High Tea at Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia

High tea at Le Meridien Pasadena Arcadia is a rather humble affair. Served in Mélange every Friday through Sunday from 12-5pm in the newly opened mid-century modern hotel, there are no real signs that you are dining in an overtly exaggerated space. Nor does the space feel like some of the decadent lounges that you might sip tea in at a five-star hotel; it doesn’t have a grand piano, there are no imposing flower arrangements, but what there are a lot of are really, really good sandwiches, perfectly baked scones, premium tea offerings fresh off a plane from Italy, and service that seems to defy it’s low-key surroundings.

The sandwiches are generously-filled and inventive, not just the classic cucumber tea sandwiches. In fact, they are some of the best we have ever tried as part of an afternoon tea. Expect choices such as smoked salmon cucumber roll, shrimp avocado mini toast, shiitake mushroom with truffle oil, and lobster and egg salad tartine.

Matcha chocolate bon bons, chocolate ganache and vanilla cream puffs, red velvet mini cupcakes, and passionfruit French macarons make up the cake selection. The latter is perfumed and fruity, while the airy ginger crème brulee is pillowy and satisfyingly smooth. Finally, the litmus test of every afternoon tea: the golden-crusted scones are generously proportioned, warm and perfectly browned on top, with an enticing glaze and perfect Devonshire cream that winks at you from the plate.

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles, this is a great spot if you’re looking for a short and sweet antidote to busy city life or an entire day’s activity. A word to the wise, and the hungry, though, high tea at Mélange tend to get booked up, so it’s worth securing your spot in advance—for your own safe-tea.