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Formal Afternoon Teas

A pot of tea, a plate of finger sandwiches and a selection of pastries and scones: In America, this wonderful way to wile away the afternoon is commonly, though mistakenly, known as “high tea.” In Britain, where it originated, “high tea” is simply an old-fashioned name for the evening meal; it’s also called “meal tea.” The light, elegant, scone-centric meal served at fancy hotels is called “low tea” or “afternoon tea”. Whatever you call it, here are four places to get afternoon tea on Long Island. Prices are per person.

Chat Noir

230 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre

516-208-8521, chatnoirtea.com

Owner Emma Tso is a talented pastry chef, and her afternoon tea($22) includes sandwiches, miniature pastries, warm scones, cream and jam and a pot of tea. Open 7 days a week. Reservations required.

Robinson’s Tea Room

97-E Main St., Stony Brook

631-751-1232

Robinson’s service afternoon tea Tuesday to Sunday. $26 buys unlimited tea, about 10 finger sandwiches, fresh scones, cream and jam and desserts. Reservations required.

The Secret Garden Tea Cafe& Gift Shoppe

225 Main St., Port Jefferson

631-476-8327, thesecretgardentearoom.com

The Street Garden’s menu has more modest options, but the full afternoon tea, $26.95, includes scones, fresh fruit, tea sandwiches, mini desserts and a pot of tea. Open Tuesday to Sunday.

The Hidden Oak Cafe

Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Montauk Highway, Great River

631-277-3895, bayardcuttingarboretum.org

The cafe is open Tuesday to Sunday. Afternoon tea($25.95) includes tea sandwiches, desserts and pastries, scones with cream and jam and a pot of tea. Reservations required 24 hours in advance.

21. What do we know about British afternoon tea?

A. It’s known as “meal tea”.            B. It’s centered on desserts.

C.     It’s served at fancy hotels.          D. It’s originated from America.

22. Which number should you call to reserve for a Monday afternoon tea?

A. 516-208-8521                 B. 631-751-1232

C. 631-476-8327                 D. 631-277-3895

23. Where can you get afternoon tea with fresh fruit?

    A. At Chat Noir                 B. At Robinson’s Tea Room

C. At the Hidden Oak Cafe           D. At the Secret Garden Tea Cafe& Gift Shoppe