I made it through several decades unaware of the veddy refined British tradition of “high tea”.

Or, as it sometimes is also known, “afternoon tea“. (The difference is explained here).

The idea behind it is a mid-afternoon snack. To bridge the span between lunch and a late dinner. Quite sensible.

Starting with tea, of course. All sorts of tea. They do that, in certain circles, in Great Britain. Tea all the time. Just cuz. But then expanding to include finger sandwiches of several types, scones, brownies, cakes, cupcakes, sliced strawberries and pineapple …

And if you do the big treatment, you get a mountain of food, with the little sandwiches on the bottom and cakes at the top.

And as much tea as you can drink.

Each table has its own china pattern, and the teapots are ornate. We had three pots of tea — a dark tea, called the “Paris”, described as “fruity black tea with vanilla and caramel flavors, and a hint of lemony bergamot”. Another was the “mango and friends”, which included “sweet mango, oranges and blossoms. Award-winning, naturally sweet and decaffeinated.” The third was an herbal tea called Straberry Rose.

The place, Marlene’s Tea & Cakes, was packed … with women. Including at least one baby shower. Exactly three men were in the room. Two of them were part of our party.

The thing about afternoon tea is that it is special. Something to look forward to and dress for and savor.

It is so proper, so formal, so special, that it becomes a great afternoon event. And the caffeine in many of the teas turned the whole room into one loud, buzzing of conversations among well-dressed women hopped up  and having a great time.