Rate-A-Restaurant, #88 in a series

Restaurant: Chado Tea Room

Location: 79 N. Raymond (Pasadena)

Type of restaurant: Tea house

What we ordered: We both got the two-sandwich plate, which also included a salad. Maria ordered the Punjab sandwich (eggs marinated in smoked tea , then combined with mayonaisse and chives); and our favorie, the Souchong Chicken (chicken breast meat combined with mayonaisse and cranberry lingonberry sauce. I got the Souchong chicken and the Limerick sandwich (English cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese and chives). For tea, I ordered the Reena's Chai (Black Assam Tea, Ginger root, Cinnamon chips, Green Cardamom & Ginger, Cinnamon and Vanilla flavoring), while Maria ordered an Iced Vitalitea (Gunpowder Green Tea with Hibiscus, Berries and citrus).

We stipulated: It was our friend Irene's birthday, and she opted to hold it at an old standby: The Pasadena branch of Chado Tea Room (which still operates its original 3rd St. location in L.A. as well). We're very familiar with this spot: most recently, Blogger Baby and I took Maria out to Chado for Mother's Day last year.

They stipulated: As you might expect, the tea list is huge and daunting. Ask for advice, or simply order what sounds tasty. There are also several different ways of ordering food: Tea only. Sandwiches and tea. Tea and scones (with clotted cream). Tea, sandwiches and scones for the extra hungry.

High point: Most people are drawn to the tea or the environment (you regularly see it mentioned as everyone's fave tea shop -- I believe it), but I'm sold thanks to the sandwiches. The crusts are cut off, the bread toasted to a nice, warm gold hue and the sandwiches themselves are extra tasty. We're both partial to the Souchong Chicken, but I'm also a big Limerick fan.

Low point: Chado wasn't extra busy, but we had to pretty much beg for our check. With Blogger Baby in tow, every second counts -- and Evan was definitely ready to go.

Overall impression: We used to frequent the Chado's 3rd Street location (near the Beverly Center) but found that it was frequently closed for bridal or baby showers. Thankfully, the Pasadena spot is much larger and always available to just walk in and sit down. If you haven't done tea, Chado's a cheap and casual way to do it.

Chance we will go back: Yes -- after all, Mother's Day is around the corner.