May/June, 2008 Issue:  English Rose Tea Room, Carefree, AZ

May/June, 2008 Issue:  Lady Elegant's Tea Room, St Paul, MN

English Rose Tea Room, 201 Easy Street #301, Carefree, AZ  www.carefreetea.com

Tucked away in a quiet suburb of Phoenix, amidst stucco and cacti, is a rose - the English

Rose Tea Room.  My sister and I recently had the opportunity to visit this small tea room,

which is very Victorian in style.  They have a gift shop in-house and another china and accessories shop next door.  It was a great experience. We only had a Cream Tea due to time constraints, but others around us were enjoying more extensive teas, which looked wonderful. 

Some patrons were even wearing hats, provided by the English Rose. The food was good

[they served soup in tea cups--what a delightful idea!]. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the ambiance of the entire place was enjoyable.  I can’t wait to get back……….Review sent in by Judith Morris

Lady Elegant's Tea Room, 2230 Carter Avenue, St. Paul, MN 651-645-6676  My "forever friend" and I celebrated our 70th birthdays by going out to tea. (We are a month apart in age).  The food was delicious, fresh baked scones, homemade soup. It was a wonderful experience and we were encouraged to let the world wait and to savor the slow. The rooms at Lady Elegant's are beautifully decorated, each table with its own color scheme and decorations. They offer theme teas, children's teas, an annual chocolate lover's tea and a Christmas Carol Tea.  Review sent in by Donna Vair, Paonia, CO

Expanded review below -- Dear Lady Gayle,  I want to share with you and the readers of  

The Tea House Times about a lovely tea room in St. Paul, Minnesota. My "forever friend" 

and I celebrated our 70th birthdays by going out to tea. (We are a month apart in age). 

We went to Lady Elegant's Tea Room in Saint Paul, Minnesota, "where the world waits 

while you have tea." The food was delicious, fresh baked scones, homemade soup. 

The day we were there we were served a wonderful pumpkin soup with ham. 

We were served delightful tea sandwiches, dilly cucumber and egg, and cherry chicken 

salad on homemade breads. There were dainty, delicious desserts, including coconut 

macadamia nut brownies, sugar cookies, orange, cranberry bread, apple strudel, fresh 

grapes, raspberries and strawberries. They offer a wide variety of tea, over 85 premium 

loose leaf teas. It was a wonderful experience and we were encouraged to let the world 

wait and to savor the slow. The rooms at Lady Elegant's are beautifully decorated, 

each table with its own color scheme and decorations. They offer theme teas, children's teas, 

an annual chocolate lover's tea and a Christmas Carol Tea where the guests join Scrooge 

and the Cratchet family for a traditional Christmas Tea.  Lady Elegant's Tea Room is 

located in the Historic Milton Square, 2230 Carter Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108  

651-645-6676   They also have a very nice gift shoppe filled with tea items and some of the 

premium loose teas that are offered in the tea room. My friend and I are looking forward to 

visiting Lady Elegant's Tea Room again.

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Mar/Apr 2008 issue:  The Lillagaard B&B & Victorian Tea Room, Ocean Grove, NJ

The Lillagaard B&B and Victorian Tea Room, 5 Abbott Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ 732.988.1216 www.lillagaard.com  The Lillagaard B&B is located just steps from the ocean in Ocean Grove, NJ. It is surrounded by Painted Ladies and the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a delightful afternoon tea in their full service Victorian Tea Room. In the tea room you will enjoy a fabulous afternoon tea service with attention to every detail. Enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, devonshire cream, lemon curd, fresh fruit and special seasonal treats along with your favorite tea. Nestled in Historic Ocean Grove, The Lillagaard B&B is a pleasant place to stay and the owners are bubbling over with warmth and enthusiasm. You feel a part of the family staying with them. A stroll through town to visit some shops - you must not miss Gingerbreads. The shop is chock full of everything very Victorian and tea related. I had a hard time tearing myself away. Local artist, Tami Kenner has created some stunning tea themed works of art - for sale at Gingerbreads. You might even visit the town of Ocean Grove for a tour of Victorian Homes. www.oceangrove.org  www.gingerbreadsoceangrove.com  . . . . Lady Gayle
 

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Jan/Feb 2008 issue:  Visit to a Tealightful Treasures home party, NJ

A Tealightful Treasures tea party was held in NJ with consultant June Rizza. The party was truly Tealightful. June set the hostess’ table with beautiful serving pieces and delectable treats such as oooh la orange crème, jam, fresh baked scones, cookies, tea sandwiches and more. We sampled some lovely teas in beautiful teacups and we were entertained by the party’s Victorian theme – we learned the Language of the Fan (see NovDec07 issue) and really had fun with it. The menus were printed onto pretty paper and folded into fans as a keepsake – a very nice touch. Tealightful parties are such lovely home parties and of course everything is for sale. The hostess earns a nice gift and may choose from several wonderful party themes including Victorian, Spa, Children, and other delightful themes. Visit www.tealightfultreasures.com to find a consultant near you or become one yourself! See ad on page 20-back cover.....Reviewed by Lady Gayle
 

Nov/Dec 2007 issue: Alice's Tea Cup, New York City

Alice’s Tea Cup, 220 East 81st Street, New York City www.alicesteacup.com  (212) 734-4TEA Alice’s has 3 locations in NYC. This one is Chapter III – the newest. It is a small, very family friendly tea room in an area of NY where many families live and mothers are out strolling with their baby carriages. Several mothers and babies were in the tea room when I visited. I hear one of the other locations is quite large and all 3 locations are always very busy – reservations may be required – all are popular for parties, showers, meetings, etc. Alice’s has a décor all its own – think Alice in Wonderland. Alice’s serves breakfast, lunch, dinner & brunch. Afternoon tea foods may be ordered all day and they even have a unique breakfast version. The Wee Tea for children includes very nice kid-friendly choices. The tea selection is good and properly brewed. Afternoon tea is served with a choice of scone with preserves and cream, sandwich choice/s, and other sweets. Sandwich choices include Lapsang Souchong Smoked Chicken Breast, Roasted Cumin Carrots, Black Forest Ham & Gruyere, Curried Chicken Salad, Smoked Salmon, Chopped tea-egg salad, Cucumber & Watercress, Tuna. Everything served to us was very delicious, unique, and special. Reviewed by Lady Gayle

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Sept/Oct 2007 issue:  Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel, Orlando, FL

Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel, Orlando, FL

www.disney.go.com

Advance reservations are required. We were seated in a lovely garden room.  Our afternoon tea was served on Royal Albert china - Country Rose pattern.  All the traditional savories, scones, muffins, fruits, trifle, sweets, (even a cream puff swan) and a large selection of tea were on the menu.  There were five different "Afternoon Tea" menus to choose from. Reviewed by Joyce Mucha & Linda Francati, loyal readers of The Tea House Times.

Sept/Oct 2007 issue: English & French Tea Traditions Walking Tour w/Elizabeth Knight - see below

July/Aug 2007 issue:  Prior House Bed & Breakfast Inn, British Columbia

Prior House Bed & Breakfast Inn, 620 St. Charles St., Victoria, British Columbia (877) 924-3300 www.priorhouse.com

Prior House was built in 1912.  We were treated to the Prior House’s special blend, Earl Grey with a touch of orange, two types of tea sandwiches and five different desserts.  All this was introduced by fresh fruit and cream served in a champagne glass.  Each item was made from scratch by the Prior House chef and was presented with no detail overlooked.  Tea was topped off with a freshly made Nanaimo Bar.  Nanaimo Bars, the creation of a housewife from Nanaimo, British Columbia, are three layer squares with an aroma that by itself will send your taste buds into a spontaneous flurry of activity. 

As we contemplate our annual vacations most of us look far beyond the geographic area that occupies our daily lives and search for that once in a lifetime vacation experience.  In doing so, however, the less publicized opportunities of a lifetime are easily overlooked.

We in the Northwest are fortunate to have Victoria, British Columbia on our side of North America.  A four and a half hour car ride and an hour and a half ferry ride and you disembark in the heart of Canada’s western most bastion of provincial culture and civility.

Each time Earlene and I make this pilgrimage to Victoria we strive to discover the lesser known and often-overlooked treasures the city has to offer.  Once in a lifetime opportunities come along everyday. You just need to pay attention.

On our last trip, while searching for a new place to have tea, Earlene and I happened upon a coupon for afternoon tea at a local Bed & Breakfast for only $10.00 ($8.61 US).  At this point one has to ask the question “How good is a $10.00 afternoon tea going to be?”  The answer is “marvelous”.  Serendipity had once again taken charge and placed us on the front porch of the Prior House Bed & Breakfast Inn.

Prior House was built in 1912 by Edward Gawler Prior and after a succession of owners was purchased by Ted and Candis Cooperrider in 1989.  Since that time the Cooperriders have been engaged in a near two-decade labor of love, to restore and embellish upon the Prior House’s original grace and elegance.  Words do not do justice to their efforts and since “a picture is worth a 1,000 words” I refer you to www.priorhouse.com for a complete pictorial tour, a tour worth taking.

Besides the exquisite makeover and compulsive attention to detail, Prior House provides a level of service that has catapulted this B & B passed all others and most hotels in Victoria.  The Prior House is the only Five Star (Canada Select) and Four Diamond (AAA) inn in Victoria.  These are the same designations given to the Empress Hotel, Victoria’s most prominent and elegant landmark.

This leads me back to our initial goal, afternoon tea.  We were treated to the Prior House’s special blend, Earl Grey with a touch of orange, two types of tea sandwiches and five different desserts.  All this was introduced by fresh fruit and cream served in a champagne glass.  Ms. Cooperrider is not only proud of what she has accomplished with the Prior House but also of the afternoon tea she serves.  And well she should be.  Each item was made from scratch by the Prior House chef and was presented with no detail overlooked.  Tea was topped off with a freshly made Nanaimo Bar.  Nanaimo Bars, the creation of a housewife from Nanaimo, British Columbia, are three layer squares with an aroma that by itself will send your taste buds into a spontaneous flurry of activity.

Afternoon tea lasted two and a half hours but only because serendipity once again wielded her influence.  Ms. Cooperrider took time from her duties as innkeeper to introduce herself and was very willing to provide a Prior House history lesson and guided tour.

When we left Ms. Cooperrider’s gracious company the only thing lacking in our first Prior House experience was spending the night in one of the lavish rooms, a lacking we hope to remedy in the very near future.

Review by James E. Patterson, editor, Tea-Totaling with Earlene www.earlenegrey.com

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July/Aug 2007 issue:  Arium, New York City & Tour with Elizabeth Knight

Arium, 31 Little West 12th Street, New York City (212) 463-8630 www.ariumnyc.com

I visited Arium for afternoon tea on March 24, 2007 as part of a tea tour led by Elizabeth Knight.  The tour was excellent and you can read more about it at www.theteahousetimes.com.  Arium has been serving afternoon tea for about one year.  The staff has been expertly trained and is very knowledgeable about tea.  The chef prepares a varying afternoon tea menu along with suggested teas to complement the day’s chosen meal plan ~ Very well done.  The tea list is very extensive and the service at Arium is attentive and impeccable. 

At first we perused the menu and chose our teas.  Each person was brought a pot of tea along with a small glass dish of their chosen loose leaf tea to see and smell – a very nice touch.  A three course tea was served and included a variety of scones, finger sandwiches and mini sweets.  The following lists the food selection for the day we were at Arium and the recommended teas to accompany the unique, delicious tastes of the foods:

First course:  Classic scones, Lemon Coconut Scones, Cherry Chocolate Chip Scones – served with homemade clotted cream, lemon curd, raspberry preserves and Seville orange marmalade.  Second Course:  Dilled Cucumber Sandwich, Devilled Mushroom Sandwich, Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Sandwich, Mini Quice Lorraine, Vol-au-vent with Curried Egg Salad.  Third Course:  Chocolate Hazelnut Torte, Passion Fruit Mousse Cup, Flourless Peanut Macaroon, Key Lime Tart, Cinnamon Palmier.  Recommended Teas:  Imperial Silver Needles, Yin Zhen, China; Sencha, Japan; Golden Monkey, Fujian Province, China; Mademoiselle Grey, Black Tea, Bergamot and Rose Petals; Neruda’s Ode, Lemon Myrtle and Chamomile.  ………I chose the Golden Monkey tea with light chocolate undertones, it perfectly complemented the entire three course afternoon tea.

The service at Arium was wonderful and very attentive.  Every time I was nearing the bottom of my teacup, it was magically re-filled by our server who kept my teapot nearby and constantly filled as well.  Arium was delightful and I cannot wait to return.

Arium is a cultural oasis in the Meatpacking District where artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers come together in the tradition of the European salon. An intimate cafe for artists and patrons of the arts, ARIUM presents exhibitions, piano recitals, readings, and lectures throughout the year.  ARIUM Cafe is open for all-day brunch and afternoon tea service Tuesday through Sunday.

Reviewed by Lady Gayle, The Tea House Times 

NOTE: I visited Arium on a tour led by Elizabeth Knight, here is more about her tour:

March 24, 2007 in New York City

English and French Tea Traditions Walking Tour with Elizabeth Knight

Elizabeth Knight is the guide of some fabulous walking – tea tours – in New York City.  Her tours vary and will be fresh and interesting each time.  On this particular day, we met Ms. Knight at La Maison du Chocolat at Rockefeller Center in NYC.  We were treated to a sampling of tea infused chocolate and cup of tea pairing and a sample of the new collection of macarons filled with flavored chocolate.  Here, the group was introduced to the differences in French and English Tea Traditions.  (La Maison du Chocolate also offers a variety of chocolate, tea and coffee tastings – visit www.lamaisonduchocolate.com

Ms. Knight’s tour went on to include some very exclusive shopping stops: Takashimaya for Japanese inspired merchandise, unique tea sets and teas (also a Japanese tea room); we also visited Bernardaud (based in Limoges, France) for luxurious porcelain collections including the pattern first introduced by Marie Antoinette; and lastly, we were privileged to enter the ever so elegant James Robinson (212-752-6166) shop with exquisite antique tableware, tea sets, silver, jewelry and more – where the back of the shop is set up like a mini museum of silver tea sets from long ago!  Our final stop on the tour was to Arium for afternoon tea.  Arium is located at 31 Little West 12^th Street in New York City. (www.ariumnyc.com ) Please see a review of this tea room in the July/August issue of The Tea House Times.  It was fabulous!

For more fabulous tours with Elizabeth Knight, visit www.teawithfriends.com   Be sure to check out her books: Tea With Friends and Tea in the City – New York (see book reviews at www.theteahousetimes.com )

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May/June 2007 issue:  Hillcrest Bed & Breakfast, Jim Thorpe, PA

Hillcrest Bed and Breakfast, Jim Thorpe, PA (570) 325-9815 www.jimthorpehillcrest.com  Hillcrest is a 1906 Queen Anne home, an English Bed & Breakfast.  Afternoon tea is served upon request with advance reservation.  Priced right and very good.  If you order cream tea, you will be served three perfect, delicious, scones and cream and jam along with tea.  If you order Afternoon Tea, you will be served tea sandwiches, sweets, and tea (I enjoyed sandwiches: cucumber, tomato/cream cheese, and a jam penny; sweets: Victorian Sandwich Cake, shortbread, and butterfly cupcakes.)  Selection will vary, but the service will remain wonderful, warm, and inviting.

This was a great tea outing.  My friend and I set out to visit a quilt shop and antique center nearly two hours away from home.  I told my friend I would be happy to accompany her, but we would certainly need to find a place for tea.  So, the search began for tea in and around the area of the quilt shop…….no luck.  We finally stumbled upon the Hillcrest B&B, about 10 minutes from the shop, through an online search for tea rooms or tea at a B&B.  Hillcrest was the only choice and it was a fabulous choice at that! 

When we arrived at Hillcrest, we were greeted by proprietors, Meriel and Bart Springer.  Bart grew up in the village of Jim Thorpe and Meriel is an English Lady with a very lovely English accent.  My friend and I spent quite a bit of time with the Springers and felt right at home, comfortable and pampered as well.  From the freshly laundered linen napkins—which smelled divine—to the exquisitely set table for two in the dining room, beautiful china, and freshly made treats, we were in Afternoon Tea Heaven.

The Hillcrest B&B offers beautifully appointed guest rooms.  The village of Jim Thorpe attracts visitors year round through frequent festivals and close proximity to winter skiing.  The village itself is very charming with many Victorian style buildings and homes, antique shops, a small opera house, and much more.     Reviewed by Lady Gayle, The Tea House Times.

May/June 2007 issue:  The Brick House Farm B&B, Sparta, NJ

The Brick House Farm B&B, 125 Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ (973) 726-5713  This B&B has begun to serve Afternoon Tea by reservation once per month and for special events.  A “Valentine Tea for Someone you Love” was held Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007 and it was a lovely five course tea.  Diana Petersen, proprietor, has a flair for fine hospitality and good food.  She makes her own preserves and her scones are perfect and delicious,

The Valentine Tea was a five course tea, all very delicious.  The first course was homemade scones – perfect to the last bite, mini lemon poppy seed muffins, banana bread, lemon curd, homemade preserves, and honey butter ~ all delicious.  The second course was a spring mix salad with grapes, walnuts, a light dressing and some delicious parmesan, rosemary crisps on top.  The third course was a very tasty, piping hot cup of homemade tomato basil soup.  The fourth course was a plate of finger sandwiches including: a baked, flower cut pita topped with chicken salad; mandarin oranges atop cream cheese covered cinnamon bread; cucumber with mint on a white heart shaped bread; a phyllo cup filled with homemade pear preserves and brie – baked to perfection; deviled egg slices on brown bread; and thin granny smith apple slices on cinnamon bread.  Everything was presented beautifully all upon charming, mis-matched china.  The fifth course included sesame coins, homemade petit fours, heavenly mocha brownies, linzer hearts, chocolate dipped strawberries, and raspberries.  Everything was divine!     Reviewed by Lady Gayle, The Tea House Times.

Mar/Apr 2007 issue:  The Empress Tea Room, Tampa, FL

The Empress Tea Room, www.Empresst.com, 6810 Fowler Ave. Tampa, FL  in the Victorian Village shopping area minutes from I-75, 813-988-9027 High Tea served 11-3:30 p.m. Mon-Sat.

Located in northeast Tampa just minutes from I-75, the Empress Tea Room is quickly gaining acclaim for its fabulous food and elegant ambiance. High tea includes Royal (queen-sized) scones (the chef is known to take requests) with Devonshire cream & preserves, mousse tarts, apple spice bread, chocolate-dipped strawberries, ham and cheese pannini with chipotle mayo, curried turkey "stacker" and more!  Harney's loose tea brewed fresh to order is served in two rooms, both with an extraordinary ambiance. The food is delicious and served elegantly.

The first room past the lovely gift shop is a formal Victorian drawing room, called appropriately "the Victoria"  and is my favorite because of its outstanding paintings and furnishings.  But the second room is no less enchanting.   Less formal,  the Garden Room is an indoor replica of the movie set for The Secret Garden.  Taking tea on wrought-iron tables under a tree with splashing fountain,  flowers and ivy/lattice covered walls is really special! 

Prices are reasonable with High Tea at $16.95pp. A creative lunch menu including a low-carb Sir Adkins plate is served weekdays. The Victoria room seats 35, the Garden room 22. Bettina Halaway, the owner will do fabulous parties for special occasions for 25 or more guests upon request.

Reviewed by:

Gail Henderson, Love Your Neighborhood  813.928-1166 www.LoveYourNeighborhood.com

Inspirational booklets, calendars, cards and favors (*She carries my items in her gift shop)

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Jan/Feb. 2007 issue: Windsor Historical Society Victorian Tea, Windsor, CT

This is not a tea room, but we really must give a great deal of credit to the Windsor Historical Society for putting on such a fabulous tea on the weekend of the Red Rose Tea Fair in Windsor, CT, November, 2006. The food was endless and varied, beautiful and delicious from sandwiches to scones and treats to tea (Red Rose of course!) We all had china plates and teacups and real flatware. No plastic or paper here. Very elegant, delicious, and enjoyable. Kandie Carle ( www.KandieCarle.com ) performed a fabulous show--dressing from corset to gloves - really! She started off in a robe and dressed through the many layers of clothing worn by Victorian women. The event was perfect in every way. Check out their website for future events. www.windsorhistoricalsociety.org  ... Lady Gayle
 

Nov/Dec, 2006 issue: Tea from our Cruise to Canada, St. John, New Brunswick, & Halifax, Nova Scotia

These four tea rooms are highlights of The Tea House Times Carnival Tea Cruise to Canada, 2006:

The Infusion, 41 Charlotte St., Saint John, NB  506-693-TEAS (8327) email: infusion@nbnet.nb.ca This tea room was our only stop for tea during our day tour of New Brunswick. While driving around, we were shown where the original Red Rose Tea building was and also the B&B the original owners have called the Red Rose B&B.  The Infusion is located right near the old market shopping and inside has old windows on the wall from the old Red Rose Tea building.  A great tea room to stop in for a cup of tea, purchase teas, or reserve when they have set the tables all fancy for Afternoon Tea.  We stopped here with our tea cruise attendees and it was fabulous.  We had such a wonderful time here.  Our group took up the entire tea room and we shopped til we dropped.  We stayed here for a full afternoon tea, and it was fabulous and very relaxing.  We each got to choose our favorite tea from their loose leaf teas, brewed to our liking.  The scones were very unusual and fabulous.  They were baked in a pan and cut into squares.  A very unique way, light and fluffy, and very tasty sprinkled with powdered sugar.  The finger sandwiches were delightful and the sweets made us happy as well.  A wonderful experience!

The Queen of Cups, 44 Ochterloney St., Dartmouth, NS  902-463-1983 www.queenofcups.ca The Queen of Cups was our first stop on our tour while at port in Nova Scotia.  We had tea and scones here and they were very, very good.  Fresh from the oven with clotted cream and jam, what more could you ask for.  Fabulous!

Blue Forest Lane B&B, 14 Blue Forest Lane, Bedford, NS 1-800-665-7227 This B&B was our second stop for tea while at port in Nova Scotia.  The tour on this day involved a lot of scenic driving, so we incorporated 3 stops for treats. This was such a delight.  The owner is also an artist and has absolutely gorgeous art work throughout the home and also for sale there and at her website.  Many tea themed pictures.  Very, very elegant.  We were treated to tea and a very nice selection of sweets here.  The owner and her friend also entertained us with some ideas for tea parties and we participated in a contest to win a piece of art.  Another truly memorable visit.  Artist & B&B Owner: Wanda Lee  Check out Wanda Lee's Tea Society: www.wandaleesteasociety.com and Blue Forest Lane B&B www.blueforest.ca

Mu Lan Tea House, 1360 Lower Water St., Halifax, NS 902-420-1994  www.mulan.ca The Mu Lan Tea House was a great way to end our day.  Weary from taking in the sights, we were treated to a very relaxing Chinese Tea Ceremony with homemade Chinese sweets while sampling various teas.  This tea house has a very large selection of very rare, hard to find teas.  I think I paid $35 for about one ounce of a rare white tea from China--and it was well worth it!  Also unique here is the oolong tea choices among others.  A fabulous visit!! 

Reviews by Lady Gayle.

September/October, 2006 issue:  Charlotte's Tea Room, Warwick, NY

Charlotte’s Tea Room, 9 Main Street, Warwick, NY (845) 988-9499 

Warwick, NY is a nice place to spend the day.  Great shopping and now this lovely, new tearoom.  Located adjacent to Greetings and Salutations, the tea room offers a delicious afternoon tea ~ perfect start to finish.  “Tea for Two” is plenty of food, priced right, and includes three types of tea sandwiches, huge, delicious scones, REAL clotted cream, a large pot of tea, and desserts.  Wonderful!  My favorite sandwich was the Irish Salad Sandwich, a very unique combination of ingredients including tomatoes, cucumber, & watercress, and a secret mayonnaise based spread.  Tea for two was $25.00  The tea room menu has expanded to include a fruit salad, and a couple green salads...an English recipe of greens, apples, walnuts, beets, and crumbled stilton, with either a mustard or raspberry  dressing, and a simple green salad. The tea room’s signature sandwiches include: the Irish Salad Sandwich , which is tomato, cucumber, watercress, and a mayo based dressing, curried egg salad, roast beef with horseradish dressing curried chicken salad, which includes currants, apples and pecans, and tomato and fresh basil, just to name a few.  So, what about the tea?  It was very good, full bodied, Harney & Sons teas.  The iced teas and lemonade are also delightful and garnished with fresh mint.

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July/Aug, 2006 issue: Woodlands Resort & Inn, Summerville, SC

Woodlands Resort & Inn, 125 Parsons Road, Summerville, SC (843) 875-2600 www.WoodlandsInn.com

Not only is this the finest place to stay in Summerville, the afternoon tea is equally as elegant.  Served in the sunny Winter Garden room of the 1906 Inn, each sandwich, pastry, and scone is specially prepared by a master chef.  Selections are unusual, very gourmet, and a surprise to the taste buds.  The sandwich combinations were much tastier than traditional tea sandwiches.  The scones were perfect and the pastries were divine.  Definitely worth a trip and a drive through Summerville; an equal delight to see all the Victorian Homes.  Tea is served in at the Woodlands Resort & Inn in the Winter Garden, a sunny, comfortable room inside, between the hours of 3pm and 5 pm with 24 hour advance notice.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 843 308 2115  Woodlands welcomes parties up to 12.  Tea is not available to outside guests on Sundays.  The Woodlands "Regular Afternoon Tea" is $20 pp plus 20% gratuity and 8% tax; it includes Assorted Tea Pastries and hot loose tea.  The Woodlands "High Afternoon Tea" includes Assorted Tea Pastries, Tea Sandwiches, and loose tea for $29 per person plus gratuity and tax.  Several very good choices of loose tea are available as well as several Herbal Teas.  The teas are brewed in your pot and served with a pretty strainer to be used over your cup while pouring.  Savory Tea Sandwiches are made on House-Made Breads including Pecan-Chicken Salad, Rosemary Ham with Frisee, Irish Cheddar with Roasted Peppers, all quite heavenly.  Delightful Tea Pastries include Cherry-Almond Scones, Callebaut Chocolate Brownies, Lemon Shortbread, Vanilla Pound Cake, Medley of Berry Tartlets, and Banana Bread.  All very delicious.  Teatime at Woodlands is always an occasion; an interlude of pleasurable delights and is a standard inclusion for guests staying at the Inn.  Reviewed by Lady Gayle.

July/Aug, 2006 issue: American Girl Place, New York City, NY

American Girl Cafe at American Girl Place, 609 Fifth Ave. at 49th St, New York City, 1-877-AG PLACE www.americangirl.com   This is where you need to take the kids!  A very special place to dine for little girls, their dollies, and mom, grandma, the entire family even.  So cute.  Your doll is seated into a clip on, doll size high chair right onto the table.  Traditional tea sandwiches, scones and desserts are served on a three tiered server.  Tea ends with chocolate moose served in tiny flowerpots with a little daisy on top.  Girls will want to shop the department store layout for their dolls too.  Furniture, clothing, accessories, hair salon & more!  "The American Girl Cafe offers fancy dining that's fun for girls, grown-ups, and dolls and is the perfect place to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions."  All meals in the cafe include three courses and beverages.  The costs are as follows: brunch $18, lunch $22, afternoon tea $19, and dinner $24.  Party packages are also available for the birthday girl.  Afternoon tea begins with a serving of miniature cinnamon buns followed by Savories including scones, finger sandwiches, chicken salad boats, egg salad tea sandwiches, and ham and cheese stars.  Sweets include a chocolate tea cup filled with vanilla pudding, cookie, and a flowerpot filled with chocolate moose.  All the food was quite good and favorable to the children as well as the adults.  Reservations are a must and plan VERY FAR in advance since they get booked up very fast.  Plan far in advance especially if you want to plan for a special date or when the kids are off from school, etc. Plan 2-3 months ahead if possible.  Special events and activities are also available, check their website or call for details.  Reviewed by Lady Gayle.

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May/June, 2006, issue: T Party Antiques, Darien, CT

T Party Antiques, 2 Squab Lane, Darien CT, 203-662-9689 www.Tpartyantiques.com  This is a great tearoom with gift shop and antiques.  When you step inside you are in the gift shop area filled with beautiful things relating to tea.  Mixed in are a few vintage items for purchase as well.  Upstairs you find a nice selection of antiques including jewelry, hats, old books, old toys, and much more.  Back downstairs on the main floor through the gift shop is a quaint tea room and a separate room for children's tea parties.  The children's room is very cute and all arranged for the perfect children's tea party.  The food was very good and very fresh.  The teas were prepared in a pot with a removable strainer basket and served along with a timer; so you know how long your tea has been brewing.  (We asked for separate plates to place the tea leaf baskets onto when it was finished brewing since it is not good to steep it too long--it will become bitter.)  The finger sandwiches included cucumber, basil chicken salad, BLTea, tea bread w/cream cheese, & roast beef with cheddar cheese.  Particularly good was the Basil Chicken Salad served on mini-croissants.  The BLTea was delicious too.  It tasted like a sun dried tomato spread with bacon & lettuce, very good!  All sandwiches were unique combinations, fresh and tasty.  The sandwiches were so good we wanted more, but a good thing we didn't ask for any more since we were quite full after the delicious scones and mini desserts. (By the way, they charge extra for additional servings).  The scones were very, very good and served with real clotted cream and strawberry preserves.  Mini desserts included chocolate diamonds, raspberry tart, cherry mini cheese cake, cream puffs, and pecan bars.  When we were finished eating, we were presented with a wet nap with the words "Thank You" printed on it.  This was a great little touch since our fingers were a little sticky after eating the scones (sprinkled with powdered sugar).  $16.95 for sandwiches, scones & dessert.  $11.95 for scones & dessert only.  This tea room also offers a catering menu including sandwiches, scones, desserts, and specialty desserts.  Everything here is quite delicious!

Reviewed by “Lady Gayle”, The Tea House Times; www.theteahousetimes.com

May/June, 2006, issue: St. Regis Hotel, New York, NY

2 E 55th St. at 5th Ave, New York City, 212-339-6734 www.stregis.com   The historic St. Regis is a beautiful place for afternoon tea.  If you enjoy hotel style teas, you will be impressed.  All the serving pieces are beautiful and very elegant.  You will feel very high class having tea at the St. Regis.  Compared to a tearoom tea, this hotel tea is a bit pricey (approx $50 ea. incl. tax & tip).   At first you may think they haven't served much; a few dainty sandwiches, etc.  But they offered us more and we were very content and happy with the amount and quality of the food.  The finger sandwiches were the usual variety of sandwiches you would expect at tea, nothing unusual, and included salmon.  The scones were heavenly, hot, fresh, slightly sweet and so delicious, served with real clotted cream, lemon curd, and a wonderful berry jam.  St. Regis offers a good variety of loose teas freshly brewed in the pot and served with beautiful little strainers to nestle over your cup and pour the tea through so as not to have any leaves fall into your cup.  (The only problem with this brewing method is that the tea is allowed to steep too long and becomes bitter.  They do offer extra water to dilute it, but it would be better if the tea was fully strained into another pot once it had been brewed.)    Tea sandwiches, scones, and mini desserts were served; and the unique and very delicious treat at the end was a mini creme brulee'~a very elegant touch to a delightful afternoon tea experience.

Reviewed by “Lady Gayle”, The Tea House Times; www.theteahousetimes.com

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March/April, 2006, issue: Katherine's Tea Room, Ledgewood, NJ

Katherine’s Tea Room: 538 Route 10 West, Ledgewood, NJ, 973-584-2515

A visit to Katherine’s tea room is a delightful experience.  Located in a small strip mall in Ledgewood, New Jersey, you will be amazed at how beautiful it is once inside.  Katherine’s Tea Room is beautifully decorated with a collection of antique aprons upon the walls, beautiful gloves and hats, and all the finery for creating a great afternoon tea experience.   The tea room can accommodate up to 50 people for a tea party, shower or other event.  Children’s tea parties are available for those 5 and up in a special party room and include invitations, place cards, thank you notes, and party favor along with a mini etiquette/manners lesson during the private 2 hour party. 

Katherine’s Tea Room serves soup, salads, sandwiches, luscious desserts, a very large selection of loose leaf teas and 4 different tea services including The Symphony (soup, salad, fresh baked scones, muffins, sweetbreads, house made—delicious!—jam, lemon curd, and honey butter, sweet and savory tea sandwiches, a sweet plate with a variety of bite sized cookies, pastries and tarts, and an unlimited pot of tea); The Opera (same as above but excluding the soup and salad); The Adagio (simply scones, muffins, and sweetbreads and unlimited tea); and finally The Wee Tea for ages ten and under (petite assortment of freshly baked scones, muffins, sweetbreads with jam, lemon curd, and honey butter; bite sized sweet and savory tea sandwiches; and a sweet plate selection of cookies, pastries, tarts; unlimited tea, iced tea or milk.)

Katherine Wunner is the owner and her daughter, Tracy McGinnis, is the chef, and a very good one at that!  All the food was fresh and delicious.  I particularly enjoyed the harvest vegetable soup and a savory scone prior to my full afternoon tea service.  I chose The Symphony as I wanted to try everything, and I was not disappointed.  I chose a pot of decaffeinated, peach/apricot black tea.  The tea was brought to the table with loose leaves still brewing in a T-sac.  After the delicious soup I had a lovely, mixed green salad with citrus dressing; mini sandwiches including cucumber, egg salad with sprouts, ginger and mandarin orange on cinnamon bread, ham with scallion cream cheese; and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.  With The Symphony I also had 2 mini lemon, poppy seed muffins, banana bread, a blueberry scone, and a ginger/apricot scone (served with jam, lemon curd, and honey butter).  And finally, dessert!  Carrot cake cookies, biscotti, flourless chocolate cake, cheese pastry, a butter cookie with black sesame seeds, and a berry twist crisp cookie.  Everything was delicious and you simply must try their house made jam—so delicious, they should bottle it and sell it in their gift shop!  Definitely worth the visit and frequent returns.

Reviewed by “Lady Gayle”, The Tea House Times; www.theteahousetimes.com

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March/April, 2006, issue:  Tea & Treasures, Sisters, Oregon

Tea & Treasures: P.O. Box 1678 • 114 N. Oak Street • Sisters, Oregon 97759 • 541-549-TEAS (8327)

Sisters Act ~ By James E. Patterson ~ Editor of Tea-Totaling With Earlene

Those who think the Oregon high desert is too far from civilization and too close to the Old West to produce a fine cup of tea, will be pleasantly surprised by the Tea & Treasures teashop and tearoom in Sisters, Oregon.  Tea & Treasures was meticulously planned out right down to the construction of the two-story building that house the fully stocked teashop downstairs and the exquisitely decorated tearoom above.

As you start up the stairs leading from the retail shop to the tearoom you leave behind an extensive selection of high quality loose-leaf teas, teapots, cups and saucers, books and tea paraphernalia only to be taken back further and further in time with each ascending step.

Entering the tearoom is akin to entering a parlor of the landed gentry in Edwardian England.  Owners Barb and Steve Wilson left no detail unattended.  From the rich burgundy and forest green color scheme to the matching sets of cups and saucers on each table, everything has been tied together by color, style and era.  A wooden wainscoting and hanging pictures commensurate with the time and occasion highlight the walls.  An occasional horse picture is mixed in this elegant display as a subtle and timeless reminder that you are still Central Oregon.  Fifteen sconces and two chandeliers provide lighting reminiscent of the gas lamps used to illuminate turn-of-the-century drawing rooms. To add the personal touch, each table has its own vintage lamp that completes the already intimate lighting.  If a table by the window is preferred full-length rose lace curtains discreetly soften the in coming light and the out going view.  Even at first glance it is obvious that this tearoom is the product of methodical planning over many pots of tea.

In October 2005 Tea & Treasures celebrated its one-year anniversary.  As with all things the passage of time has brought adjustments, alterations and adaptations.  Although the menu has been simplified, the quality and presentation remain a compliment to the elegant surroundings.  The menu: Tea Lunch or Tea & Scone is more than adequate.  Simplicity, however, does not come without choices.  The featured scones and soups change daily and each Tea Lunch and Tea & Scone comes with a bottomless pot of one of the many premium loose-leaf teas available in the teashop below.  Each scone is accompanied by whipped sweet cream with a touch of vanilla and, if desired a small pitcher of cream is provided for your tea – already heated, of course. 

The Tea & Treasure tearoom opens at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday with the last seating at 3:00 p.m.  Reservations are not required and once you are there plan to stay awhile.  After all “One gulps coffee, swills beer and swigs whiskey, but one sips tea.  We slow down and sip tea.” (From Slow by Earlene Grey).  Copyright 2005 James E. Patterson

January/February 2006:  (SEE our Cape May trip report for these~click here)

Twinings Tea Room in Cape May, NJ & Queen Victoria B&B in Cape May

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November/December, 2005 Issue:  Teaberry's, Flemington, NJ

Teaberry's Tea Room, 134 Main Street, Flemington, NJ  (908) 788-1010  www.teaberrys.com

Outstanding says it all.  Having visited Teaberry’s now for both lunch and afternoon tea, I have to say the food is truly outstanding.  Who ever said you can’t find good food in New Jersey?  Most of us equate good food to restaurants in New York City.  Look no more, now you can eat well in New Jersey!  I experienced the full afternoon tea including soup and salad (you can choose not to have this much food).  I chose Potato Leek soup and a delicious salad mixture of greens, walnuts, dried cranberries, cheese, and a balsamic dressing.  Finger sandwiches included chicken salad, cucumber, and ham, chicken, roast beef each combined with different fruits or vegetables for truly unique, delicious tea sandwiches—very gourmet.  The platter also included egg salad in pastry shells, fruit and crudités.  My soup was served with a warm, fresh bun.  After the soup, salad, and sandwiches we were able to choose what scone we would like; and it was baked fresh to order and served with real clotted cream, lemon curd and strawberry preserves.  The dessert selection was a variety of minis such as lemon cookies, sesame cookies, pastry cups, lemon bars, brownies, and two other fruit or nut bars.  All wonderful.  The list of teas goes on and on and you must order by number.  I enjoyed a pot of gunpowder green tea, hot, brewed, and strained prior to serving.  My mom enjoyed iced tea—Ginger Lime Green Tea—Oh, it was delicious and served in a tall glass with a wedge of lime.  Very refreshing and delicious.  My daughter enjoyed the children’s version of tea.  Her sandwiches were slightly different and included many combinations of fruit and spreads inside the bread; strawberries and cream, peanut butter, and Nutella as well.  She LOVED the Nutella spread.  And she chose to have lemonade instead of hot tea.  All of our requests were accommodated without question.  Our waitress was lovely and I think I caught her curtsying a few times as she served us.  A wonderful experience and I am lucky my mom lives nearby so we can go to Teaberry’s often.  Afternoon Tea begins at 2:00 and you should make a reservation.  Enjoy lunchtime, tea time, anytime.

“Lady Gayle”, The Tea House Times

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July/August, 2005 Issue:  Jill Coulson's Specialtea Pots, Bremerton, WA

Jill Coulson's Specialtea Pots, 320 N. Callow Ave., Bremerton, WA (360) 373-9854

A wonderful find for the Kitsap Peninsula.  Her teas are the freshest available plus the variety of her blends exceed a tea lovers dreams.  Quality teas, great prices.  Her selection of Yixing tea pots is exceptional!  Well worth the trip.  Reviewed by. T. Farrell

July/August, 2005 Issue: High SocieTea House, Wayne, NJ

High SocieTea House, 20 Old Newark Pompton Turnpike, Wayne, NJ (973) 696-teas (8327)

Reservations recommended.  A lovely tea room with enough seating for groups.  My friend and I visited the High SocieTea House in Wayne on April 20, 2005.  We were seated next to the fireplace which will be lovely during the winter.  Beautifully decorated and comfortable, I felt right at home, able to sit back and enjoy the relaxed ceremony of Afternoon Tea.  I enjoyed the Queen’s Tea: delicious, loose leaf teas; delicious homemade soup and quiche; fresh, hot scones; a unique assortment of finger sandwiches; a variety of sweets; AND dessert.  Our teas were brewed and leaves removed prior to serving.  They offer a fine assortment of teas with delicious flavors to choose from.  The tea room was full when we left and everyone was enjoying an unhurried, relaxed afternoon tea.  The owners give every attention to detail, fine service, and fine food.  An extensive variety of tea related gifts are available for purchase in their gift area adjoining the entry to the tea room.  This tea room must receive a lot of Red Hat Society groups based on the number of people who have signed their Red Hatter guest book (a very nice touch).  I look forward to visiting again soon.

“Lady Gayle” www.TheTeaHouseTimes.com   

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May/June, 2005, Issue: Belamari Tea Room, Hawthorne, NJ

Belamari Tea Room, 198 Diamond Bridge Ave, Hawthorne NJ, (973) 304 0188

www.Belamari.com  As of Feb 16 ’05 Hours: W-F 11 am – 5 pm, Sat 11-6

I had the pleasure of visiting Belamari Tea Room in Hawthorne on February 11, 2005 for their full afternoon tea.  Reservations are required for afternoon tea which includes an assortment of finger sandwiches; fresh baked scones served with lemon curd, cream, and preserves; mini desserts; and a pot of tea.  Daily luncheon selections are also available.

This was a fun, delicious experience.  When asked what tea we would like, we were offered a tray of little sniffing jars to help us decide which tea to choose.  Tea selections included a varied list of blacks, oolong, greens, and herbals.  The tea room is decorated very nicely.  I met the owners at a recent tea expo and I was thrilled to see all their hard work has paid off.  They have really done their homework to learn about tea and the proper way to serve.  The tea room is lovely, the food is delicious, the tea is delicious, and they also have a nice selection of merchandise for sale. 

Afternoon tea food selections may change periodically, but my friend and I enjoyed fresh, hot plain and strawberry scones, cucumber sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, dill chicken salad in pastry cups, cinnamon raisin nut bread with strawberry cream cheese, pecan bars, key lime bars, chocolate dream cupcakes, a mini cheesecake, and fruit.  Needless to say we were pleasantly full when we left.

My favorites?  Perfect scones are always my favorite especially since I love clotted cream, jam & lemon curd.  And, the scones WERE perfect.  The cinnamon raisin nut bread with the strawberry cream was wonderful and unique—I could see this as becoming one of their signature, yummy selections.  Well, ALL the desserts were wonderful as well.  Rich, tasty, and delicious.  Everything was perfect and I enjoyed our visit completely.

“Lady Gayle”, www.TheTeaHouseTimes.com

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March/April, 2005 Issue: The Upper Crust, Boonton, NJ ~

The Upper Crust, 624 Main Street, Boonton, NJ (973) 331-3769

Open 11:30-3 W-Sat      Dinner 6-10 F& Sat       Sun. Brunch 11:30-3pm

I visited the Upper Crust at lunchtime and enjoyed their full afternoon tea for two; price $30 for two.  The food was presented on a three-tiered server with warm, wonderful scones on the top tier.  The scones were so fresh & delicious and smelled fantastic!  Full Afternoon Tea includes an assortment of finger sandwiches, individual pastries & cakes, scones, homemade lemon curd, clotted cream, jams & a pot of tea.  They offer a nice selection of loose leaf teas.

British specialties also available such as the British Ploughman’s lunch (cheeses, fruit, baguette), Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash (sausages over whipped potatoes), fish and chips, and salads, sandwiches, and Panini.  A very fine dinner menu is also available.

Several women were at the shop enjoying afternoon tea, but just as many men were there enjoying lunch from the diverse menu.   

With several nearby antique shops, afternoon tea or lunch at The Upper Crust makes a nice day’s outing.

“Lady Gayle”, www.TheTeaHouseTimes.com

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