Dear readers, I apologise for my long absence. As I’d mentioned in my previous post, I recently moved so I have been very, very busy. I am now happily settled in my new home and it’s about time I start blogging again. 😉 However, I am still more or less brain-dead so I hope you’ll be able to accept a post with mostly photos and captions.

Two Sundays ago, I met up with my friend and fellow Oncer, Tess, for afternoon tea (and since it’s Vancouver, just about every afternoon tea venue will call it ‘high tea’) at Soirette [Macarons & Tea]. We arrived around 2:30pm and stayed for about close to two hours (though there is an 1.5 hour time limit). We found the small salon on West Pender, between Nicola and Broughton, very cute and were delighted with everything we saw. From the few photos I took inside the salon, I think you can see why. 🙂

The summer Parisian-inspired window display with macaron hot air balloons and the Eiffel Tower

Unlike other venues, we were allowed to choose the macaron we’d like for our afternoon tea service. From their extensive flavours, I chose rose. 🙂

The selection of macarons!

Macarons on clear chairs!

I am a fan of beautiful serviettes but I always hate dirtying them!

Tess and I both chose Peach Belle, a black tea with rose hips, rose petals, and other tea flowers. I was a little concerned that our teapots were both very small but throughout our stay, our pots were always refilled whenever we removed the lids.

• • Wild BC Smoked Salmon Mousse on Buttered Pastry

• • Fresh Prawn Ceviche with Orange

• • Lace Crepe with Satay Chicken & Mango Chutney

• Roasted Red Pepper & Cucumber Sandwich

Savoury plate

The only thing I found the most strange tasting was the pink and green Strawberry & Basil Shortcake Trifle. The icing was harder than I’d thought it would be and maybe I’m simply not fond of cake.

Shortcake, Endive & Apple Salad with Hazelnut Vinaigrette, and Raspberry & Lemon Scones

The cutest and most delicious butter balls with lemon!

• •  Strawberry & Basil Shortcake Trifle

• • Green Tea and Cherry Petit Four

• • Valrhona Manjari Chocolate Eclair

• • Kumquat & Yuzu Truffle
  • Kalamansi Meringue Tart

The sweet plate

This was the first time I had enjoyed an afternoon tea service without feeling too full or bloated. The portions were just right and we both left satisfied and able to walk!

This afternoon tea service cost $36 but do note that you can opt for a vegetarian service for $33 and gluten-free for $26. A little on the pricier side but worth it in my opinion. 🙂

Address: 1433 W Pender
Phone: 604-558-3308

Update: Soirette no longer serves afternoon tea at their location.