Nickel and Dime Tea Service Returns

When was the last time you paid 15 cents for anything? Probably a pack of gum 10 years ago, right? Nowadays, the idea of something costing a nickel and dime seems an antiquated notion. Even the little girl at the sidewalk lemonade stand is gauging customers with $1 cups. Take the Nickel and Dime tea service at The Langham, Chicago as a breath of fresh, aromatic air. Hot on the heels of last month's much-loved 15-cent tea service, the hotel is bringing it back for July 24. Get those pinkies ready. 

(Tea service at The Langham, Chicago)

15-cent tea service was instated as a means of commemorating the 149th birthday of the London-based hotel. The price tag is indicative of the original tea price during that first year in business in 1865: one shilling and six pence. 

Seatings for the next 15-cent tea service are available for 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on July 24, with online tickets becoming availble July 18. Considering how rapidly seats sold out for June's event, you'll want to be at the ready early. Here's a tip: follow The Langham's social media channels on July 18. At some point during the day, the hotel will announce the opening of ticket sales. With only 40 slots available, they go quickly. Only four seats are available for reservation, so don't try to snag the entire Pavilion for your posse. 

The tea protocol is similar to the Pavilion's regular tiffin tea service, which includes a selection of proprietary Langham teas and a smattering of sweet and savory noshes crafted by pastry chef Scott Green. For those looking to spend a lot more than pocket change, Goorin Bros. hat company will be on hand to entice guests with a display of women's and men's hats. So you can sip in style if you desire. 

- Matt Kirouac