Our Faves

Old Mill Inn & Spa

21 Old Mill Dr, Toronto, ON, M8X 1G5

Rated this place:

posted Apr 14 2009

Cozy and warm afternoon tea room: It's not often that I make the journey to the Old Mill Inn & Spa, hailing from Scarborough and a seasoned downtown Toronto girl. But hidden away in Toronto's west-end, the Old Mill Inn & Spa offers a wonderful break from the day-to-day busyness of city life. A rustic and traditional property, the architecture is reminiscent of an inn somewhere in the Swiss countryside - it's no wonder so many Toronto natives retreat to the Old Mill on weekends and for events!

My favourite thing to do at the Old Mill Inn & Spa is to go on a Saturday afternoon for their Afternoon Tea from 2-4pm. The tea room is hidden away at the back of the restaurant looking out onto flower gardens and is a truly one-of-a-kind warm atmosphere for your afternoon tea. Tea with finger sandwiches, scones, jams and devonshire cream and desserts/tarts are offered with the set.

The Old Mill's main dining room offers a warm atmosphere, simple elegance and cozy at the same time. Buffet lunches and dinner/dancing are available throughout the week and Sunday Brunches and Sunday Dinner Buffet take place on the weekend.

The Old Mill's inn and meeting rooms are all elegantly decorated full with poster beds and wooden fireplace mantles. The spa blends the Old Mill's elegance with a modern touch, a great atmosphere for relaxation and pampering. The offer facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, body treatments, bridal packages as well as corporate packages for groups. The Old Mill property is also a popular place for photography, wedding photography, wedding ceremonies and celebration banquets (retirements, weddings, birthdays or anniversaries).

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Spa
• High Tea
• Afternoon Tea
• bridal shower

Windsor Arms Hotel

18 St. Thomas St, Toronto, ON, M5S3E7

Rated this place:

posted Apr 14 2009

Fancy schmacy and damn good afternoon tea: When you step through the doors at the Windsor Arms Hotel, you'll know why it's rated the #1 hotel in Toronto by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. From start to finish, the service is impeccable, the food is excellent and the elegant decor offers boutique luxury at its best.

The hotel is hidden away off of busy Bloor St. just steps away from trendy Yorkville, Williams-Sonoma and the University of Toronto's beautiful Victoria College campus. Popular amongst locals as much as it is with its visiting guests, the Windsor Arms offers a number of amenities and restaurants to suit your tastes.

A favourite of mine is the Windsor Arm's Tea Room, consistently known as one of Toronto's best High Tea or Afternoon Tea rooms since 1927. The experience is truly an "elegant afternoon indulgence," and perfect for special occasions like bridal showers or a Mother's Day treat. A bright French-style tea room or lush, majestic purple room offer two ambiances to suit your style.

Tea begins with a flute of sparkling wine and a selection of traditional and exotic teas. Asparagus and smoked salmon sandwich roulades, quiche tarts, delicious dessert pastries are served along with some of Toronto's best scones complete with devonshire and jams on the side. An absolute treat and the perfect place to spoil someone special in your life!

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

21 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON, M5R2G1

Rated this place:

posted Apr 14 2009

Afternoon Tea Lovin': Four Seasons is one of Toronto's top spots for High or Afternoon Tea. Choose from the basic menu from $35, add a glass of Prosecco for $41, a martini for $48, or a glass of Champagne for $52. You'll see everyone and anyone in this tea room: upscale Yorkville ladies taking a break from shopping Hazelton Lanes; older madames with fur coats and matching hats; girls spending a relaxing afternoon together; or Toronto tourists taking it all in. Fun sandwiches like apple & cheddar cheese; caramelized fig; and tarragon chicken salad make a great start. Both plain and raison scones are tasty and filling - the lemon curd is a nice touch that I haven't seen in Toronto recently. Be sure to save room for dessert and the brandy chocolate torte. Four Seasons definitely wins for their tea selection, with an exceptional variety of flavours and tea styles are offered.

Dessert Trends

154 Harbord St., Toronto, ON, M5S 1H2

Rated this place:

posted Mar 19 2009

Delicious desserts, brunch and afternoon tea: The brightly lit bistro-patisserie space is adorable and is a perfect day time spot along Harbord Street's growing restaurant and cafe lane. Unpretentious brunch dishes like french onion soup, sandwiches, quiches and omelettes are perfect weekend starters, the duck egg and chorizo sausage is one of my favourites. However, the star of the show at Dessert Trends is the display case of desserts, cakes, tarts and gelato - try the Frangelico Hazelnut Mousse Tart and you'll know why this place is known for desserts. Drop in on Saturday or Sunday afternoon during the spring or summer for a seat near the window.Dessert Trends is also a great for Afternoon Tea and small parties or bridal showers. They were also voted as having Toronto's Best Wedding Cakes. Their off-site bakery located on Weston Road, north of St. Clair sources their impeccably beautiful and delicious desserts to Pusateri's and Fresh & Wild, but is closed to the public.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• tea
• gelato
• desserts
• brunch
• Lunch