Pinkies Up

The Spanish, Greeks and Italians are onto something hereits common in those countries to close up shop in midafternoon for a brief siesta , before reopening to meet the after-work rush and dinner crowd. And the British? While its now more of a special event than an everyday thing, the English indulge in afternoon tea, which is a light meal typically served at 4 oclock. Lots of goodies are up for grabs at tea time: lovely cress, cucumber, ham or fish sandwiches, scones with jam and butter, cake and pastries. A few tea houses exist around these parts, but leave it to the Ritz-Carlton to offer a proper Holiday Tea. In the Fireplace Room, you can enjoy a selection of fancy little finger sandwiches (including miniature ham and asparagus, salmon and caviar, egg and chive, and cucumber and dill cream!) and sweet treats (scones, short cake, puffs, rice pudding and more), plus each guest is treated to a Christmas bellini, a refreshing drink made with sparkling wine and peach pureeits what a peach-flavored mimosa would taste like. Bring your mother, friends or significant othersjust leave the faux English accent at home.
Tuesdays-Fridays, 12 & 2:30 p.m. Starts: Dec. 4. Continues through Dec. 21, 2007