Return to Whistling Kettle: A big win for Team Earl Grey in Troy, NY

Team Earl Grey loves Whistling Kettles Earl Grey Matcha Latte

 Our recent visit to Troy, New York, was not only to take in on-location filming of HBO's The Gilded Age, but to make a stop at our favorite tea room in the Capital Region:  The Whistling Kettle. Two years ago, we found so much to love at this charming tea venue:  a scone-which that defies traditional tea etiquette (you CAN eat it like a Big Mac!) and a delightful afternoon tea, served on the customary three-tiered tray that you don't have to reserve 24-hours in advance. This year, we've found even more to love:  Earl Grey Matcha Latte. Another win for Team Earl Grey!

Becoming Team Earl Grey:

For those who know me well, have joined me for afternoon tea and/or hang in for at least the first few minutes of my describing my latest tea outing know I am a big fan of Earl Grey - the black tea blend with bergamot (or similarly tasting citrusy fruit). To me, it's light, but with body, and a great accompaniment to both savories and sweets. 

Although it's a pretty standard blend, a lot of tea makers offer variations, and I've sampled many. For example, Creamy Earl Grey adds vanilla and Russian Earl Grey mixes in orange and lemongrass. I have several in my tea pantry with fun names like Earl Grey-er and Triple Earl Grey and even BTS' own blend (soon to be relaunched!) labeled "Earl Grey Delight", but, bottom line, it's my go-to drink.  

Whistling Kettle with family, 2024

And, while always being "Team Earl Grey", it became official last month when I received a pink baseball cap in the mail  - a Mother's Day gift from son, Matt, and daughter-in-law Jenna (the same folks who joined us at The Whistling Kettle in 2024). In bold navy script, "Earl Grey" is embroidered on top. I am now a cap-wearing member of the classic tea blend.

More to love at The Whistling Kettle:

This week, I walked into The Whistling Kettle with my new chapeau. Our server quickly remarked, with an understanding smile, "I believe I know what you would like to drink. . . "

True - I wanted Earl Grey, but on a hot June evening in New York, The Whistling Kettle's "Season Sips" called to me. The Earl Grey Matcha Latte picture featured on their outdoor promotional sign lured me in with its cold brew claims and creamy flavored top and matcha center image. 

Earl Grey Matcha Latte sign lures Team Earl Grey 

I learned the ingredients are Matcha, Earl Grey, Earl Grey syrup, cream, milk and sugar. Our server said they tested various ratios and components over numerous tasting sessions and this recipe won. After the first sip, I understood why.

The Whistling Kettle lists the recipe on their website and you can also purchase some of the ingredients from them as well. I'm currently hovering over my Whistling Kettle on-line shopping cart. I plan to make this at home, although it does take a bit more time than I typically like to stay in the kitchen for prep. (If only my Breville could put this all together. . . ).

I do believe, however, it's worth the effort and this is the perfect time of year, back in Michigan, to enjoy this kind of Earl Grey on the patio.

Whistling Kettle had us at scone-wich. Now, with Earl Grey Matcha Latte, it's given us even more reason to sing your praises.

May we add, hat's off to The Whistling Kettle. With or without our pink cap, you know what we like. 

Watching Gilded Age in action: On location in Troy, NY where Gilded Age, Season 4 is currently filming!

At "St. Denis Hotel" on Troy, NY's Second Street, watching Gilded Age, Season 4, filming on location.

 

The Gilded Age, Season 4, is currently filming in New York's Capital Region and Barb's Tea Service was there to see it in action!

This week we were in Troy, New York, to witness some of the cast and crew of HBO's Gilded Age creating movie magic. Although it was the final few days in this location, and folks we met at our favorite Troy tea room, The Whistling Kettle, told us stars Christine Baransky and Cynthia Nixon were in town last week, we were still thrilled to take in some of the production before they left this charming historic stand in for late 19th-century Manhattan.

With Kathryn Sheehan of Hart Cluett

With family on Troy, NY's Second Street

Return to Troy:

Just two years ago, husband, Chris and I were in Troy and took in the Gilded Age tour with our son, Matt, and daughter-in-law, Jenna. The tour is hosted by the Hart Cluett Museum (one of the homes seen in The Gilded Age) and this is where we met Kathryn Sheehan, who, along with being the museum's Executive Director is also Rensselaer County and Troy City Historian. 

At the time, Season 3, was coming back to Troy later in the summer, but Kathryn had already served as a consultant to the production crew for earlier seasons.  We didn't know on that visit we'd have the great fortune to be back in almost two years to the day and take in some actual filming ourselves.

Something is going on at the "St. Denis Hotel".

A bit of serendipi-tea put us within a half-day drive to the Capital Region this month. We had planned a trip to Kingston, Ontario to visit extended family beginning of June. I had read about some Gilded Age on-location filming taking place around the same time and contacted my insider contact, Kathyrn, to find out the scoop. She confirmed, The Gilded Age, would still be filming by our projected arrival in Troy.

A call to action!

We were not disappointed. Shortly after our arrival, we camped out across from the Hart Cluett Museum - on the same street you'll see the familiar "homes" of Mamie Fish and Aurora Fane - and observed two scenes being shot. The ratio of set-up time to actual filming seemed to be about an hour of prep for five minutes of recording. 

Alley next to Hart Cluett house (white building). One hour of prep for a few minutes of film.

The first scene was in front of the "St. Denis Hotel", where a small gang of well-suited gentlemen approached a group of working-class folks seated at tables outside. We heard these were "Pinkerton" men.  They later walked down the street and into a corner restaurant.

Trash talking:

The next scene took place in the alleyways between the Hart Cluett Museum and a neighboring building. And, here's where we do some trash talking. . . literally.

Setting up dolly on track.

Crew member throwing trash in alleyway.

For about 90 minutes, from our stakeout spot on the curb across the street, we watched the crew set up the track along one alley for the dolly. On the adjoining alley, one set member tossed rumpled pieces of paper along the path to give the trashy-look, while another guy took to a ladder to hang out clothes on a line.

One actor coming to make-up for touch-up.

Make-up artists were called to meet the actors behind the alleys for touch-ups. Then, more crew ran back and forth on each alley to pace the shot, finally putting the two actors (one in a suit, one in casual attire) within the gates. Two more run-throughs and then we heard the word we'd be waiting for "Action"!

There were at least a half-dozen more takes of these two gents walking past the side of the Hart Cluett house and conducting some business at the end of the narrow walkway. 

That's a wrap. . . for now:

What were they up to?  We'll only know once Season 4 begins - and we're hearing it should be end of this year or early 2027.

Front row seat to filming.

More action at "home" of Aurora Fane.

              

Of course, we'll be paying special attention to when the Pinkertons arrive on the scene. Perhaps one may catch a glimpse of a time-traveler gawking on the stoop across the alley, wearing an "Earl Grey" baseball cap and ready to spill the tea. (Whistling Kettle or home tea table).

Time traveler in pink Earl Grey cap.

For more of Troy, New York, see our blog post:  The Whistling Kettle (Aug.2024)

For tea time in the Gilded Age, see our sub stack article: Teatime in the Gilded Age would keep you hopping (June. 2025)

Revisiting Ferndale's Purple Door Tea Room: Like a dear neighbor, it's welcoming and a lot of fun!

The Purple Door, like a dear neighbor and good friend, is welcoming, reliable and a lot of fun.

 

Four years ago, I visited the Purple Door Tea Room for the first time and this month - almost to the day - I returned with great neighbor and friend, Therese. A lovely place to unwind and catch up over tea, I was pleasantly surprised that not much had changed in the Ferndale tearoom:  menu, decor and service all reassuringly the same.

Tea selection begins with a wide choice of tea bag blends, presented in a fine tea caddy, as well as half a dozen loose tea choices. We both selected the loose green tea mixed with fruits and florals. Delivered to us in individual teapots with a gold steeper attached (to be removed once optimum steeping has been reached). The tea - a stray from my go-to Earl Grey - was fabulous. 

Afternoon tea fare includes cucumber sandwiches and chicken salad on apple slices. 

The tea fare is almost identical to what we had four years ago - including the flower-shaped cucumber sandwiches and chicken salad on apple slices. The scones were lemon poppy and those, with the grand finale, carrot cake and fresh fruit compote were true standouts.

Decor is pretty and colorful. 

Over ten years ago, I wrote a book featuring twelve favorite Michigan tea rooms. Unfortunately, many have closed or offer limited teas. While the time has come to literally open a new chapter on that tiny tome, it's nice to know that the Purple Door is still here, doing what it does best. Like a dear neighbor and good friend, it's welcoming, reliable and a lot of fun.

We'll be back again, but will not wait so long for our next visit. 

For our first visit to The Purple Door Tea Room, see our blog Barb's Tea Shop: The Purple Door Tea Room: Delightful Afternoon Tea in Ferndale (May, 2022)

The Purple Door Tea Room is located at 701 Livernois Avenue, Ferndale, Michigan. It's open Tuesday thru Saturday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Menu selections range from $15 to $35. For more information, visit their website:  ThePurpleDoor.com

Tea tables are turned! We are guests, we are guests - tea is poured, scones adored and the hosts will do the rest!

In May, podcaster tables were turned:  BTS were guests of Your Speaking Matters

Tea tables were turned last month between Barb's Tea Service and friends and fellow podcasters, Rik and Carol D. In two years of podcasting, BTS did something we had never done before - we were guests! 

My husband, co-host and "arm candy", Chris, and I started podcasting in April of 2024 at Lake Orion's ONTV. Within a month, we invited Rik and Carol to be our guests. We've had many a travel and tea adventure together in twenty-some years, so it was a perfect fit to have them join us in the studio to not only share some of those memories, but to also talk about a passion of theirs:  public speaking.

Freshly baked scones, with homemade clotted cream served with tea.

Rik and Carol have been involved in Toastmasters for years, managing their own local chapter, Confident Communicators. They have hosted many events with this organization including last fall's, "So You Want to do a Podcast?" where Chris and I were panelists with other podcasters. 

We know at least one set of folks in attendance who took the next step - Rik and Carol! 

Six months ago, our friends started their own podcast at ONTV Studio, "Your Speaking Matters". In their series, they give tips on public speaking and leadership skills. They've interviewed several members of Toastmasters who serve in various roles. 

May 2024, Rik and Carol were guests on Barb's Tea Service Podcast.

A few weeks ago, Rik and Carol invited us to be on their podcast to talk about our journey in the studio:  the "why" and "how" as well as what we've learned. Although we strive to improve after every studio session, we have, after 80 recordings, found out what works well for us and what doesn't. (Our first few podcasts are still out there, should anyone need reminding of our very humble beginnings. 😄).

We are guests, we just talk and let the others do the rest. 

But, this wasn't just a podcast recording - it was an afternoon tea time as well. Rik brought in his freshly baked lemon scones with homemade clotted cream. Both were fabulous.  However, that wasn't all. To add to this, our podcasting amigos, brought freshly brewed Yunnan Gold tea. 

To borrow from Lumiere and Mrs. Potts:

We are guests, we are guests, 

Talking podcasts and a fest,

The tea's been poured, the scones adored,

We just talk and let the others do the rest. . . 

 We enjoyed turning the tables - especially when scones, cream and tea are on them. 

Return to Shipshewana after a quarter of a century: Amish hospitality, buggy rides and tea.

 Shishewana, 2002. (1) Rob & Rachel & buggy. (2) Flea Mkt with my Mom & Rachel

This month, the "Sistahs", aka your humble blogger and my cousins, Dianne and Kathy, planned a trip to Shipshewana for our "Spring Adventure". Although it's never a challenge to have a grand time with these ladies, we once again raised the bar on our quarterly excursion. We traveled to Amish country in Indiana and filled our days with a buggy ride, delicious dinners, in-town shopping and a walk through the famous flea market that just opened for the season in May.

Sistahs:  Shipshewana Bound, May 2026

Returning to Shipshewana after two decades:

Although neither of my Sistahs had been to Shipshewana before, I had visited almost a quarter of a century ago. In 2002, my son, Rob, just shy of 18 years old, went on a camping trip with some friends in Indiana. On their return home, Rob was pulled over for speeding (and, for the record, it wasn't just five miles over) and given a ticket. Although I don't remember all the details, I know the "punishment" required my son to come back to an Indiana small court to pay restitution with family representation.

In the lemons-into-lemonade  category, I told Rob if I was to take a day off work to bring him to Indiana, he was going to have to endure a Shipshewana side-trip, complete with a buggy ride and quilt shopping. I don't know what Rob feared most, but he agreed to the terms and we headed to Indiana with my Mom and daughter, Rachel for the post-court fun.

Honestly, the courtroom was more Mayberry than big city intimidating. The judge was friendly and understanding and offered up some sage advice.  Rob understood.

After that, it was a buggy ride, fresh dairy ice cream and the flea market. We shopped for quilts, baskets and dolls. You know, the things that an almost 18-year old boy dreams of.  :)   To this day, Rob is not a speeder. 

(Top picture, from 2002:  time of my first digital camera and scrapbook software - spent more time on

 those albums that I care to admit. However, good for a few fun memories.)

Buggy ride with Thunder in the background.

Sistahs Shipshewana

I was excited to return to Amish country with my Sistahs, take in the region's cooking, crafting and, yes, the buggy ride!

 Shipshewana Flea Market, more "traditional" flea market than I remembered.

A few things have changed in over two decades:  more hotels, more restaurants, more stores, but the flea market was different, too. Much of the handcrafted items have moved to retail stores in town and the flea market is more of a traditional flea market:  thrift stores, novelty items, T-shirt vendors and assorted odds and ends (emphasis on "odds"). But we did find an amazing tea vendor, Indian Jo's, and we all purchased a bag of their loose tea blends.

The highlights:

Horse drawn buggy ride:  Our guide, Emmet, graciously allowed photographs and welcomed questions. He held the reigns of Thunder - our literal horsepower - and guided us through town and country. 

Blue Gate Garden Inn, front lobby. 

Blue Gate Garden Inn:  Although the weather did not allow us to take advantage of our patio room, everything else had much to recommend. There's a pool, a breakfast room, and a bustling campus of activities, including a theater for the performing arts. 

Blue Gate Restaurant:  Just down the road from the Inn, is this welcoming restaurant with what I'd term Amish comfort food:   noodles, meatloaf, mashed potatoes and, my favorite, absolutely delicious fried chicken. (For those who have visited Frankenmuth, a Bavarian-inspired town, in Michigan, this venue has much of the same vibe - large portions, great service and homey decor.)

Indiana Jo's tea: One of the great finds at the flea market. See more in our blog earlier this month: Indian Jo's Tea.

 
There's more to discover in Shipshewana and the playhouse has a variety of programs throughout the year. I'll be back - but, won't wait another two decades. :) 

Indiana Jo's Tea: A Shipshewana Flea Market Find!

 

Indian Jo's Coffee and Tea at the Shipshewana Flea Market

Shipshewana Flea Market opened for the season this month, and The Sistahs (aka, my two awesome cousins, Dianne, and Kathy and your humble blogger), headed south from our western Michigan meet-up point and drove south to Indiana. As always, we were ready for adventure and treasures, and it didn't take long before we found fortune in Booth 401, home to Indiana Jo's Tea.

Their space is a coffee/tea bar-meets-archeological-finds. Bright red tea packages share space with skulls and skeletons, a place where Indiana Jones - presumed inspiration for this Indiana tea and coffee shop - would feel right at home. And, after taking in the aroma of some of Indiana Joe's tea, we did, too.

All tea blends had small glass jars for viewing and sniffing. Although all were enticing, we each picked one that called to us. I chose Raven-wood Peach with my son, Rob, in mind. He's a tea enthusiast and enjoys a fruity blend.

Brewing up Raven-wood Peach, taste to match its aroma.

Once back to our home in Michigan, Rob, joined us for tea. Opening the package, he took in a whiff and declared, "if this tastes as good as it smells, it's going to be amazing". 

And, it was. 

The blend is made up of black tea with peach, apricot, papaya, blackberry and lime leaves and calendula and sunflower pedals. 

Raven-wood Peach strikes a nice balance with black tea, florals, and fruit, but, as the name implies, peach is definitely the star. 

Packaging is convenient, attractive and practical with easy zip closure.

Another great feature of the tea is its packaging. The zip lock seal is on the front and it's convenient, attractive and practical. 

We're looking forward to trying more of Indiana Jo's teas. Though Shipshewana is a fun excursion, it's not short trip for some of us. Fortunately, they have a website for future purchases. I believe our next try will be Temple of Bloom, most fitting for Indiana Jo's. 

Don't sweat the retirement wardrobe: The MET validates the comfy.

Part of The Met's Costume Art Exhibit, the aging body, sophisticated, not declining

When there's more casual than business casual in your closet, you may be retired. Sweat pants and hoodies are not only comfy, but fashion to be acknowledged. Just this month, The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art put the spotlight on senior leisure ware, and we applaud the acknowledgement as we slip into our velcro-strapped sneakers and adjust our elastic waistband pants.

Earlier this month, the much-hyped Met Gala, where fashionistas and celebrities dress to an annual theme and climb the stairs of the grand Manhattan museum in red-carpet style, kicked off the "Costume Art" Exhibit. Unlike many of the elegant or elegantly outlandish attire of the Gala attendees,  "Costume Art" takes a step away from the "classic beauty" standards and looks at high fashion's often-ignored population including the "corpulent" and "the aging".  As reported in the Chicago Tribune/May 3, this is the most "consciously body-positive show the museum has attempted . . .[featuring] a group of new mannequins, based on real people with a wide variety of body types."

They point to the mannequin, in the aging body section, wearing an oversized gray hoodie with large lettering boasting, "I'm Retired. (This is as dressed up as I get)."

Pair your fashion sense with a cup of tea from Harney's The Met collection. 

My daughter-in-law, and lifelong New Yorker, Jenna, attended the current "Costume Art" exhibit and sent the proud hoodie-wearing retiree image to my husband, Chris, and me. After just blogging about another portrait embracing non-classic beauty standards at The Met, Too Real to be Liked? Mary Cassatt's Lady at the Tea Table without Filters, this comfortable and content retiree not only made me smile, but cheer the solidarity in the unconventional.

The aging body display shows "commonality - those things that unite us all. . . [it] seeks to reframe as a mode of sophistication rather than biological decline".

I'm rather fond of that outlook. And, though, I, too, enjoy sporting shapeless sweats whenever I can, I do try to rise to the occasion that requires heels, fascinators and - the biggie - a belt. 

While we're contemplating all this fashion, we recommend a cup of tea from one of Harney's The Met Collection.  One of our favorites is "Taste of British History", it's a take on classic Earl Grey, with black and green teas and bergamot oil. (You can purchase at The Met or Harney and Son's website.)  

The Costume Art Exhibit started May 10 and runs through January 10, 2027. Our next trip to NYC, I plan to visit The Met - what I wear there is TBD.  😉