Who doesn’t love afternoon tea? The elegant ambiance, sense of tradition and fab food and drink pairing is what makes the whole experience nothing short of perfect.
The Orangery in Kensington Palace Gardens is my go-to afternoon tea spot when I have friends and family in town. The simple chic tearoom situated in pristine royal gardens offers adorable sandwiches, delicious cakes and tea presented on gorgeous mint and gold floral china. And if you’re feeling up for it, top it all off with a bottle of bubbles! Bubbles are always a good thing.
The Orangery makes you feel like you’re in the scene of a movie … with scones and clotted cream! I grew up having a cup of English breakfast tea every morning (thanks to my English father!) so I’m no stranger to the teapot. But even if you’re trying tea for the first time, an afternoon at The Orangery will start you off on the right foot!
Afternoon tea at The Orangery | Photo by McKennaThe Orangery | Kensington Palace Gardens
Whether your prefer to go for an herbal infusion or a cup of oolong … you’ll experience a unique English afternoon tea you’re sure to remember. When in England … drink tea, am I right?
But… my afternoon tea search hasn’t ended in the royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Share your go-to spots — I’m always up for trying something new!
Quaint cafes, bakeries and tearooms are my jam. Whether I’m trying to be productive and get piles of work accomplished or going to brunch with a friend, I always eventually find myself perched on a comfy armchair ordering a chaippuccino (my new obsession!) –
Over the past few weeks I’ve been Instagramming at these venues A LOT – I mean who can resist snapshotting an adorable latte with a half-eaten chocolate croissant, anyway?
Here are my top picks for cafes for both work and play – in the District and from my Eurotrip 🙂 Who doesn’t love espresso and sweets?
Tryst is my go-to. Whenever I want to grab a coffee, put my headphones in and cross a few tasks off my to-do list, I go to Tryst. They also have an amazing chaippuccino served with animal crackers (pictured below), half-priced wines at 4 p.m. and live music on select nights. What more could you ask for?!
Chaippuccino with animal crackers on the side – yum.
Angelina is perfection. A historic tearoom on Rue de Rivoli in Paris. It’s a perfect pitstop between a morning of shopping and an afternoon at the Louvre. You can’t deny it – those desserts are pristine and mouthwatering. Great cappuccinos and little gifts, as well!
Caelum has such a humble, family oriented vibe. You could tell that every cake, croissant and quiche was baked right in the shop. The intimate setting, over beautiful hardwood floors with a small crystal chandelier floating above, was a perfect way to start off a day of sightseeing in Barcelona. Not to mention, beyond delicious!
It was a cappuccino, quiche and Ray-Ban clubmasters kind of morning.
And we’ve switched back over to French tearooms! My friend Diana and I discovered Colorova on Vogue’s Weekend Guide – and thank goodness we did. This casual, colorful, loungy tearoom ended up being the best bang for our buck with a high quality of presentation and flavor 🙂 For a fixed price we received mint tea, a variety of spreads, poached eggs, cauliflower soup and a fresh fruit salad in an orange blossom dressing. It was all scrumptious. Colorova, I will be back!
Cappuccino and a variety of spreads at Colorova. And whoops, I leave lipstick stains everywhere.
5. Emily’s Tearoom | Alexandria, Virginia
Sometimes the most delicious brunch is at home! My amazing cousin Emily whipped up this outstanding morning meal – eggs benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce, hashbrowns and fresh berries. And of course we couldn’t forget my coffee fix! Emily’s Tearoom’s specialities are always made with love 🙂
Eggs benedict, hash browns, fresh berries and a cup o’ Joe.
Which one do you think sounds like your kind of place? Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these gems 🙂
It’s been a little while since I updated my blog, buttttt I’m back and ready to write! My first post back revolves around one of my favorite things – city dining. I am truly a foodie at heart. This week I ventured out of D.C. and over to a restaurant called Raku in the city’s neighboring little sister – Bethesda, Md.
The self-proclaimed Asian, Sushi & Sake joint is to die for. Here’s what I snagged during my friend’s birthday dinner (clearly margs are a must during birthday festivities!) –
Traditional margaritas on the rocks with salt | Photo by McKennaChesapeake roll and spicy tuna roll, equipped with wasabi and ginger | Photo by McKenna
Sushi lovers in the DMV, you’re definitely going to want to check this place out.
Fresh seafood, delicious cocktails and a great ambiance – what’s not to love?
Since I moved to DC, I have found myself at brunch almost every single Saturday and Sunday – and I’m not hating it one bit.
Honestly, I didn’t think it was possible to beat New York in the brunch competition – but DC has come on strong. The District is King when it comes to a variety of venues offering bottomless barrels of mimosas and bloody marys alongside delicious breakfast plates.
I love new dining experiences – and my Instagram definitely reflects that. Take a look at two of my brunch shots below.
Masa 14 | Photo by McKennaMartin’s | Photo by McKenna
I know it’s Monday, but the weekend will be here before we know it!
Coffee & Cobblestones 