**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.
Awhile back, we learned about a quaint little French restaurant in downtown Wheaton hosting a tea service. Surprisingly, tea services are hard to come by here in the suburbs. So when we learn about one, our interest is immediately piqued. Lacking the motivation to deal with the Black Friday Madness but still wanting to enjoy something special on the day after Thanksgiving, we headed over to Suzette's for a Christmas Tea.
Suzette's does have tea services all year round. However, there is just something particularly special about a tea service at Christmas. When we walked in, I quickly noted that Suzette's definitely is somewhere we will want to return to. The restaurant also houses a French bakery with many temptations to explore. Plus, the restaurant itself is also a creperie--so a return visit is in order!
As you can see, the interior is charming with rustic brick walls. We were welcomed by a pianist playing a lovely range of music. Pleasant little menus detailed our service including tea selections. The tea would consist of three courses including finger sandwiches, scones and a Christmas dessert buffet. We would not leave hungry!
Servers came around with teapots to serve the tea. I have been to other tea services where each patron is given their own pot of tea. At Suzette's, the servers bring around different pots to serve straight to you from the pot. The advantage to this is that you can easily try a cup of each tea if you would like. However, the beginning of the service was a little slow as it took the servers awhile to circulate. We were one of the first tables to arrive yet one of the last to be served tea due partly to the slow process. Once the rest of the service was under way, though, it did get quicker. My husband and daughter did benefit from trying several teas. I stuck to one that I loved!
The first service consisted of a selection of finger sandwiches and a pumpkin bisque. I wasn't sure what to expect from the pumpkin bisque but actually quite enjoyed it--nice and sweet but with a bit of richness. Honestly, the petite serving was perfect--because of the sweetness, I could not have eaten much more. The sandwiches were varied so I am sure that everyone could find something to suit them.
The second course was perhaps our favorite. Piping hot, flakey cranberry and pecan scones with raspberry jam, lemon curd and Devonshire cream. Honestly, the scones were so good that they did not need any accouterments but the lemon curd in particular was a nice pairing.
Our final service was a buffet of Christmas treats. Cookies, brownies, brittles galore! While each of us found our own sweet temptation, we did expect a little more "wow!" since Suzette's is also a patisserie. We did enjoy what we tried and left happy!
All in all, tea service at Suzette's was a calm, relaxing experience. Friendly staff, cheerful piano music, beautiful china and more made the event a Christmas experience for the entire family. Our tea service was a full house and reservations are required, so advanced planning is needed. With winter upon us, it is a comfort to know that Suzette's has English and French teas throughout the year. So if you do not make it out for Christmas, it is a nice, warm place for an adventure in January or February. What can lift the spirit in winter better than tea---oh, and some scones?
Suzette's is located at 311 West Front Street in Wheaton. Tea is served daily. Check website for more specifics or to make a reservation.
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