in honour of the visit of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall in 2010) and a dozen different organic teas produced by MoTeas from Kelowna. Some of the tempting flavours include: Early Grey with Rose, Chocolate Mint Roiboos, Assam Breakfast, Masala Chai and classic Darjeeling.

“I got nasty habits, I take tea at three,”  snarled Mick Jagger in the 1969 Rolling Stones hit Live with Me. Unlike Sir Mick, we think that any time is a good time to unwind with a steaming cuppa accompanied by tasty nibbles at Truffles Café. Truffles Afternoon Tea will be available every day from 11 a.m. ‘til closing.

Truffles Café is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (and later in the summer) in the new Visitor Centre at VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5151 Oak Street between W.33rd Avenue and W.37th Avenue.

Check out VanDusen’s facebook page  for daily updates on the Garden. For further information on Truffles visit its web site: www.trufflesfinefoods.com/café