Restaurant Review: Chicago Loop’s Russian Tea Time is a walk through culture, time
“So, where would you like to celebrate your birthday?” I asked my teenager. After some thought and research, they said, “I’d like to go to an afternoon tea.”
Fortunately we live in a city with many tea rooms and afternoon tea offerings, for all types of budgets. My kid chose Russian Tea Time, just steps from the Art Institute of Chicago, which has been serving Chicagoans since 1993. I made a reservation for the five of us for a Saturday afternoon.
Upon entering, we were immediately impressed by the richness of its red gold interior and the displays of Eastern European art and artifacts. (NOTE: don’t miss their collection of artfully decorated samovars and Ukrainian dolls!) They contrasted nicely with the mahogany and birchwood finishes of the tables, chairs and trim. It’s cozy and comfortable, yet elegant, though formal wear isn’t required.
Once seated, we looked at the enormous menu, featuring dozens of teas of all kinds….white, green , black, chai…fruit blends! May I recommend to one and all their House Tea. Made Eastern European -style, it’s a strong black tea with black currants, served in a decorative glass, which hold heat remarkably well . All five of us couldn’t get enough of it! We also tried the passion fruit and Moroccan mint tea to similar applause.
There are enough tea service combinations to satisfy the pickiest of palates. The menu offers sweets, savories and combinations of the above. The Queen Tea Service, served on a three-tiered wrought iron tray, combines them all, and ordering two Queen’s Teas were plenty for our table,
We started, as our server instructed, with the bottom tray (Beginnings,) where scones and crepes were served with a sweet/savory sour cream and strawberry jam, and most unusually, salmon roe. The small bubbles of roe were unique and had a similar texture to boba. We tried it on the non-sweet scones for an unusual and flavorful treat. The accompanying crepes were thin and folded like a handkerchief, which made a perfect pocket for the jam and cream.
Next up were the Savories…an assortment of tea sandwiches, which included a light and delicious red salmon roll, chicken croissant, and egg salad on a combination of dark rye and white bread, as well as the expected cucumber finger sandwich, which was lightly vinagered and sweetened. We truly enjoyed all of the offerings, and if you ever need to know what you’re eating, your server is happy to explain.
And the Sweets ..oh, the sweets! My favorite was a toss-up between the lighter than air, fluffy cheesecake and their tricolored mousse, which was extraordinary. Multilayered honey cake was a close second. But you can’t go wrong with anything, and sharing is encouraged. We were so full by then, we couldn’t make it through the pink tea cake that completed our sweet tray. But I’m sure it was delicious.
Russian Tea Time is the brainchild of owner and chef, Klara Muchnik, and her son, Vadim. They are located at 77 E. Adams Street, and are open for Afternoon Tea Service Monday-Sunday from 11am-5pm. They are also open for lunch and dinner Mondays & Sundays: 11am – 6pm. Tuesdays – Saturdays: 11am – 8pm. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made by clicking here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
