By Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Mar 27, 2009 at 8:08 AM

We're all no doubt looking for ways to unwind after a long, hectic work week, but if getting a wicked mid-day buzz at happy hour isn't your thing, The Pfister Hotel is offering a slightly more sophisticated (but hey, we're not here to judge) alternative.

The historic Downtown hotel has expanded its afternoon Tea tradition and moved it from the Lobby Lounge to Blu, the 23rd floor lounge with amazing views of the city.

They've also employed a tea butler, who is more or less present to speak about the varieties of tea, the countries of origin and unique flavors, the ways that tea affects mood and health, and to offer food and flavor pairing suggestions to go with the variety of tea. We hear the spring options will include organic fruits such as strawberries, apricots and cherries.

Sounds pleasant, right?

The Pfister's Food and Beverage Director Troy Clarke is in charge of the new tea program and he's brought in varieties from the Chicago-based Liif Tea Company.

Tea time commences at 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. To make a reservation for Afternoon Tea at The Pfister, call: (414) 273-8222.

Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.

As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”