Tuesday Tea and Tomes: The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru (Russian Tearoom in Paris holds Secrets and Spirts)

The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru by Oleysa Salnikova Gilmore: A Russian tearoom in Paris mystery.

Historical fiction, with ties to pre-revolutionary Russia, set in 1920's Paris with the hub of activity taking place in a tearoom -  I knew The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru would capture my attention. What was out of the norm for me, was the paranormal. Along with sweet pastries and tea brewed from a Samovar, which is also the tearoom's name, supernatural forces are also served up. And, like the Samovar's guests, some are more welcome than others. 

I was captivated by it all!

The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru, written by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, weaves mystical characters seamlessly into the flesh and blood inhabitants of the Samovar. The tearoom, located in a Russian enclave of Paris, is home to Valentino Lenormand, "Baba Valya", and her granddaughter of Zina. Valya fled Russia before the revolution and carved out a living through real and staged otherworldly powers. At Samovar, she plays hostess to fellow emigrees, many of whom are the fallen royals and aristocrats of her homeland. Zina, born in France, is a young woman in her twenties caught between old-world expectations, jazz-age freedoms, and spirits both haunting and haunted.

Tea leaves and coffee beans see into the future.

Although not heavily laden with references to real persons - a brief interaction with F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda and a mention of Hemingway -  we're given a peek into modern Paris night life. It coexists with the fading rituals of Russian high society, all threaded together with fortune telling, conjuring, and unsolved mysteries.

A tragic past looms over Samovar with a darkness to match the decor of the tearoom's meeting place, where fortunes are told and seances conducted. Zina taps into her affinity, dormant for years by orders of Valya, to summon old ghosts to face off living suspects. 

The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru is a page-turner, pushing the reader from mid-19th century Russia to "modern day" Paris in a back-and-forth race to bring the guilty—living or dead—to justice.

The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru pair well with Russian tea and teacups.

I'm glad to have gone beyond my usual reading genre to the beyond - a story mixed with history, romance, mysticism, and the irresistible allure of cream-filled trubochki paired with strong Russian tea infused with oranges and spices.

Two white gloved thumb's up for The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru!

*We paired the page-turner novel with Russian Earl Grey from Verdigris Teas, Hudson, NY (orders now filled by West Bridge Tea and Art Catskill, NY). Ingredients include black tea and orange pieces 😊

St. Patrick's Day Etiquette: Say "hello" to celebrating, but what about the Irish good-bye?

 

Trip to Ireland: hello Blarney Castle . What about the Irish good-bye?

This week, we all are invited to party like we're Irish. On St. Patrick's Day, no matter our ancestry, we clink glasses filled with green-tinted beverages, don emerald-hued attire and place an "O" followed by an apostrophe in front of our names. But, after all the celebrating, can we exit the social gathering without formally bidding adieu?  In other words, employ the much derided "Irish Good-bye"?  

According to one etiquette expert, the silent departure can be a good thing.

Last week, in a Wall Street Journal lifestyle essay written by etiquette coach, Alison Cherperdak, she defends the practice of leaving a party without explanation, though she's quick to point out, this isn't exclusive to the Irish.  In fact, it's noted, many in Ireland are unfamiliar with the term. And, though the concept may be universal, it's bestowed to different nationalities depending on the country. For example, in England, it's referred to as the French leave, the French label it as the "filer l'anglaise" and Germans attribute it to the Polish. 

A stop at Bewley's in Dublin for a cup of tea and some pastries.

In spite of origin, one professor of Celtic Studies and Folklore at the University of Dublin. Dr. Fitzgerald, affirms that while the Irish Good-bye is an unfamiliar term in Ireland, she understands its roots. Irish social culture values warmth and informality, not long ceremonial farewells. Elaborate good‑byes can feel forced or uncomfortable.

But, is ducking out without a word an acceptable alternative? Cherperdak, sagely advises, it depends.

If you're at, say, a large house party on March 17, or, as the etiquette coach states, a packed wedding reception, slipping out unnoticed may be the most polite thing you can do.  It can be less disruptive and provides the host a break from an endless stream of farewells.

A small dinner party, however, requires some parting words. To ghost the host would be rude.

So, what can help you determine proper farewell protocol? Cherperdak suggests reading the room. If your absence won't be noticed until the next day, full throttle the Irish Good-bye. On the other hand, if your leave will be glaringly obvious, do not go quietly into the night.

The Midwest Good-bye hangs in my hallway: guests are warned!

Planning your exit strategy isn't always easy, as we in the Midwest are most familiar. My family knows intimately, the "welp's", the layers of hugs and the requisite hand on the doorknob conversation - in extreme conditions, even an accompanying walk to the car.  

We're reasonable folks, and admit, there's probably a happy medium somewhere between the good-bye getaway and the overwrought  au revoir. 

How ever you celebrate March 17, we wish you a green-infused par-tay, and a festive farewell of your choosing.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Barbara O'Gulley

Inside Tantalizing Tea: Barb’s Tea Service Interviews Owner - and Divine Jane Blend Creator - Kathy Niles

 

Kathy Niles, owner of Tantalizing Tea, with Barb G. at Jane Austen Festival

Last month, we met Kathy Niles, owner of Tantalizing Tea, at the Jane Austen Festival in Mount Dora, Florida. We purchased the blend created in Jane's honor and loved it. We connected this week for an interview via email. 

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(1) We were introduced to Tantalizing Tea just this year at the Jane Austen Fest in Mount Dora. How long has Tantalizing Tea been in business and what inspired you to start a tea business? 

Tantalizing Tea began in 2001 as a small side business with a dream of becoming a full-time business much sooner than it did. In 2024, I completely retired from a family manufacturing business and was then able to devote myself fully to pursuing my dreams. Tantalizing Tea was born after many serene afternoons at the famous Mariage Freres tea salon in Paris. Growing up with the common teabag, I did not know that there were so many varieties of tea and flavor profiles. inspired by the tranquil environment and calmness that I experienced, I began to dream about bringing the same experience home. 
 
(2) Tantalzing Tea is headquartered in Leesburg, Florida, not far from Mount Dora. Other than on on-line purchasing from your website, are there other retail outlets where your tea is sold? 

Not at this time, but plans are in the works for expanding our wholesale business. For now, Tantalizing Tea can be ordered online at tantalizingtea.com. We ship nationwide. 

Tantalizing Tea's Divine Jane blend

(3) We really enjoyed Divine Jane. It's a Chinese black tea blend with raspberry, vanilla and chocolate flavor (reminds us of a sweet treat from a box of chocolates). How did you select these ingredients for a tea honoring Jane Austen? 

During my research, I discovered the tea Jane mentioned in her letters was Chinese black tea and most likely Bohea. So, I ordered a sample of Bohea and tasted it. I didn't care for the flavor so went with a China black base. Jane was an avid gardener and in the Regency era there was an abundance of fruit and fruit trees growing in their gardens, which is why the idea of adding Raspberry fruit flavor came to be. Also, the Austen family lived across the street from Sydney Gardens (which is still open today). Strolling the gardens and sipping tea, became a popular social event for men and women alike. It was important for me to include something that represented the Regency gardens. Also, chocolate and coffee houses were very popular; therefore, I added chocolate flavor. Who could resist?  

(4) You sell all types of teas: black, green, oolong and white as well as herbals. Do you have plans for any new blends? Do you have a favorite? 

Yes. definitely looking to expand our line of teas. We have several new teas that are waiting to be added to our online store and should be up within the next few weeks. I am working on new wellness blends, as well as many new flavors and blends that inspire me. It is hard for me to choose a favorite tea because there are so many that I enjoy. I tend to gravitate towards estate teas, those with no flavors added. Most often I drink Keemun Mao Feng, 2nd Flush Darjeeling, and a great Assam. I lean towards floral Oolongs in the afternoon. 

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Thanks, to Kathy Niles for taking the time to chat with us this week.

tantalizingtea.com

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To see Barb's Tea Service sample Divine Jane tea on their podcast, see this "sneak peek" from Podcast 66: 

BTS Podcast 66 Sneak Peek: Tasting Tantalizing Tea's Divine Jane tea: a Jane Austen-inspired blend

Buc-ees only three hours away: Grand opening in April and we're ready for a Buc-ees road trip!

New Buc-ees location just three hours away - a within reach road trip is not limited to a Buc-ees candle.

It’s almost here! Buc‑ee’s is opening in Huber Heights, Ohio next month, and we’re officially counting down the days.

As we noted in our blog post Buc‑ees! The dazzling southern travel stop experience two years ago, a new Buc‑ee’s near Dayton was in the works. We’re thrilled to share that opening day is April 6 — and yes, we’re already planning the road trip.

Our first Buc-ee's visit, January 2024.

We first discovered this gold‑standard of highway rest stops in early 2024, thanks to our good friends Tim and Joni, who introduced us to the charms of Buc‑ee’s. It’s a traveler’s paradise with everything you could want in one spot: spotless bathrooms, gas, snacks, sandwiches, and even scones. While not every road warrior is clamoring for scones, it’s oddly comforting to know they’re there — right alongside the “non‑essentials” like pink hoodies, candles, and stuffed Buc‑ees.

Last year, had the honor of meeting Buc-ee!

Since that first visit to the Richmond, Kentucky location, Buc‑ee’s has become a staple of our annual winter trek to Florida. This year we set a personal record: three different Buc‑ee’s in three different states. We stocked up on trail mix, beef jerky, brisket sandwiches, a pink hoodie, and a candle. A plush Buc‑ee sporting rabbit ears nearly made it into the cart, but we showed remarkable restraint — with a promise to return for a more “practical” buck‑toothed mascot suitable for everyday décor.

Dining with fab friends who introduced us to Buc-ees (note pink Buc-ee hoodie).

And now that return trip is closer than we expected. The new Ohio Buc‑ee’s opens April 6, just a three‑hour drive from our home north of Detroit. While the ultimate travel‑stop shopping experience isn’t exactly in our backyard, it’s certainly within reach.

Next month will find us cruising down I‑75 toward the travelers’ oasis that is Buc‑ee’s. Our road trip will no longer rely on fond memories fueled by a Buc‑ee’s‑themed candle. It will be real — and it will be spectacular.

(And maybe this time, a plush Buc‑ee for all occasions.)

Scuff Marks, Signatures, and Serendipity: Visiting Woodrow Wilson’s Augusta Boyhood Home

Serendipity at Woodrow Wilson Home, meeting author and director, Erick Montgomery

 

In February, we stumbled into a bit of historical serendipity. We had planned our tour of Woodrow Wilson’s boyhood home in Georgia weeks in advance, but what we didn’t plan on was a personal museum tour and an unexpected encounter with Erick Montgomery, Executive Director of Historic Augusta and author of Thomas Woodrow Wilson: Family Ties and Southern Perspectives. He happened to be on the grounds tending to administrative tasks. I had just purchased his book in the gift shop when our docent pointed out the gentleman walking along the side of the house. I made a beeline for the exit, stopping just short of an ambush introduction. Montgomery was gracious and good‑humored, signing my books and posing for a photo.

That delightful surprise was the icing on the cake, but the museum tour alone was well worth the visit. We were immersed in the early influences that shaped the young boy who would become the 28th President of the United States.

Exterior of fully restored boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson

Although born in Virginia, Woodrow Wilson spent his formative years in Georgia, living in the Augusta manse provided by the First Presbyterian Church, where his father served as pastor. Wilson lived in the home from 1860 to 1870, and after a full restoration, it opened to the public in 2001. Twenty‑five years later, we arrived—marking our thirteenth presidential home or library on our ever‑growing quest to visit as many POTUS historic sites as possible.

Born in 1858, Wilson was the first Southern president elected after the Civil War and the only Democrat to serve during the Progressive Era. He is best remembered for his role in the League of Nations and the Treaty of Versailles following World War I. Less widely known are the childhood experiences that shaped his worldview—insights the Augusta museum brings vividly to life.

Wilson's bedroom which he later shared with his younger brother.

Wilson’s given name was Thomas Woodrow Wilson, though he was known as “Tommy” as a child. He moved to the Augusta manse before his second birthday and lived there for a decade. His father’s position came with both a residence and a generous salary for the time. The family’s first Augusta abode soon proved too small for the growing household, and a larger, newly constructed home was purchased. Considered modern for its era, it boasted gas lighting and was plumbed for indoor water service, though the latter wasn’t fully installed until later.

Dining room table used by the Wilson family. Wilson recognized his scuff marks.

Because the home belonged to the church, meticulous records were kept of its furnishings, which aided greatly in the restoration. While many pieces in the museum are period-appropriate, several belonged to the Wilson family. When President Wilson visited in 1911, he reportedly recognized the dining room table by the scuff marks he had made on its base as a boy.

"Tommy" can still be seen today on the front parlor window (right).

His youthful mischief wasn’t limited to just the furniture. Legend has it that he used his mother’s ring to etch his name into a front parlor window. Today, visitors can still make out the faint inscription—“Tommy”—on the glass.

He also poured his energy into baseball, then a relatively new sport. The museum displays his careful notes on team members and positions. One of his teammates—and next‑door neighbor—was Joseph Lamar, who would later become an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Quite the neighborhood roster.

At BTS, we like to say serendipi-tea took place in Augusta, GA.

Perspectives on Wilson’s legacy continue to evolve, and his achievements are debated and reexamined. However, what's indisputable is that he left a permanent mark not only on American history, but —quite literally—on a parlor window in his boyhood home.

Exploring the early life of a future president was fascinating in its own right. The unexpected brush with a local historian made it all the more memorable.

For more information on this historic presidential site, see The Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson.