Downton Abbey

     

       One thing that I am pretty excited about in 2013 is season 3 of Downton Abbey! Today my mom and I went with some dear friends to a Downton Abbey Tea at Crest Hill Antiques and Tearoom to celebrate tonight's premier. I will post a review in the coming days but I did want to share the trivia that Crest Hill provided for us. So go ahead a test your memory from seasons 1 and 2!

1. In what part of England is Downton Abbey supposedly located?
a) Hampshire    b) London    c) Derbyshire    d) Yorkshire

2. Where are the Downton location scenes actually filmed?  
a) Crawley House   b) Highclere Castle   c) Blenheim Palace   d) Woburn Abbey   

3. What historical event first sets the series in motion?
a) Turn of the 20th century   b) Start of World War I    c) Sinking of the Titanic   d) The Irish Rebellion

4. What did Matthew Crawley do for a living before becoming the designated heir?
a) Solicitor    b) Engineer   c) Accountant     d) Architect  

5. What caused Lady Cora to suffer a miscarriage?
a) Hereditary illness    b) Fall down the stairs   c) Slipped on a soapy floor    d) Shock from bad news     

6. Which Crawley said the following: “Don’t be defeatist, dear; it’s very middle class.”
a) Lady Violet      b) Lady Mary      c) Lady Edith    d) Cousin Isabel           

7. Why does John Bates limp?
a) Birth defect   b) Shrapnel from the Boer War    c) Hunting accident   d) O’Brien tripped him

8. Thomas the Footman did all of the following, except:
a) Hide Robert’s dog   b) Steal wine from the cellar  c) Blackmail Bates  d) Dabble in black-market goods    

9. How did Vera Bates die?
a) A blow to the head    b) Drug overdose      c) Strangulation     d) Poison    

10. How did Lady Mary’s ex-fiance Sir Richard come by his fortune?
a) Family inheritance     b) Newspaper publishing      c) Political blackmail     d) Real estate investments

11. All of the following were stricken with Spanish Flu, except:
a) Carson    b) Lavinia          c) Mr. Mosely          d) Lady Cora

12. Who convinced Daisy to marry William on his deathbed?
a) Mrs. Patmore     b) Mrs. Hughes     c) William’s father   d) a, b & c


Answers:

1.D

2.B

3.C

4.A

5.C

6.A

7.B

8.C

9.D

10.B

11.C

12. D


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- Jules

Crest Hill Antiques and Tea Room

Since Pippa and I began to write this blog, my mom and I have committed to going to tea one a week when I am home from college. This week we decided on Crest Hill Antiques and Tea Room. A friend, who is quite the foodie, mentioned it and said she was interested in trying the tea room. I went online, read the reviews and knew that it was the place for us. Being the last minute planner that I have become this summer, I called at 10am for a 2pm tea reservation. The owner answered the phone and could not have been more accommodating.

Crest Hill is located in the charming little town of The Plains, Virginia. It is in a cottage like building and inviting from all angles. The parking is located in the back and a path has been made that leads tea goers to the front door. Along the porch steps are tea pot flower pots the brighten up the entrance. They are beyond adorable and a little taste on what to expect inside. The first things you notice once you enter the tea house are all of the antiques. With the prices ranging from high to low, there is something from everyone. 

After browsing for awhile, we were lead into the tearoom by the owner and seated at a corner table for two. The table had linen and china (that matched), which was a huge thumbs up for me. It also was decorated with a vase of fresh flowers and a tea lamp. Crest Hill has monthly tea specials that have about three different teas and different food selections that are special from the menu. The owner brought us out a selection of tea blends that we were able to explore. There are over 25 types of tea to select from, so there is something for everyone. I chose to go with the Diamond Jubilee Tea, which was listed a special, and my mom selected the Yorkshire Gold. Both were brought out in cozy covered teapots and were brewed to perfection.

A Table Set for Two

Since we went around lunch time, we chose to order off the lunch menu verse having the afternoon tea. I started out with a croissant sandwich which had smoked turkey, apple slices, and cranberry chutney, served along with veggies and pickles. My mom selected the curried chicken salad croissant sandwich which was also accompanied with the veggies and pickles. They both were so fantastic that we almost forgot to take a picture of them.  For our second course we went for the traditional scone. I selected a plain one and my mom had a one with currents. We were both delightfully surprised when the came out warm with powered sugar dusted on top. Along with the clotted cream and strawberry and lemon curd, we both agreed that they were some of the best scones we have ever had. Since the sandwich and scones were hug we were getting extremely full by this point but the owner tempted us into trying the homemade chocolate lava cake. Of course she made it sound so wonderful that we just had to try it. It was served warm with whip cream and fresh raspberries. It took us all of three minutes to eat it. We once again agreed that it was one of the most heavenly things we had ever eaten and we so glad that we decided to try it.

Turkey Croissant Sandwich

Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich

A Plain Scone

A Scone with Currents

Chocolate Lava Cake

Crest Hill is by far one of the best tea houses I have ever been too. From the relaxed atmosphere to the fantastic food it is a true gem. I plan on going back and having the full afternoon tea the first chance I get. I would recommend this tea room for anyone who truly wants a relaxing afternoon. Being only an hour from Washington, DC it is the perfect place to stop after a busy morning at the museums. The Darjeeling Darlings would give Crest Hill Antiques and Tea Room a 10 out of 10.