Canada's insider blog

There’s classic British tea time with scones and Earl Grey. Or traditional Asian tea ceremonies with tea leaves blooming like lotus blossoms in cast iron pots.

But at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, BC, Chef David Wong combines both in a new west coast afternoon tea experience. Sip an artisan pear-scented green tea and nibble sushi-style snacks and perfect pastries – fresh Dungeness crab rolled in cucumber, crustless tandoori chicken and truffled egg-salad sandwiches, emerald layers of matcha tea lychee cake, and pretty French macaroons – or simply slather a tiny cran-raisin scone with Devonshire cream and relax in the sleek Lobby Lounge while you watch the world go by. 2-4 p.m. $35 pp