St. Pete Life Nov/Dec 2024

BY MARCIA BIGGS

Sun streams through the row of double doors onto the elegantly set tables on the mezzanine of the Vinoy Hotel. Standing next to each table are attentively waiting servers, complete with white gloves, ready with a smile and a greeting to welcome you to the hotel’s lavish and lovely High Tea.

We had just been entertained with a finely tuned recitation of the legendary hotel’s history during a half-hour tour of the new History Gallery on the mezzanine with our docent, Faye. It was a paired down version of the regular one-hour tour, which she says includes a look at the ballroom and a step outside into the newly renovated Tea Garden.

Faye entertains us with the story of the almost 100-year-old Vinoy’s rise and fall and rise again, like a Phoenix from the ashes, starting with its celebrated opening in 1925 as a seasonal resort for upper-crust families and luminaries from the Northeast, to its turnover in 1942 to the U.S. Army Air Force for use as military housing during World War II, its abandonment in the 1970s and ‘80s, and finally its restoration and renaissance as the grande dame we see today.

Now part of Marriott’s exclusive Autograph Collection, the charm and distinction of today’s Vinoy makes it the perfect setting for

an authentic afternoon British High Tea. Pairing it with a history tour is a natural — how better to appreciate one’s surroundings while sipping and nibbling. Offered Thursday through Sunday, the reservation-only tea party is a special occasion experience –considering the $140 per person cost (champagne is extra).

Upon being seated, we ordered from a selection of black teas, green teas and herbal teas. I selected a Himalayan Meadow Chamomile with hints of apple and honey. It was delightful and even more so when served by our white-gloved waiters. The nibbling commenced with finger sandwiches (egg salad and watercress, cucumber and cream cheese, delicately sliced smoked salmon and dill butter, and roast beef and cream horseradish). A sweets selection featured macarons, tiny tarts and a layered red velvet cake to die for. Topping it off were traditional English scones, accompanied by tiny cups of fresh butter, lemon curd and orange marmalade. Unlike other high teas, these pastries are made fresh on premises in the kitchen of the French bakery Lottie.

With the holidays, History Tour & High Tea goers can expect a festively decorated atmosphere and spots will fill quickly. Tours begin at 2 pm Thursday through Sunday, followed by the tea. To make reservations, go to thevinoy.com/experiences/history-tourhigh-tea/ or call (727) 404-5251.