California Beaches Blog

Are you looking to book a tea time at a great California beach? Don’t call the Tee Time restaurant at Newport Beach’s golf course. I called them and they told me they do serve “tea” but it’s provided on the menu for meals with your “tee” time. They receive many calls from people interested in having tea and scones, but rather than get “teed off”, they invite them to come try the food and maybe play a little golf.

Tee times are abundant along the coast. Pebble Beach, Pelican Hill, Sandpiper and Torrey Pines are a few great spots where you might book a tee time and enjoy great ocean views. But where do we tea lovers go along the coast for another type of tea spot and sport that involves sipping fine teas, eating finger sandwiches and listening to some soothing music? Our sport can also involve wearing hats and gloves like the golfers wear, but ours are made of linen, silk and our hats come full brimmed and with feathers.

We reported back in July that the luxurious, coastal Ritz- Carlton Laguna Niguel discontinued their regular tea times featured at the resort. Economic woes affected even the traditions such as sipping a hot cup of tea in a fine bone china cup. Just recently in Balboa Island along Marine Avenue, I was prepared to write a feature about the adorable Teddy Bears and Tea shop specializing in teas for children. But when I went to check it a few weeks after my first visit, the store was transformed into a women’s boutique with leather handbags and high heels displayed in the window. Gone were the pretty pink dresses for little girls, and teddy bears peaking out from the window sill.

Tea will never disappear in our time. Wars were fought over it, and tea has been symbolically used to protest tax increases recently in of all places — Massachusetts.

In California, tea traditions you’ll enjoy include the Tuck Box in Carmel, that looks like an adorable English cottage. It has been serving tea for decades, and the tea service offers great comfort to Europeans who visit.

In Cambria, a popular Central Coast city that reminds some of Carmel, The Tea Cozy, is located in an historic house, and serves some delicious teas, along with trays of finger sandwiches (purely gourmet) and sweets such as hand-dipped, chocolate coated strawberries and petit fours, or heartier fare with soups, sandwiches and meat pies made by the owner/chef. It is a great place to dine or simply book a tea time.

Now for our beloved Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel–here’s some good news! Tea time is back temporarily for the holidays. From December 1 to 23, 2009, tea will be served from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; $49 per person. Celebrate the season and enjoy a relaxing afternoon while sipping Holiday Tea.

Holiday Tea at Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel includes:

• Finger sandwiches including salmon roulade with mascarpone cheese and caviar
• Napoleon of Jamon de Paris with Boursin cheese, violet mustard and cornichons
• English cucumber with dill cream, cherry tomato and radish
• Egg salad with roasted red pepper mousse
• Chervil, fresh strawberry with bleu cheese mousse
• Concord grape and pistachio dust
• Balsamic roasted portobello mushroom with goat cheese on a focaccia crouton.

Sweet treats include freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and strawberry compote; cranberry pistachio florentine; gingerbread cookie; Kirsch Liquor cream puff; orange chocolate cup; lemon raspberry cheesecake and spiced chocolate macaroon.  Price is exclusive of tax and gratuity.  Location: One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, California 92629 USA.  Phone:  (949) 240-2000.

Another Tea Time you may enjoy at San Diego’s luxury resort, The Grand Del Mar, goes from Nov. 25 through Dec. 27, 2009.  You can book a holiday tea time Wednesday – Sunday, 2 pm – 4 pm. Enjoy the resort’s elegant Afternoon Tea infused with holiday cheer and seasonal treats. Tea service starts at $36. A special Nutcracker Holiday Tea will be held from Dec. 19-22, and will include excerpts from The Nutcracker Ballet performances.  Reservations: (858) 314-1988.  Location: 5300 Grand Del Mar Court | San Diego, CA 92130

At the oceanside Four Seasons Santa Barbara, Afternoon Tea is featured daily.

• Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara Full Afternoon Tea includes  Freshly Brewed Tea of Your Choice, Assorted Finger Sandwiches,  Miniature Pastries, Tea Cake, Freshly Baked Scones and Whipped Devonshire Cream, Lemon Curd.
• Montecito Afternoon Tea at the resort also includes Full Afternoon Tea along with a Glass of Sherry of Your Choice.
• Regal Afternoon Tea includes Full Afternoon Tea, plus a Glass of Champagne or Kir Royal.

Teas offered include an incredible range for every taste:
INDIAN AND GREEN TEAS
Darjeeling – Considered the champagne of teas, this tea from high in the Himalayas is light coloured with a slight muscat flavour.
Organic green with citrus – A green tea with ginko from Southern India, scented with natural citrus.
Japanese sencha – A green tea very light in caffeine and known to have health benefits.
Citron green – This delicate citrus-flavoured Chinese tea with orange flowers provides a gentle introduction into the world of green tea.

CHINA’S BLACK TEAS
English breakfast – Black keemun tea from China usually described as full-bodied and robust. The refreshing taste makes English breakfast one of the most popular teas to drink.
Earl Grey – Earl Grey tea was named after Charles Grey from the early 19th centrury. This Asian black tea gets its flavour from oil of bergamot, delivering a delightful citrusy tea.
Jasmine – Slightly fermented pouchong tea from mainland China. Fresh jasmine flowers are added to produce a delicate and fragrant brew.
Lapsang Souchong – Large lapsang leaves are traditionally smoke-dried over pinewood fires, taking on a distinctive smoky flavour.

HERBAL AND FLAVORED BLACK TEAS
Chamomile – Made with Egyptian chamomile flowers, this tea has a distinctly applelike taste and body of a chardonnay wine.
Peppermint herbal – Peppermint leaves from Oregon make a marvelous brisk cup everyone is sure to enjoy.
Peaches and Ginger – A traditional herbal black tea blended with fresh peaches and ginger.
Strawberry-Kiwi – A fresh fruitful tea, perfect for the summertime.
Chocolate-Mint – A black tea with chocolate and peppermint leaves. Just like drinking your favorite candy.

Tea is served in the Bella Vista.  Location: 1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, California  93108. Phone: (805) 969-2261.