Hubby came through with a great idea for the theme for peanut’s first birthday next month: afternoon tea!  I think it’s particularly fitting for us as you’ll see below, and will also be a fun way to blend cultures which everyone now knows is one of my favorite things!

I love my daily cups of tea (and coffee), and also love high tea.  It started long ago when working in San Francisco, and staying at the Westin St Francis Hotel.  I would often stay in San Francisco over the weekends and delight in high tea one or both afternoons, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends or even family who had flown out for a visit.  Loved enjoying tea and snacks in a bit of a luxurious atmosphere with live piano as a soundtrack.  Sometimes I’d read or journal, sometimes I’d chat with strangers, and sometimes I’d just daydream and peoplewatch.  What a great way for a lazy afternoon to float by.

I don’t remember why, but one of the things hubby and I decided we wanted to do before our bundle of joy arrived was high tea at the Plaza here in NYC.  I’d done high tea a number of times in a number of places in the city, but he hadn’t, so we made a reservation for a Saturday in February 2011. That day went down in infamy, because after tea, we came home, freshened up, grabbed our bags and headed to the hospital, and peanut arrived the next day. Since then, we’ve made high tea something of a family tradition, taking peanut to her first tea at the Plaza at 3 months, and then to high tea in India as well, at the Taj Falaknuma hotel.

Tea at the Falaknuma hotel was meant to be a wonderful blend of Indian and English food, but they somehow confused our order and gave us only the English snacks (though some had vague Indian inspiration I would say).  Despite that, the whole experience was absolutely lovely and I hope to make it something that we do each and every visit to Hyderabad.  First, even the entrance is charming (if you ignore the security part of it): we drove up to the gate, valeted our car, and hopped on a stretch golf cart for a short trip up to the palace.  Once atop the hill, the view from up there is breathtaking.  it’s set up on a hill and all of Hyderabad is spread out below, on all sides.  The tea itself is on a gorgeous veranda on the far end of the hotel.  The restoration of the palace is just wonderful, and we enjoyed exploring the historic palace’s restored rooms after tea – even our 7 year old nephew was intrigued.  I really can’t wait to return, and maybe even stay the night??  If you find yourself in Hyderabad anytime soon, do check it out.  A word of caution: don’t forget to make reservations first because they won’t allow you past the security checkpoint without confirmed reservations!!

So now… to come up with a menu to represent classic high tea, include some Indian twists, and also be friendly for all ages…. hmmmm… Stay tuned!

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