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This page, above and below: Delicate finger sandwiches include Smoked Salmon, Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream, Dill and Cucumber,
Chicken Curry Salad and Pear, Walnut and Blue Cheese; Townsend servers lay freshly ground tea leaves on cheesecloth, then pack, seal and
tie the bags with ribbon. Opposite page: Many pieces from the hotel's collection of mixed-and-matched patterns of Royal Albert china are
gifts from clients. "Guests are thrilled to see patterns they recognize from their home or childhood," says Klein. "It happens all the time."

Today, traditional afternoon tea consists of an assortment
of dainty sandwiches, scones, pastries and, of course, tea — all
of which have been offered in abundance at the Townsend
since it opened its doors in 1988. Every detail of the relaxing
midday ritual is topnotch, including the loose-rolled tea itself:
Unlike pre-made tea bags, known as sashays, loose-rolled tea
bags, like those used at the Townsend, are
hand made, using freshly ground tea leaves
from top New York supplier Harney &
Sons. Hotel servers lay them on cheese-
cloth; the bags are then packed, sealed and
tied with individual ribbons. Made daily
with fresh ingredients, the loose-rolled tea
bags offer a higher quality and superior
taste.
The tea is served with a light yet sat-
isfying fare containing a mouth-watering

3 0 •

MAY 2007 •

platinum

array of six sandwiches, two hot hors d'oeuvres, cranberry
orange scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, and four
delicious desserts.
"Tea can be a very relaxing and memorable experience,"
says Tea Director Laura Klein, who ensures that every last
detail is perfect and all guests are thrilled with their experi-
ence. Klein has hosted everything from a
birthday party for a 5-year-old to a Sweet
Sixteen celebration. With experience as a
banquet manager and a degree in teach-
ing from the University of Michigan, she
is happy to now be charged with the art
of slowing down. "I can't explain why,"
says Klein, "but the tea experience is
about human bonding. Every guest has a
connection or a story she wants to share
— it makes me truly love my job."

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