For a birthday gift, Jake’s mum got me a day of champagne and tea at the Hotel Vancouver! We started with a tall flute of bubbly, followed by two teas - the Centennial blend and the Ice Wine tea! Next came a giant tray of treats - from smoked salmon and caviar topped brioche - right up to chocolate drenched eclairs. It was hot outside, and crispy cool inside - the perfect way to enjoy tea.

The biggest delight was my companion. I have never, ever, in my life seen Jake so chipper. Not only did he rattle off the entire storyline of the film Alpha Dog (Jake’s never rattled off the storyline of ANYTHING before), but he also described the cheesecake as “delightful vanilla-like cream cakes topped with a heavenly pink goo!” Yes - he used those words. He also suggested that they come up with a “guy version” of high tea - where they serve beer and finger sandwiches and scones. I now know what to get Jake for his birthday.

It was hard to wipe the caffeine and sugar coated smile off his face (and mine as well).

Of course he proceeded to chase his salmon and scones with movie theatre nachos and DC a few hours later.