Chicago has so much to offer. From incredible restaurants to awesome events, fabulous spa treatments & charitable companies that are beyond cool, & so much more. Yet if there is one spot that is always on the top of my to do list it’s The Langham. Much more than just a hotel, The Langham has a multitude to offer. Restaurants run by a Michelin starred chef, artwork better than some of the finest museums, views for days, a staff so generous you feel instantly like family, & my personal favorite: Tea Time at The Pavilion. So it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that it’s currently ranked the #1 Chicago hotel by both TripAdvisor & Travel + Leisure (#6 in the world).
Live piano music, stunning holiday decorations, & a glass of bubbly are all what you’ll be greeted to upon taking a seat for high tea. I started off with my go-to tea at The Langham, The Palm Court, a beautiful pink blend of Chinese white tea, hibiscus flowers, rosehip, & pink rose petals. Served first, the prefix menu features four delicious mini sandwiches: Cucumber & Tomato, Duck Confit Slider (my personal favorite) Atlantic Salmon Rillettes, & a Braised Portuguese Octopus. Although they may look bite size each sandwich was a good 2-3 bites & was completely satisfying.
Next up were the scones. Oh where to begin with these delicious scones. White chocolate cranberry & gingerbread flavors were the most ideal way to incorporate the holiday feel into our meal. Served with black currant jam, maple butter, & Devonshire cream, be prepared to indulge & enjoy every moment of it. We finished with the desserts which consisted of a vanilla shortbread cookie topped with a homemade chocolate kiss, a mont blanc (pureed sweetened chestnuts topped with whipped cream), the most decedent yule log you’ll ever taste, & a mint chocolate entremet (multi-layered cake). What a sweet (pun completely intended!) way to finish off our delicious meal.
A fabulous holiday meal, everything tasted & was presented just wonderfully. Perfect for birthday celebrations, a girls day out, holiday parties, family gatherings, or just a way to experience the beauty of Chicago, The Langham is not to be missed. I cannot wait to go back for afternoon tea again soon!
