I found out about a new event being offered at the Hotel Emma in San Antonio, Texas. An Afternoon Tea. Afternoon Tea??? Yes please!! My reservation was promptly in place. I prettied up for the event and my avid tea drinking brother and I headed off to check out this Afternoon Tea tasting event.
The Pearl
Hotel Emma is a 5 star hotel located on the beautiful and cultural museum reach expansion of the river walk near downtown San Antonio. It is in the eclectic area known as the Pearl. Once a home to the Pearl brewery, now home to a huge farmer’s market, fun shops, many chef owned restaurants and the Culinary Institute of America. The Pearl is a fun hangout with something for all ages, locals and tourists. The Hotel Emma just puts the cherry on top.
The Hotel Emma
The Hotel Emma is stunningly beautiful. This grand hotel is somewhere where you are always warmly greeted. Our reserved tea drinking day was no exception. The San Antonio hospitality was exceptional.
Not knowing what to expect the afternoon tea was a little different even from the start. Instead of the low table seating we sat at a long French country style table with other guests. The seating arrangement offered time for a great chat. The guests next to us were staying at the hotel for a few days. They were thoroughly enjoying their stay as well as San Antonio. When we first met I started with the apology for the obnoxious picture taking for the blog then we had great discussions of their experience and thoughts about the Afternoon Tea. So far they loved it all so this was a plus for this couple’s stay at the hotel.
The menu
The menu offered 7 teas and a variety of signature treats by Chef John Brand. We were told the top 4 teas were standard teas, the others more signature teas. We went with the signature teas but all of the teas were available to try.
Looking at the tea descriptions I knew I wasn’t in for my typical afternoon tea that usually consists of scones, clotted cream and mini sandwiches and teas.
The Teas
These teas had names with a Texan Twist
- Marfa
- Lost Maples
- Pedernales
- Texas Twist
- Cowboy Hibiscus
- Midnight Cowgirl
- Lady Bird Earl Grey
Fun! Let the event begin!
Our sweet servers described the flavors and seeping times of these local Texan teas. We were ready for our first tastings.
It was not bone china teacups, saucers and scones like you would think of a traditional afternoon tea but a Japanese Tea set. Each tea was brought to you in individual serving tea pots. Stunning to look at.
Our first tea tastings
Texas Twist and Lady Bird Earl Grey
Texas Twist with its yummy citrus flavor was a win
Added to the yummy Earl Grey.
We tried both with and without milk and prefered the milky option but our friends at the table thoroughly enjoyed it without.
All in all 4 yes’s
The Signature dishes arrived
Oh my gosh! Chef John Brand did not disappoint with his pairings for the teas all displayed on slate.
- Charcoal cracker with herb goat cheese, smoked salmon caviar and dill.
- White chocolate dipped Lemon Madeline Cookies
- Passion fruit curd, strawberry and vanilla sable verrine
- Cream cheese mousse, apple compote and dulce de leche pecan verrine
Unbelievably yummy!!!
On to our Second round of teas
Cowboy Hibiscus and Midnight Cowgirl
Cowboy Hibiscus is a black tea with cranberry bits, pomegranate and hibiscus. Absolutely loved this.
Midnight Cowgirl a warm, yummy chamomile with rosehips and mint.
No milk to either of these. They were super yummy
Each tea was so varied so a great selection with something for everyone.
The end of the afternoon
I ended my Afternoon tea with a glass of bubbly (on the menu but not included in your overall tea experience $).
Our Afternoon Tea was fun and exciting with a Hotel Emma Texas Twist.
Afternoon Tea is currently only offered on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm. The Hotel has hope of expanding the Afternoon Tea to other days depending on popularity. It costs $35 per person. If you are an avid tea fan it is worth it. For the experience alone I would recommend it.
I think the afternoon tea is a great addition to the Hotel Emma for guests of the hotel or anyone that loves tea. I hope this event is able to expand even to an occasional Sunday so many others can enjoy it too.
I contacted the hotel with some clarifying questions about the Chef and tea providers after this event. They responded promptly stating that the snacks by Chef John Brand will vary on seasonality but always fresh and I’m sure yummy. They will be using a variety of Texas Teas but the ones I tried were by Catspring Yaupon and Tea in Texas.
Would I go back? Instantly! Would I recommend it? Yes. Let me know if you ever go to the Hotel Emma Afternoon Tea or if you think there are tea events I should try.
Tips, suggestions, any tea tasting? I’m here Hotel Emma-give me a call.
JULY 2019 – UPDATE
Unfortunately, I have discovered that the Hotel Emma is not providing afternoon tea service at this time. The hotel said that they hope to bring it back, but there is no set date. I will keep you posted!
Will make sure Hotel Emma is on my to do list this summer.
Awesome! We had a wonderful time!
What a great find. Hotel Emma is a beautiful location and this Afternoon Tea sounds like a wondrous experience.
I hope they expand into the weekend to let us working slobs take advantage of this great idea.
It is such a beautiful hotel. I hope they can expand Afternoon Tea to weekends or the occasional Sunday as well. I know so many people would really enjoy it that would usually miss out.
Sounds great. Would love to try it some time when we are in San Antonio.
It really was a great experience.
this looks so great! I had hope to do this this summer but they have cancelled it. 🙁
Do you know of any other places to have afternoon tea like this?
That is such a shame-it was so good. I contacted the Hotel and they said they wanted to bring it back but with no set date. I will now be on the lookout for another afternoon tea. There are places that say they offer it but it seems to be part of a package. I will let you know what I find out. Denise