As a little nugget I always LOVED tea time. Growing up with Japanese parents from the island of Kyushu, we always had amazing loose leaf green tea at home. My grandparent’s house was right next to a green tea factory. I remember running through the green tea fields and visiting our neighbor’s small factory as a child. Tea was always the glue that held our family together. Afternoon tea in our household consisted of green tea, rice crackers and Manjū , a traditional Japanese confection. Hot piping tea was served after family arguments and if anyone (and really I mean anyone) came over my mom would be boiling the kettle or yelling at me to offer tea to our “esteemed” guests.
The Tea House on Los Rios
I discovered this little hidden gem in San Juan Capistrano, California when I was in Girl Scouts for a Mother’s Day event with our troop. I don’t remember much but I do remember how my mom was addicted to Earl Grey and I pretended to like it. The Tea House on Los Rios is located in the historic Los Rios District. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in California. The area is very quaint and filled with little shops. Within walking distance is Hidden House Coffee which if you’re more of a coffee drinker, might be more your cup of tea (lol…get it..).
They have a HUGE selection of tea (obviously) but they also have great food selections. I highly recommend picking out one of their High Tea Experiences. I ended up choosing The Mission Tea set which featured all the finger sandwiches you can imagine, the cutest heart-shaped currant scone and raspberry preserves. Everything you love about afternoon tea – they have it.
During these Covid times, the tables are all open and spaced out. The staff are all wearing PPE and the restaurant is only open for outdoor seating. Definitely make a reservation as their hours are very limited. They have OpenTable available on their site, so it’s quick and easy to make a reservation online.
Cheers!
Jessica Uchi 