The best way to catch up with a girlfriend or girlfriends is over a cup of tea and cakes. Supposedly the practice of entertaining with “tea and a walk with in the fields,” aka afternoon tea, started in early nineteenth century Britian  by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford.

Prior to the introduction of tea, the English had two main meals — breakfast and dinner (dinner was served around eight o’clock). The Duchess was said to have complained of “having that sinking feeling” at about four o’clock in the afternoon. Her solution was a pot of tea and a light snack. Later, she invited her friends to join her. The practice proved to be so popular that the other social hostesses quickly picked up the idea.

Join the fashionable society for your sip of tea. Below, a list of recommendations.

• Rotunda, Neiman Marcus ♥ 150 Stockton St, San Francisco 

Located right in the center of financial district, the posh restaurant offers the usual 3 tiers of scones/cream/jam, tea sandwiches and desserts ($35/set). We had great fun threw an Alice in Wonderland-themed party, the staff were very accommodating.

Rotunda, at Neiman Marcus
150 Stockton Street, San Francisco 
price range: $$$

• Chantal Guillon ♥ 444 University Ave, Palo Alto (click HERE for review)

• Tea Time ♥ 542 Ramona St, Palo Alto (click HERE for review)

• Satura Cakes ♥ 200 Main St, Los Altos (price $)

Satura is definitely among my top picks when I crave a cake and latte combo (and of course, a healthy dose of girl talk). My favorite is the strawberry shortcake. It is soft and spongy and creamy and not overly sweet; I simply caved. 

• Fleur de Cocoa ♥ 39 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos (price $)

The patisserie is best known for its flaky croissant and, in my opinion, anything chocolate-based. From Fleur de Cocoa to Red & Black, its cakes are rich, creamy, and definitely dark (ref. chocolate, 70% cocoa). $3.50/cake