Russian Tea Time: Afternoon tea and other European delights
When one thinks of afternoon tea, images of English royalty sipping English Breakfast in a garden jump to mind, but since the 17th century, tea drinking has probably been more widely practiced by the Russians. Chicago’s Russian Tea Time acknowledges the importance of the lost art of afternoon tea drinking with its refined daily service.
Nestled between the Art Institute and shopping destinations downtown, the stately restaurant lionizes tea culture and all its accoutrements. From 2:30 p.m-4:30 p.m every day of the week, their afternoon tea service comes with a pot of tea, bite-sized sandwiches, scones and assorted desserts for only $22.95 per person.
Inside the restaurant, mahogany tables and red leather chair boost enough space for large parties. Brass samovars or ancient tea urns litter the front room and in the back room, Russian framed art work hangs on the wall.
The menu lists teas ranging from green to black to decaffeinated, but jasmine or the house tea, Ceylon, are good bets. The steeping hot tea arrives first followed by a three-tiered stand of afternoon delights comprised of cranberry and raisin scones served with whipping cream and marmalade, salmon, roasted red pepper and mini-ruebens sandwiches and petite Napoleon tortes, mini rugala and cookies for dessert.
HelloChicago Tip: Relaxing with some tea is only one portion of the restaurant which supplies an entire lunch and dinner menu of robust Russian food. Ukrainian borscht (beet soup), Moldavian meatballs, chicken livers and specialty beef stroganoff represent Eastern Europe as do latkes, sardines, lamb dishes, blintzes, dumplings and of course celebatory vodka shots.
Posted by Garin Pirnia
