Coffee or tea? I’m sure most of you would say coffee, but I am allllll about tea! I grew up drinking it and I even worked at a teahouse for about a year. There are plenty of coffee shops in the city and some people will drink just about anything when it comes to the stuff. Others like to hunt for the gem. I remember Calen posting about 49th Parallel some time ago. I don’t know much about coffee but I used to work near 49th Parallel and my coffee drinking co-workers seemed quite impressed with the place. I took my mom there once awhile back and now that’s all she’ll drink. I’m bringing her 2lbs of Epic Espresso when I go see her for Thanksgiving. But back to tea. Sure most coffee shops serve tea, but I’m a bit of a tea snob. I don’t like that crap that comes pre-bagged! Luckily for a tea lover like myself, there are not too many specialty tea places in Vancouver. So this makes finding a good one pretty easy.

I actually have 2 tea houses that I’m really into. One is called ‘Muzi’, and perhaps I’ll do a post on that place another day. The other place is called, ‘The Secret Garden Tea Co.’ One of my new favourite things to do is go for high tea. For those of you who don’t know what high tea is; in Britain, high tea refers to more of a meal, usually eaten in the early evening. Whereas, here in North America, high tea is just like an elaborate afternoon tea consisting of little sandwiches, scones, tarts, and other such tasty treats. Oh, and of course, TEA. There are a couple places in Vancouver that serve high tea but I’ve only been to the one. I’m sure some of you…especially the dudes, are thinking, “this shit’s for old ladies!” Well it isn’t true. In fact, I happen to know that one of our male VIA contributers has gone for high tea. And I’m pretty sure he even likes it!

If you are thinking about checking this place out, you can just go for a pot of tea and maybe some sort of little snack. They have lots of different kinds of tea to choose from. I’m kind of on a black tea kick right now. I would suggest trying their creamy earl grey or the assam. They also have a lunch menu with soups, sandwiches, and other lunchy type things. If you’re wanting to go for high tea, there are a couple things you must know. First of all, you have to dress up like an old lady or else they won’t let you in. OK, I’m kidding! But you do need to call ahead of time and make reservations and they’ll ask if you want to go at 12, 2, or 4 o’clock. Also, bring your appetite and your wallet. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it and it will definitely fill you up! Check out their website for more info or if you want to see their menus.

Mmm, look at all the good stuff!

Little sandwiches and savoury things to start.

Next, some mini scones and tea cakes with jam and devon cream.

…With sugar on top! Chocolate cake, little phyllo thingies with strawberry mouse in em, and lemon tarts. The lemon tarts are my favourite.