Saturday, June 6, 2026 - 1:00 PM
Virginia Robinson Gardens
Celebrate the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of Jane Austen with an elegant afternoon tea at the timeless Virginia Robinson Gardens. Set among blooming pathways and shaded terraces, this special gathering pairs the charm of a traditional garden tea with live music performed by Salastina’s string quartet (Maia Jasper White, Kevin Kumar, Meredith Crawford, and Yoshika Masuda), featuring selections from Austen’s era and works inspired by the romance and wit of her novels. Guests will enjoy a full, traditional tea service with both savory and sweet courses—no need for lunch first!—served outdoors in the gardens. With music that evokes the world of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, this is an afternoon designed for lingering, connection, and a touch of Regency-era magic.
Flip through the digital program book here.
Artists:
Kevin Kumar and Maia Jasper White, Co-Artistic Directors and Resident Violinists
Meredith Crawford, Resident Violist
Yoshika Masuda, Resident Cellist
Doctor Laura Brodian Freas Beraha and Mr. Steven Beraha, English Regency Dance Instructors
Chef Becky Reams, Chef
Mercedes Curran, Designer
This event has sold out. Join the waitlist through the button below to be contacted if tickets become available.
The Menu
The Welcome Libation
The "Whist Table" Spritz A refreshing June aperitif of macerated strawberries, elderflower liqueur, and sparkling wine.
The Reference: A nod to the high-stakes card games and sparkling conversation of a Regency evening; strawberries were the prized jewel of the Donwell Abbey gardens.
Savory Bites
"East India" Curried Lamb Lollipops Sous-vide lamb lollipops (or curried cauliflower florets) seasoned with Madras spices, served with a mango-ginger chutney and minted coconut yogurt.
The Reference: As the East India Company’s influence peaked, "curry" became a fashionable novelty in London. The Austen family’s own ties to India make these exotic spices a mark of worldliness and wealth.
Mr. Collins’ "Excellent Boiled Potato" Bites Crispy twice-baked potato filled with aged white cheddar, topped with lemon-dill crème fraîche and delicate micro-chives.
The Reference: In Pride and Prejudice, the awkward Mr. Collins famously compliments these "excellent boiled potatoes." This dish elevates his humble obsession into a luxurious, high-end bite.
Netherfield Ball White Soup Shooters A velvety cauliflower and Marcona almond velouté, served warm with a drop of white truffle oil.
The Reference: Mr. Bingley’s ball could not take place until the "white soup" was ready. This rich, almond-based cream soup was a definitive staple of Regency high-society balls.
Barton Cottage Watercress Tea Sandwiches Hand-cut brioche ribbons layered with whipped tarragon butter, peppery watercress, and translucent shavings of breakfast radish.
The Reference: Representing the "rustic and wild" nature of the Dashwood sisters in Sense and Sensibility, these sandwiches elevate the simple ingredients found at their modest Hampshire cottage.
Sweet Bites
The "Pemberley Greenhouse" Tart A delicate shell filled with Meyer lemon and orange flower custard, finished with a lemon verbena Chantilly cream.
The Reference: Ownership of an "orangery" or greenhouse was the ultimate status symbol of the ultra-wealthy, like Mr. Darcy, allowing for exotic citrus even in the English climate.
"Chawton" Lemon & Rosemary Shortbread Classic buttery shortbread fingers infused with garden rosemary and lemon zest, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.
The Reference: Honoring Jane Austen’s final home in Chawton, where she wrote her most famous works amidst the scents of a traditional English herb garden.
Honey & Lavender Scones A floral, fragrant take on the classic tea-time staple.
Assorted Artisan Macarons A modern nod to the delicate "French style" sweets that began appearing in London’s finest confectionaries