Plan now for a post-holiday tea party at Bluestem
Even when America was at its most British-obsessed in the mid-1960s — the Fab Four, Carnaby Street fashions, Julie Christie, Twiggy, Vidal Sassoon hairdos! — the very British tradition of high tea didn’t catch on in the States the way other concepts (fish and chips, Cadbury chocolates) did. But during the holiday season, a proper sit-down tea — with food — is considered to be a real treat.
Megan Garrelts, the co-owner and pastry chef at Bluestem, is a longtime fan of the traditional high tea. Her affection for the ritual dates back to her childhood in Michigan when her British-born grandmother would take her to tea at a fancy hotel during visits to Chicago.
Garrelts continues the tradition of holiday tea at Bluestem. The restaurant is hosting a special tea, with an array of scones, tea breads, tartlets, shortbreads, finger sandwiches — and freshly brewed tea, of course (mimosas and wine are also available, for an added price) — on Saturday, December 27. Yes, it’s after Christmas — from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is $25 per person, although children under 10 years old are only required to pay $7. Reservations are required by calling 816-561-1101.
