The Grand Galvez: High Tea in Galveston

Galveston beach and her eternal breeze whipped my hair as I entered the expansive grounds of the enchanting and stately hotel that rises along the seawall into The Grand Galvez. Known as “Queen of the Gulf” for generations, its Mediterranean elegance positively glows with renewed life after its renovations.

On a perfect spring afternoon, several family members and I set out for The Grand Galvez. I was anxious to see the changes. From the outside, it was all classic Galveston charm, its Spanish Colonial Revival Architectural style had not changed, except to become more endearing.

We were there for the Grand High Tea featuring sandwiches, scones and mini pastries. Saturday Afternoon Tea is offered from 2:00-4:00 pm, where reservations are required. Although our family has been to The Galvez many times over the years for meetings, dinners, brunch and drinks, we’d never had high tea there. It had been a bit since we returned from Europe where we had the most scrumptious and impressive High Tea at Harrods in London; now we had a hankering for buttery rich scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate petit fours, savory sandwiches with cucumber and dill, and of course, curated teas. We could hardly wait. I had given up coffee several years back, now tea became my morning and afternoon go to. 

It was only upon entering its lush surroundings did a gasp slip unbidden from my lips. Oh my, the chandeliers went on forever, all down the hallway, turning left into the bar, or right for our tea. You know me, ever the explorer, I turned left in the main hallway straight for the bar. Patrons sat lazily, positively chill at the extraordinary bar as they gathered with friends for Watermelon Margaritas, Mango Daiquiris, Mai Tais, Black Manhattans or my favorite, Prosecco. This wasn’t where tea was served, but I couldn’t resist peeking to see just how fab the place was and wow, was she ever a stunner.

Resisting an urge to explore further, we made our way down the opposite direction towards a sunlit dining room as tables dressed in crisp linen, delicate china and gleaming silver awaited. Conversation was muted, as the clink of teacups greeted us as we glanced through tall windows at the endless Gulf. The Galvez’s unquestionable charm and grace captured us in its European tradition that found a home along the Texas coast. Tiered trays laden with scones, tiny tea cakes, tarts, sweets and finger sandwiches topped tables, crafted with care and whimsey. There were individual teapots at every setting, and the rich aroma of tea, with its sweet floral fragrance, rich spice of bergamot black tea, and other smells-spicy, smoky, peach, orange and berry all wafted to us as we were seated. In the background a violinist serenaded with classic music that made my bones melt. I closed my eyes, giving thanks for all of it as our waiter brought flutes of champagne. Then I positively swooned...

There was tea selection presented, as teapots of hot water made their way to each of us for steeping our proffered blend. I chose chamomile, its sweet apple and cut flower aroma calming me already. Others chose Earl Grey with its hand-picked black tea delicately blended with oil of bergamot from Calabria, Italy. There was Tangerine Hibiscus with a hint of lime and warming ginger. The most interesting and intriguing tea was a bright turquois blue blend made from blue butterfly pea flower. It was mouthwatering and beautiful! We chose honey, cream, lemon or sugar for enhancements.

Trays of pastries with scones, muffins, cakes, and biscuits were paraded out with clotted cream, blackberry and raspberry preserves and butter. Delicate finger sandwiches with chicken salad, cream cheese and cucumber, turkey and cheese, and salmon with dill were stacked on silver trays, tempting us as we sat back, beholden to bright, powerful violin music that flowed, its melodious notes landing somewhere deep and satisfying within us. Warm scones, slightly crisp at the edges and soft within, invited us to linger, to stay awhile, which we happily did.

High Tea at the Galvez is likened to afternoon tea, rather than the hearty working-class high tea of England. Historically, high tea is a substantial evening meal, taken at a high table after a day’s labor. (From: Wikipedia). This elegant service at the Galvez is more like the genteel afternoon custom popularized by the British aristocracy; the experience carries a sense of occasion.

With charm and history all around me, I tried to remember what I knew of the Galvez. It was established in 1911, intricate floor tile with floral design tapestry was evident upon entering its doors. The hotel was built after the devastating 1900 storm that reshaped Galveston, as it emerged strong and resilient.

The Galvez has hosted vacationing families, dignitaries, soldiers and even serving as a hospital during wartime. That history and tradition can be felt in its sunny dining rooms, its bar and everywhere in between as it connects generations that have passed through its doors. In hallways, there are Ford Model T’s, harkening memory of a time long ago. Pictures of bathing beauties along the seawall line the hotel’s walls and corridors, showing Galveston as a place to see and be seen. That hasn’t changed!

As we toured the hotel, we walked outside and strolled the seawall, the beach waves and salty air welcoming us after our tea. I felt such peace, the Gulf Coast as much a part of me as the very air that I breathe. As we headed home, coastal beauty swamped me, as sunlight and beauty lingered endlessly.  

Let me know in the comments where else we should try high tea in Galveston.