Last weekend, my husband, Chris, and I stopped at Frankenmuth on our way home from our up north retreat. But this time we didn't stop for the "world famous" chicken dinners, or the beer expo, or early holiday shopping. No, on this occasion we paid a visit to Michigan's little Bavaria to have afternoon tea at Sue and Esther's American Tea Room. And, though I'll admit, tea and scones are not something I had previously associated with Frankenmuth, after a sitting down to three-tiered tray filled with goodies and some deliciously-filled teapots, I do believe that mindset has changed dramatically.
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| Owner of Sue and Esther's American tea room, Lisa Murlick, with daughter, Abbey |
Lisa Murlick, owner of Sue and Esther's, refers to it as an "American tea room". It has the feel of a traditional tea room, but it's not over-the-top in stuffy décor. All will feel welcome and that's the intention.
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| American tea room, traditional but not too stuffy, welcomes all |
While the decor and friendly service will invite you in, the tea and menu items will keep you in your seat. All the food is made on-site, and where possible, with local ingredients. Everything tastes fresh and delicious. The tea sandwiches had a good mix of tradition (cucumber and cream cheese) with bit of spice (roasted red pepper and artichoke). Scones were delicate and flavorful and served with lemon curd and “American cream”.
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| Three-tiered stand includes scones, savories and sweets. (Check out the creme de menthe brownie!) |
The “petite sweets” were perfect sample-sized portions of rich desserts. My favorite was the crème de menthe brownie, but that's only because I forced myself to decide which I liked the most. They were all delicious.
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| We sampled earl grey, white champagne tea and a delicious berry iced-tea |
And for something fun and different, we were taken with the wine-inspired teas. Lisa said she came up with the idea after attending a tea seminar in Chicago. Since grapes and tea leaves have a lot in common, having a great dependence on climate and elevation for their flavor, it just makes sense.
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| Tea menu includes wine-inspired teas; we enjoyed the white champagne, a bridal shower favorite |
We sampled the white champagne which is comprised of white tea, safflowers, champagne and red raspberry flavorings. It was a good blend of delicate flavors with a bit of a punch. Lisa said it is very popular for bridal showers - which is another feature of Sue and Esther's. The tea room hosts many private parties.
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| Sue and Esther's American Tea Room, serves afternoon tea Tuesday - Sunday |
Although we frequent Frankenmuth throughout the year, next visit we will be sure to take a quick side trip off Main Street and have a delicious afternoon tea at Sue and Esther's.
See The Detroit Tea Examiner's latest article, Sue and Esther's: an American tea room in Frankenmuth.
For more information on this Frankenmuth tea room, visit their Sue and Esther's website or call 989-295-7732.
