Join me in The Living Room

Today I had the Traditional Tea at the Beverly Hills Peninsula with my mom, sister, grandma and aunt. We sat in the yellow damask sofas in front of the fireplace. 

I believe I've been to the hotel before, but what a beautiful, cheery space the "Living Room" is! The service was great - we had at least 4 people helping us, and our waiter was very accommodating! (He had the chef make peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and turkey sanwiches for my little sister... though funnily enough, she got PBJ, and PBT!) The tea service was delightful - hand-painted tea cups and plates with whimsical floral designs... in various colors: pink, yellow, lavender, blue. 

We passed on the champagne and the caviar, but did decide to keep the strawberries and freshly whipped cream! What a difference between real cream and Reddi-Whip! None of the fumes of the spray can. Delicious and scrumptious scones, sandwiches and spreads... my favorite is always the clotted cream! Our sandwiches were a grilled veggie, chicken salad with almonds, smoked salmon and egg salad. Nice selections of sweets, as well: shortbread cookie, cream puff, madeleine, tiramisu.

Great ambience, wonderful service, and even a harpist!

Nice treat for a Sunday afternoon. :)

Food/Freshie places I want to check out

So far my list of places to check out includes:

1. Ice Pan, West Hollywood | www.icepanusa.com

Review: Amazing! You get to pick the type of "milk" it's made from... whether it's whole, 2%, non-fat or soy. Then you get to pick the flavor and what toppings/add-ins you want. On my first visit, which was very pleasant (1st hour free parking in the lot off of SM Blvd. in Weho), I had banana flavored soy milk with almond slivers and chocolate chips. As they were making it, the nice girl at the counter offered to add fresh strawberries (I accepted) and even chocolate or carmel syrup on top (I passed) for free! Not only was it soooo tasty, it's actually good for you, too! I wish there was a location on the Westside... though it is definitely worth the drive. :) Thanks to Jenna Phillips for recommending!

2. Funnel Mill, Santa Monica | www.funnelmill.com

Haven't been yet, but I looove tea and I always like to try new kinds. Thanks to GreenLAgirl for recommending!

3. Bubalus Bubalis Mozzarella, Gardena | www.realmozzarella.com

Have been meaning to check this place out! It's the only factory that makes Buffalo Mozzarella in the United States! I believe it's sold at various stores and restaurants, but I kind of want to check out the factory... I wonder if it's open to tours. Rather inconveniently though, I have given up dairy for Lent.... partially for Lent and partially to see whether I have a food allergy (I'm a bad Catholic). But - I wonder if buffalo milk counts as dairy? Does goat milk? What's the concensus here?

4. Huckleberry Cafe & Bakery, Santa Monica | www.huckleberrycafe.com

This place JUST opened and it sounds wonderfully fabulous! Can't wait to try all their delicious pastries. Thanks to Tiffany Stone for reminding me to check it out... and Daily Candy!