Victorian High Tea

May 2, 2010
Bobby and Beverly got us grand high tea reservations at The Empress in Little Rock for my birthday. It was very impressive, and the spread was much larger than at Intercontinental on the Plaza in Kansas City.

We had some pomegranate tea with cucumber pumpernickel sandwiches, brie and fig sandwiches, and chicken salad sandwiches (that had craisins, hazelnuts, and green onion). I began with the scones accompanied by clotted cream--which our hostess told us how to make!--and lemon curd and fresh fruit. For dessert, there were delicious raspberry pinwheels made with angel food cake (not the artificial store cake either), tea bread, and "Arkansas Johnny Reb Cakes." Chocolate-covered cherries were supposed to round out the tea, but we couldn't eat any...we didn't even get to everything else!

We also got a tour of the inn after tea. The ground floor is comprised of parlours, the dining room, the kitchen, and office space. The second floor is where the suites are located; there is also a basement.

The attic, which we also viewed briefly because it was too hot and I started feeling ill and The Empress's ghost possessed me, was originally a space for the owner and his gentlemen guests to play poker without any repercussions. Mr. Hornibrook had a staircase installed with its own entrance so the men could enter without being seen; servants were also sent up into the tower to act as lookouts. They say the attic is still haunted b poker players... :)
We also checked out The Secret Garden.

the gorgeous fountain in The Secret Garden

Thank you guys! We had a wonderful Victorian time!!

Hanging with the Pharr Side (of the Family)

Today we met Zach's family (his parents Bobby and Beverly, sister Erin, and grandma Momo) at Mimi's Cafe in LR for my birthday dinner (er, lunch) with them! Because I had signed up to nearly every restaurant for coupons throughout the year, I got at least ten of them for birthday. The down side? Most of them expire during the week after. As I got one from Mimi's and it's one of our favorites and we hadn't been there since the fall, I suggested we go there.

We started off with the spinach and artichoke dip, which is always delicious. I ordered the chicken tostada salad, which came with a muffin; I had a yummy banana chocolate chip that was more like dessert. My salad had corn, black beans, peppers, avocado, lime-infused ranch...just delicious. Then the waiter brought out this chocolate cheesecake pie thing with a single candle. I won't tell you what I wished for. ;)This is what was left. :)

The Pharr's outdid themselves, as always.
From Erin, I got a very pretty salmon-pink summery blouse and a bracelet.

At first, I wasn't sure about the back because I don't like to show it, but this one still covers!

Momo gave me one of her old crystal platters, a table runner her mama crocheted, and some baby pictures of Zach and pictures of the family.

~very lovely~

I get to share Beverly and Bobby's gift with Zach: reservations for afternoon tea at The Empress in Little Rock! I'm so excited!!

I love my "handsome and wonderful husband!"

All in all, it was a wonderful lunch, and I was so glad to get to spend quality time with my new family. It was especially great to see Momo because we haven't seen her since January at the Loretta Lynn concert. Thank you all for being so kind and loving towards me and for welcoming to your family! I love you so much and am so thankful to God that my family has grown. :)