Metroactive Dining

[ Dining Central | SF Metropolitan | Metroactive Central ]

Prices
$ cheap $$ moderate $$$ pricey

Tea Rooms

Bread and Honey Tea Room
$. Located above the lobby of the King George Hotel, the Tea Room has some 18 varieties of tea on the menu, including Earl Grey and Queen Elizabeth II, Bourbon Vanilla from Madagascar and Gen Mea Cha, from Japan, plus a selection of herbal teas. Near the theater district and downtown stores, this is an ideal stop for theater-goers and weary shoppers. Tea served 3-6:30pm Monday-Saturday ($3.50 for light tea, $9 for full tea); 334 Mason at Geary (415/781-5050). (K.R.)
Chai
$$. Menu highlights include smoked salmon finger sandwiches and a selection of home-style baked goods, plus imported Devonshire cream. This is a charming, unhurried place for friends, families and tea-lovers to meet. Open noon-7pm Sunday-Thursday, and noon-10.30pm Friday and Saturday. Lighter fare (after 3.30pm) costs $9; full tea and evening teas run $13-$18; 25 Ward St., Larkspur (415/945-7161). (K.R.)
The Fairmont Hotel
$$. The Fairmont serves "English Afternoon Tea," featuring finger sandwiches, strawberries dipped in chocolate, and small homemade scones. Service is a bit perfunctory, and because tea is served in the lobby, it is cleared quickly at the end of service. Still, the Fairmont offers a luxury experience in one of the city's most elegant neighborhoods. Tea served 3-6pm Monday-Saturday and 1-6pm Sunday. Prices run $4.50-$5.75 for a la carte, $14.50 for full tea; 950 Mason between California and Sacramento (415/772-5281). (K.R.)
The Garden Court
$$$. Of note was the Garden Court Tea, which has gourmet finger sandwiches featuring salmon with roe and prosciutto with melon. Included are freshly baked scones and pastries accenting chocolate and mocha. Impeccable service and ample portions, combined with the jaw-dropping setting, make the Garden Court one of the most romantic places to have tea in San Francisco. 1-4.30pm Monday-Saturday; Full tea runs $18-$28 (child $15); 2 New Montgomery at Market Street (415/546-5001). (K.R.)
The Imperial Tea House
$$. Besides the hundreds of varieties of oolong, black, green and herbal teas for sipping or bulk purchase, a crash course in tea history and appreciation is offered. Owners Roy and Grace Fong and their assistants can explain the differences between types of tea and how to brew it. The Imperial Tea House is the perfect setting for letting worldly cares seep away and beginning a new life as a tea drinker. 11am-6:30pm daily. 1411 Powell St. (415/788-6080). (M.J.)

Foreclosures - Real Estate Investing

San Jose.com Real Estate