THE HISTORY OF AFTERNOON TEA 

Afternoon tea was invented by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford (1783-1857), a lady-in-waiting for Queen Victoria. In her day, the upper crust ate a huge breakfast, a little lunch, and a very late dinner.

Every afternoon, the duchess experienced a "sinking feeling" on account of the unusual meal schedule. One afternoon she instructed her servants to serve tea and little cakes in her boudoir. The experiencewas so delightful that Anna repeated it every afternoon thereafter. Soon others followed the Duchess' lead, and in just a few decades the custom of "taking tea" in the afternoon had become well established.

At first, the practice was limited to the upper classes, but it eventually became so popular that tea shops and tea-rooms began opening for the enjoyment of the general public. A refined pleasure that dates back many centuries, Afternoon Tea was given new prominence when it was incorporated into The Ritz-Carlton heritage. Today, at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, this sophisticated ritual takes on a new resonance of flavorful elegance. Here, you can take time out from your day to experience one of life's true delights.

THE RITZ-CARLTON TEA SERVICE

Delicate sandwiches and petite pastries are served with your selection of freshly infused tea.
This afternoon indulgence is excess in miniature. It is a regal compliment to the company.

Mini Lobster Rolls
Tasso Cream Cheese
Crawfish Remoulade Barquette
Tasso Deviled Egg with Louisiana Chou pique Caviar
Artichoke Confit
Rockefeller Cream Cheese on Wheat
Smoked Salmon on Brioche with Green Tomato Jam
Louisiana Chou pique Caviar and Crème Fraiche on Blinis
Freshly Baked Scones with Lemon Curd, Devonshire Cream and Jam
Assorted Tea Breads, Fruit Tarts, and Tea Pastries

The Ritz-Carlton Tea Service
~ Twenty Six Dollars ~

Including Champagne or Chardonnay
~ Thirty Two Dollars ~

(prices are subject to tax and automatic gratuity for parties of six or more)

TRADITIONAL TEA SELECTIONS

English Breakfast

An energizing blend designed to invigorate and satisfy the most discerning tea drinker with a well-rounded yet assertive flavor

 Darjeeling
In celebration of the first harvest of the year, this combination of green and black teas provide notes of the Muscat Grape with a soft flower taste

Early Grey Supreme
For the connoisseur, this is a blend of the finest black tea leaves

Ceylon
Full-bodied black tea

GREEN TEA SELECTIONS

Japanese Sencha
The most delicate of Green Teas 

Tropical Green
Exotic Green Tea blended with pineapple extract
 

FRUIT TEA SELECTIONS

Pomegranate Oolong
Delicate Oolong leaf infused with pomegranate oil

Paris
Black Tea with hints of black current and caramel

Peaches and Ginger
Medium-Bodied Tea with peach and a hint of ginger

Mango
Robust blend of tea infused wtih mango oil


HERBAL TEA SELECTIONS

Organic Chamomile
A calming blend of chamomile along with notes of citrus lavender to soothe away all the worries of the day.

Peppermint
Soothing organic leaves of peppermint plant and peppermint oil

Raspberry
Refreshing blend of raspberry and citrus