Villanova Conference Center Opens Montrose Mansion For Afternoon Tea

Villanova, PA Nov 19-----Beginning Monday, Nov. 26, the Villanova Conference Center at County Line Rd. and Matson Ford Road will open Montrose Mansion to the public for afternoon tea.  According to Daniel Walker, director of Food and Beverages for the conference center, executive chef Gary S. Flora will present exactly the same selections of teas, gourmet scones, Devonshire cream, raspberry preserves,  finger sandwiches and a selection of petite desserts he served for Afternoon Tea Atop the Bellevue in Philadelphia.

Both recently hired from posts at the elegant Philadelphia hotel, Walker and Flora quickly recognized the appeal of the elegant English tradition for residents living on the Main Line.

“We have this beautiful mansion with much of its original art and furnishings as well as  the experience to present an authentic afternoon tea,” Walker said.

According to Chef Flora, he patterned his Tea after that served at the Ritz Hotel in London. “It’s a graceful event,” he said.”...it’s meant to bring people together for a brief hour of pleasure and refreshment.”

The opening of the mansion to the public coincides with the beginning of the holiday season, which means the house will be festooned with evergreens and ornaments. Afternoon tea will be served in one of several rooms on the main floor of the house at small tables laid with crisp white linens, delicate china cups and glittering silver.

Guests can select from twelve teas ranging from the smoky and distinctive Lapsang  Souchong or the delicate and fragrant Jasmine to Hot Cinnamon Spice, a blend of black tea, three types of cinnamon, orange peel and sweet cloves to naturally decaffeinated vanilla tea or raspberry herbal.

 Traditionally, afternoon tea always begins by nibbling on delicate sandwiches. Chef Flora and his team have trimmed the crusts of thinly sliced breads to create smoked salmon delicacies, vegetarian delights and sumptuous finger size wraps.