afternoon tea in Berkeley
Today I took Mom to the Imperial Tea Court in Berkeley for lunch. It was a truly delightful experience! I had been there once before, a few weeks ago, just for tea; shortly after my visit, my mom read a review of it in the paper and it was determined we should go together. This afternoon, that dream was realized.
I was charmed by the Imperial Tea Court, which is situated comfortably in the Epicurious Garden on Shattuck, the first time; this time, I've become completely infatuated. It was a beautiful day and we elected to eat outside in the pretty, sunshiny garden there. Mom had the hibiscus iced-tea, which was a beautifully presented summery drink, and I had the superior puerh tea, served in the traditional gaiwan. For lunch Mom and I shared the dim-sum sampler, which came with the Dragon Well dumplings, pork Sui Mei, shrimp dumplings, and a red-bean paste steamed dumpling. I was very pleased, and I must say that I haven't had dumplings so good since China. Everything was delicious, but in particular I loved the shrimp dumplings, mmm! Melt in your mouth tasty! Next time, maybe I will get a whole platter of them, they were so very pleasing. Mom also had a special that involved purple rice and some funky-awesome looking leaves. She was impressed by the lovely flavor of everything, too.
Not only was everything yummy, well-presented and charming, the portions were such that Mireille Guiliano would be proud. There was a little bit of everything, just enough of each portion to leave one satisfied and no more. As my Dad used to tell me, "Enough is plenty." Our server was so nice, too, very charming and helpful. :)
In short, I enjoyed everything about our experience and would recommend the Imperial Tea Court to anyone! I look forward to returning again.
One thing I love about Berkeley this time of year is that there are morning glories everywhere, all in stunning bloom.
I was charmed by the Imperial Tea Court, which is situated comfortably in the Epicurious Garden on Shattuck, the first time; this time, I've become completely infatuated. It was a beautiful day and we elected to eat outside in the pretty, sunshiny garden there. Mom had the hibiscus iced-tea, which was a beautifully presented summery drink, and I had the superior puerh tea, served in the traditional gaiwan. For lunch Mom and I shared the dim-sum sampler, which came with the Dragon Well dumplings, pork Sui Mei, shrimp dumplings, and a red-bean paste steamed dumpling. I was very pleased, and I must say that I haven't had dumplings so good since China. Everything was delicious, but in particular I loved the shrimp dumplings, mmm! Melt in your mouth tasty! Next time, maybe I will get a whole platter of them, they were so very pleasing. Mom also had a special that involved purple rice and some funky-awesome looking leaves. She was impressed by the lovely flavor of everything, too.
Not only was everything yummy, well-presented and charming, the portions were such that Mireille Guiliano would be proud. There was a little bit of everything, just enough of each portion to leave one satisfied and no more. As my Dad used to tell me, "Enough is plenty." Our server was so nice, too, very charming and helpful. :)
In short, I enjoyed everything about our experience and would recommend the Imperial Tea Court to anyone! I look forward to returning again.
One thing I love about Berkeley this time of year is that there are morning glories everywhere, all in stunning bloom.