The Flanders Hotel’s High Tea harkens back to an earlier time, when the historic Ocean City landmark served afternoon high tea in the 1920s.
But as Marketing Coordinator Denise Sammartino puts it, the modern version pays tribute to the original “with a Flanders-style” twist. Most attendees arrive in elegant dress and women are given white gloves. She said the “Red Hat Ladies” who are regular attendees “dress to the nines including jewelry and feathers.”
At the same time, “beach-goers are welcome too, and many will take part wearing a polo shirt and a nice pair of shorts. We try to appeal to everyone,” Sammartino said.
Apparently, the Flanders has hit the mark in that regard.
In the more than three years since the high tea was launched, it has been a big hit. It takes place year round and at least once per week during the summer season, with two different seatings. There are also private high teas for clubs and organizations, groups, birthday party high teas and other special events. The Ocean City Free Public Library is one example of an organization that has hosted the teas on a regular basis.
Traditionally, “high tea” refers to a light evening meal, usually taking place between 5 and 7 p.m. According to Wikipedia, the term was first used in 1825, and the tradition dates back even further. Similarly, “afternoon tea” is a light meal typically eaten between 4 and 6 p.m. dating back to 1662. The terms have evolved to where they are more or less interchangeable. By any name, these meals and the tradition associated with them endure to this day, especially at the Flanders.
The menus vary and are tailored to each event and each group of attendees. A typical menu consists of “savories” such as the Chef’s Choice quiche such as tomato basil or a crab and tarragon tort; sandwiches such as cucumber with chive crème and asparagus roll with pepperjack cheese; and sweets such as chocolate covered strawberries. All this plus a variety of teas cost $29.95 per person plus tax and gratuity, according to the website, www.theflandershotel.com.
“One thing that is important to note is reservations are absolutely necessary,” Sammartino said. “That’s because each item we serve is prepared to order for each event and each group.”
The hotel’s next regularly scheduled tea will be May 15 at 2 p.m. Thereafter, in June, July and August, teas will be held every Thursday.
Most recently a tribute to Mother’s Day High Tea was held, in which each attendee receiving a rose.
“It’s a classy event, something you don’t see every day, but something that is very enjoyable,” said Ocean City mom Audrey Kernan, who attended the Mother’s Day Tea. “It’s formal, but it’s laid back at the same time.”
Sammartino said the so-called “Princess Teas” designed for girls’ birthday parties, or other special events such as Sweet 16s and even bachelorette parties have been very popular.
“And it’s not just for women,” she said. “You will find gentlemen at some of these teas, and they really enjoy them, too,” she said.
