Afternoon tea (as opposed to high tea, which refers to a more substantial evening meal) is a fancy, late-afternoon meal consisting of tea, scones, finger sandwiches and sweets. It is gaining in popularity on restaurant menus, though it can be pricey to eat out. If having friends over is more your cup of tea, you can assemble your own – buy some fancy cups at a thrift shop or raid your grandmother’s china cabinet and pick up some tasty bites to pile high.
Scones from Framboise
A good scone is the foundation of any proper afternoon tea, and they have divine sweet and savoury ones at Framboise – large with crusty edges and tender middles.
1104 20 Ave. N.W., 403-210-0023, framboisebakery.ca
Crme frache from The Cookbook Co. Cooks
House-made crme frache from The Cookbook Co. Cooks is Alberta’s answer to English clotted cream. Thick and tangy, it’s the perfect spread for warm scones.
722 11 Ave. S.W., 403-265-6066, cookbookcooks.com
Petit fours from Amandine Bakery
Amandine has been in the same space on Centre Street, and run by the same family, since the ’80s. They’re experts at European-style cakes and loaves and have an affordable assortment of petit fours (tiny decorated cakes and other sweets) as well as Florentines and macarons.
3 2610 Centre St. N., 403-276-3532, amandinebakery.net
Loose-leaf teas from Natur’el Tea
Of course, a tea party needs an assortment of delicious teas, like those from Natur’el Tea, which blends its teas in Banff. Choose from classic organic creamy Earl Grey or orange pekoe, or try something different, like vanilla mint chai, Callebaut black raspberry or the cinnamon plum herbal tea.
Available at Amaranth Wholefoods, 7 Arbour Lake Dr. N.W., 403-547-6333, and various other locations; natureltea.ca
Egg-salad sandwiches from Rustic Sourdough Bakery & Deli
If you want to take it easy, pick up some freshly made egg-salad sandwiches at Rustic Sourdough and cut them into fingers. Or choose from a selection of sliced meats and cheeses, bread sliced to order, and interesting jams and preserves to
pair with your scones.
1305 17 Ave. S.W., 403-245-2113, rusticsourdoughbakery.com
