When you plan your visit to The Getty Villa, check their web site for information about making reservations for Tea by the Sea (currently offered twice a week). The web site has extensive information about the menu, price and parking. Reservations must be made in advance. Check their website for hours of operation, parking, special events and calendar: http://www.getty.edu/visit/villa/
You will enjoy walking about the magnificent art collection in the villa and the gardens both before and after your Tea. After the Tea, you can join a docent tour of the gardens. Browse their interesting Museum Shop with a terrific collection of books, jewelry and unique gift items.
The Tea is in a function room, on the third floor, overlooking the Villa. When I went, there were 10 tables set up for various size parties, from solo dining to a group of eight.
The staff is very attentive, the service excellent. Your Tea starts with a marvelous selection of ten teas (champagne, wine, beer, soda, sparkling water are available for purchase) plus a scone and tea bread with strawberry preserves and clotted cream.
Your server brings a three-tier serving dish to your table filled with marvelous goodies from mini sandwiches to desserts. You are given the menu as a memento plus a recipe card for the marvelous Mrs. Garrett’s Carrot Cake.
Note that I went solo, hence one of everything. It was a delicious Tea and I would recommend with a few caveats:
- Note that there is an administrative service charge of 18% which is not the tip or gratuity.
- The room would be inviting and more comfortable if there were paintings on the wall.
While visiting Southern California, I went to another Tea which will be in an upcoming post. It was fabulous.
Do include the Getty Villa on your journeys in this beautiful part of our world.
Photos ~ Getty Villa, Pacific Palisades, CA
Journeys with Eileen Diane 