Afternoon tea is my kind of celebration; give me pomp, circumstance, and tiny treats! My sister and I made it a tradition at the Plaza, and when my daughter was little, she joined us, clutching her Eloise doll. There is something magical about a table set with dainty bites and a touch of ceremony. The new Prince Tea Shop in New Haven captures that magic perfectly. The space is a floral wonderland with elegant touches, and the menu is a delight: endless teas to choose from, delicate sandwiches like chicken salad, smoked salmon, pastrami, and Swiss on croissant, cucumber (naturally), and truffled egg salad. Warm scones arrive with butter and jam, and a rainbow of macarons tempt from the tiered tray. We toasted with Champagne splits and indulged in the show-stopping Brown Sugar Boba Mille Crepes Cake, a towering stack of crepes, topped with cream and drizzled with glossy Boba pearls. Save room! The à la carte menu offers even more, from fruit-topped waffles to crabmeat flatbread. With pinkies raised and lots of blabbing, we enjoyed a blissful escape from the everyday. 

Good to know: The private room is a perfect spot for bridal and baby showers.

Tea for one: $39, Tea for two: $75.

princeteahouse.com

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