2 May 2026
The Pfister Hotel (Blu Lounge)
43 degrees, Part sun
It’s been a season of gray days with the weather, and I’ve been feeling it. So when I walked into the Pfister for the Wonderland Tea, thanked my past self for making that reservation.
When I walked in I felt a sense of calm and quiet. Even the guests seemed to talk at a quieter tone, unlike at cafes, the calm felt like an agreement we all made naturally and all together.
The first thing I noticed is the lounge and how sits high enough that you’re above the clouds on a day like that one. Floor to ceiling windows, the city spread out below, radiant heat doing quiet work on my cold bones.
The food was the kind that makes you slow down. Savory sandwiches with complex, layered flavors — little surprises in each one. I was greeted by the Tea Butler, so rolled up a cart full of tea in glass jars, thoughtfully labeled. They went through each tea and let me get a whiff of each one. I chose the Rishi Mystic Mint tea, which I rarely find in stores and always order when I can.
Then, at the top of the high tea platter, a small glass vial. A potion. Bright blue. You’ll have to make a reservation to find out what’s inside. I’ll just say, I definitely wanted a second one.
The Wonderland Tea runs through May 9th. Reservations are available online.
— Megan