Spend a day at Clara J's: A delightful tea room in Maumee, Ohio with a rich culinary past and present

Gretchen Fayerweather, owner of Clara J's, with Barb G. of Barb's Tea Service

Clara J's has everything you might expect from an ideal tea room:  cozy seating featuring tables set with an array of pretty china plates and teacups, tea served by cheery and attentive staff and  all housed in a neatly adorned historic home with a wide welcoming porch. Add to this, incredibly delicious scones and savories, accompanied by live music, and even "ideal expectations" can be exceeded!

Beautiful as well as delicious afternoon tea fare

Last week, my husband, Chris, and I had the great pleasure of having a scrumptious lunch and full afternoon tea service, respectively at Clara J's. We also were delighted to meet Gretchen Fayerweather, the current owner of this lovely tea room.

Scrumptious scones served warm with lemon curd, jam and rich, sweet Devonshire cream

Located in Maumee, Ohio - a 15 minute drive from Toledo and an hour from Detroit - this tea room served up some of the tastiest scones I've sampled. Served warm, they are accompanied by lemon curd, jam and rich, sweet, Devonshire cream.  This was followed by the traditional three-tiered tray filled with a selection of finger sandwiches, a festive deviled egg and a layer of tasty desserts. The latter included a tart, a brownie and a whimsical hat-shaped sugar cookie.

Chris G. selecting from lunch menu

Barb G. pouring Earl Grey

This tea room provides tea fare and lunches that are not only delicious, but appealing in presentation. Not surprisingly,  that focus comes from a past to current-day connection to the study and teaching of culinary skills. 

Clara J.'s housed in an historic home with a wide, welcoming porch

Clara J.s was originally opened in 2005 by Rebecca Jaessing, the niece of Clara Jaessing Keller. Clara, the inspiration of the tea room, was born in 1904. In her lifetime, she owned a restaurant franchise and attended college, specializing in Culinary Arts.  Impressive accomplishments today, but even more remarkable considering Clara was setting her course a century ago.

When Gretchen's father visits, guest are treated to live piano music

Fast forward to 2018, and another Culinary Arts grad, Gretchen Fayerweather, purchased the Maumee tea room.  She not only studied Culinary Arts in college, but taught these skills at the university level. Gretchen was also an executive chef for a number of east coast restaurants before moving back to Ohio.

Roast beef sandwich with kettle chips

Pretty place setting with chin plates and cups

The tea room has wide open spaces with a smattering of tiny alcoves, perfect for a more private tea-for-two. While dining on dainty tea savories or  opting for a hearty lunch option such as the roast beef sandwich served with  kettle chips, one can be entertained with live music on the days that Gretchen's father visits the tea room. He plays the piano in one of the larger dining areas and even takes requests! (We mentioned "Beatles" and quickly were treated to a medley of some of their best tunes).

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We look forward to coming back and spending another fine day at Clara J's!

Lunch is served Tuesday - Saturday from 11:00 to 3:00. Proper tea is served Wednesday - Saturday at 11:00 or 1:30, reservations required. For more information, visit the tea room's website:  Clara J's.