Where: Chicago, Illinois (Gold Coast Neighborhood, on The Magnificent Mile) Style: Beaux-arts palm court Tea Selection: 12+ loose leaf teas by Palais des Thés Teatimes: Thursday to Sunday, 12 to 4:30 (last seating) Reservations: Reservations required Contact: 312-932-4661 or reserve here Cost: $74 – $78 Holiday Tea; $67 Afternoon Tea; $35 Child’s Afternoon Tea (ages 3 to 12) Destination Tea Tips: At this luxury tea where the dress code states that gloves are optional, come as fancy as you like. Enter through the lobby at the East Walton Place main entrance (we tried entering on East Lake Shore Drive and found the door a locked facade).
Destination Tea Notes: Much like they say not to prepare an untested recipe for a party, I recognize I’m taking a chance when I invite someone to their first afternoon tea at a tearoom I’ve not yet reviewed. Happily, The Drake Hotel has a good bit of experience serving an afternoon tea that impresses. When the hotel opened in 1920, Chicago’s social elite came for tea in what was originally dubbed The Fountain Court, making today’s Palm Court tea service more than 100 years old. It is bittersweet knowing that in that time, both Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana made royal visits here. Take your time luxuriating in every afternoon tea delight because there is much for your senses to see, hear and taste. A stunning space, the Palm Court’s mirrored walls and ceilings, decorative molding, draped columns and silk flower arrangements dotted about the room are anchored by a towering bouquet topping the centerpiece stone fountain. In the midst of two-tops tucked against the fountain’s edge, a harpist in floor-length gown plays. The large room is full of conversation as afternoon tea goers from all generations take their seats: a mélange of soft tufted sofas, banquettes and round armchairs. Service here is attentive and efficient. Hot teas are quickly brought to the table and tiered trays with seasonally inspired scratchmade menus are delivered. This is when we discover two excellent things about The Drake Hotel’s afternoon tea: every recipe is delicious, and we are welcome to request second servings. This is a rarity at most afternoon teas, and makes us feel even more doted on. Now we know that it is no gamble to bring a new afternoon tea friend to The Drake, rather it’s the perfect way to have them fall in love with the tradition.
Coming up the stairs in the lobby, you may happen upon a bridal party photo shoot using the Palm Court as a backdrop. Continue past that staircase and go left to find the hostess stand.
My friend’s smile lasts throughout the meal, as she discovers the scrumptiousness, beauty and fun of afternoon tea at The Drake’s Palm Court.
Just as in the early 20th century, The Drake’s Palm Court is a scene, to see and be seen. Tables are lower than a dining table, recalling afternoon tea’s alias: “low tea.”
We are given the choice of this table or another and we decide to move to the center of the floor, though it could be fun to discreetly people-watch, facing the mirrors. This seating would also be ideal for a larger group to be able to hear their conversation better.
Wooden paneled screens decorate the back wall of the Palm Court. We admire one diner’s fabulous black feather tea hat.
According to The Drake’s literature, in the ’40s, the Palm Court was changed seasonally: in the winter, to set the holiday tone, the fountain was replaced with a 2,000-pound fireplace. In the summer, to get the cool lake breeze, the ceiling was open and the fountain was filled with fresh water. Today, the larger-than-life flower arrangement topping the fountain is also changed to reflect seasonal colors.
What afternoon tea is all about: time together, to connect and make memories.
Tea Selection
Teacups and decorative strainers at the ready
Each guest is invited to choose a pot of tea, which is poured through a decorative strainer to serve. We know that folks enjoy the ceremony of using tea strainers, but here we must add our typical protest: this method allows certain tea varieties to oversteep and become bitter. Our first pours are delightful. We choose the 7 Citrus (an oolong tea with a woody character and zesty notes of lemon, lime, Seville orange, grapefruit, bergamot and mandarin – wow), which is delicious and pleasing to the palate of a newbie to tea-drinking. And the Thé des Vahinés is a yummy black tea blend flavored with vanilla and almond.
Scones & Spreads, Savories and Sweets
The Spooky Tea menu featured some tasty fall flavors and Halloween colors: Beet Cured Salmon with Citrus Dill Cream Cheese and Mandarin on Marble Rye, Masala Chicken Cranberry Salad Profiterole, Cucumber-Cream Cheese and Spiced Tomato Jam on Pullman Loaf and Smoked Turkey and Red Pepper Pinwheels with Blood Orange Aioli. Our server only needed to ask once for us to gladly accept a second plate of these scrumptious savories.
Alongside traditional scones and cranberry-orange scones, a pumpkin tea cake is also served. At first glance, we expected these scones to have been overdone, but splitting them open revealed a warm softer crumb.
The Drake Hotel’s pastry chefs offer house-made preserves, lemon curd, and English double Devon cream – all so good
Dessert is the perfect finishing touch: blood red velvet truffles, vanilla macarons, and the perfect two-bites of caramel-filled apple slices dipped in chocolate.
I had my very first tea at this hotel in June of 1999. We sat next to the fountain and the harpist. I fell in love with going to tea at this hotel. I still remember drinking the champagne of teas – Darjeeling. We had a wonderful experience here.
I agree with Donna Jean. I had my first tea at The Drake, sometime in the 1990’s, and fell in love with afternoon tea. I’ve had it many, many times in many places since as a result, but never more enjoyable than here!
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I had my very first tea at this hotel in June of 1999. We sat next to the fountain and the harpist. I fell in love with going to tea at this hotel. I still remember drinking the champagne of teas – Darjeeling. We had a wonderful experience here.
It would be wonderful to have a fountainside seat near the harpist. Wow, almost 25 years ago. Thank you for sharing your memory!
I agree with Donna Jean. I had my first tea at The Drake, sometime in the 1990’s, and fell in love with afternoon tea. I’ve had it many, many times in many places since as a result, but never more enjoyable than here!