I am treating myself on this Valentine’s Day. Royal Tea and Treatery on Grace Lane in Costa Mesa is aptly named. This was a special treat made even nicer as owner Bridget Reilly let me drop in a Tuesday, which is her baking day. I had my own private catered affair. I chose The Siren from the tea party service menu.  It is amazing how delicious gluten and dairy free treats can be.

While waiting for my order to be meticulously prepared by Bridget, I enjoyed my surroundings. It was almost like having a tea party in the fantasical playhouse you dreamed about as a child.

The Siren includes a pot of tea, tea sandwiches of the day, seasonal fruit, scones, and 3 mini desserts. I enjoyed Midnight Blue Tea  (blend of blue lavender, corn flowers, blue mallow blossoms, rose petals and lemon grass) and …

3 Mini Scones with coconut cream

White chocolate peanut butter with apple

Egg salad on house-baked focaccia bread

Roasted red pepperjam with home-made hummus

Traditional Cucumber with Dilled Cream Cheese

Seasonal fruit

3 mini-desserts

Vanilla cupcake with strawberry frosting, gluten-free and very moist chocolate brownie topped with pecans and roasted coconut, and a luscious lemon bar.

 There are also some interesting sounding sandwiches on the lunch menu – how about Tiffany’s Turkey, Marilyn’s Tuna or The Gina Lollobrigida Panino.

Bridget bakes and delivers weekly treats to Fermentation Farm. I blogged about them last week. So next time I am there, I must sample the German chocolate brownies, vegan banana bread and snicker doodles and Royal Tea and Treatery’s special coffee cake.

One other thing – I treated myself from head to toe. Robin at Style Lounge in Fountain Valley is the “Nail Queen” of Orange County. A soothing soak and massage and “Kung-fucshia” polish on my toes, my feet were screaming with joy!

I loved my totally pampered day. I really should do this more often. After all, I do deserve it  – and so do you. I highly recommend Bridget and Robin as the ultimate pamperers.