Great tea, Great Lake: Afternoon Tea at the Inn at Bay Harbor:

Afternoon tea at the Inn at Bay Harbor

Although it's less than thirty years old, the Inn at Bay Harbor, located in Petoskey on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, captures the elegance of century-old grand hotels with its expansive starch-white exterior, crystal chandeliered lobby and, the icing on the cake - or as we like to say at Barb's Tea Service, the clotted cream on the scone - their daily offering of afternoon tea. We visited the resort this week and found the tea service to be excellent, a perfect fit in this fashionable resort.  

Our tea guide and server extraordinaire, Xaina, 

The afternoon tea experience starts with an enthusiastic greeting. My friend, Loretta, and I were welcomed on the first floor and escorted to the tea dining area, a cozy corner overlooking the hotel lobby. Here we were introduced to Xaina, our exuberant tea guide and server extraordinaire. She showed us to our table and left us with the tea menu to look over.

Tray of loose teas and tisanes to assist in the afternoon's selection.

Xaina was back shortly with a tray of the loose leaf teas which included Earl Grey, rooibos, jasmine green, white and a rose herbal tea. There was also a special tea of the month, "Lady Lavender". With Xaina's encouragement, we examined and sniffed the teas and tisanes, finally making our selections - a pot of earl grey and a pot of rooibos. 

Three tiered tray filled with dleicous scones, sweets and savories.

Following our pots of tea, which were replenished before we knew we were running low, Xaina brought out the three tiered tray filled with a unique twist of the traditional afternoon tea fare.  Along with the de rigueur cucumber sandwiches, other savories included egg salad, cheese and tomato and salmon on a round croissant-like roll - all generous in size and delicious.  

The tearoom is a bright and pretty corner of the Inn overlooking the hotel's lobby.

The scones, the quintessential afternoon tea delight, were on their rightful place on the second tier. Two scones per person, one plain and one berry, were very tasty and served alongside honey, jam and clotted cream.

Place setting includes linen napkin roses inside a teacup.

To literally top off the menu, the sweets were amazing - miniature masterpieces that were absolutely scrumptious. Among the bite-sized desserts were a lemon pastry, a chocolate torte, a citrusy mousse in a molded chocolate cup, a macaroon, baklava and fresh strawberries.

Inn at Bay Harbor captures vintage charm

On the Lake Michigan shoreline, scenic patio views

And, although this tearoom doesn't have views of the bay, it's a lovely place for tea. The space is  bright and open and furnished in a contemporary chic decor. All tables are topped with white linen cloths and accompanied by comfy plush chairs in pink and blue hues with gold trim.  Fresh flower bouquets are on every table and a white linen rose-shaped napkin is presented in a teacup at every place setting. 

Scones are served with honey, clotted cream and jam

We selected a warm Monday afternoon to enjoy our tea and neither the lobby nor tea room was crowded or noisy. At a nearby table, a young girl, outfitted like a princess complete with silver sandals, was taking in the "Children's Tea" option accompanied by her grandmother.

In addition to the "kid friendly" menu, certain dietary restrictions can be accommodated (see their website for more). One may also add a glass of prosecco, rose or a mimosa to the tea.

We'll be back to the Inn at Bay Harbor for the patio picture postcard lake views, sandy beach, well-appointed interiors and - the clotted cream, honey, and jam on the scone - afternoon tea! 

Afternoon tea is served daily at the Inn at Bay Harbor, reservations required. For more information, see check out the Inn at Bay Harbor website:  Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection | On Lake Michigan in Bay Harbor, Michigan

 

What Matters in Bridgerton? One of our favorite English Professors advises!

Rachel with John Mullan at the Jane Austen festival. Mullan is a consultant to Bridgerton.

 

This week, the second half of Bridgerton Season Three aired and we couldn't wait to see the resolution of the Colin and Penelope (aka "Polin") romance drama. Set in England's Regency period, the story of Polin is Cinderella-like with a few twists:  at the core, an overlooked young woman who dares to dream of attracting one of the most eligible men in town.  However, in place of soot-covered rags, Penelope's true identity is hidden under garish orange-hued dresses, chosen by her mother, that compliment neither her figure or coloring. Further, her salvation is not a fairy godmother, but her own self-discovery as a fashion forward female and very clever writer.  After years of blending in, Penelope's emerging talents catch the appreciative eye of Colin and marriage is soon proposed.

While Bridgerton story lines are a bit of fun fantasy, one may wonder how true the series is to the real Regency era?  Aside from the obvious features that employ an artistic license such as the convenient climate conditions where little rain falls in a normally soggy London as well as the reimagined high society where the "ton" is comprised of a diverse population, there are many credited fact-checkers employed by Bridgerton producers to bring authenticity to the show. Among the many consultants is an old acquaintance of Barb's Tea Service, author and professor, John Mullan.

 

"What Matters in Jane Austen?' by John Mullan pairs nicely with Bridgerton tea time.

We met John Mullan at the 7th Annual Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, Kentucky. Pre quarantine times, my daughter and BTS co-owner, Rachel and I made a yearly trek to this grand event hosted by the local chapter of JASNA (Jane Austen Society, North America) and this particular festival was one of the best.  It featured two English professors from England:  John Mullan and Jo Baker. The former is the author of one of our favorite JA books, "What Matters in Austen?"  The answer to that question is (*not so much spoiler alert*). . . everything!

Mullan presenting, both animated and engaging.

As we described Mullan back in 2014, he was both "animated and engaging. . .   [as he]  rattles off Austen character names (major and minor), destinations they have visited (specified or inferred) and weather conditions of the day, like a favorite uncle who can recite details of the family's history and connections - from first cousins to fifth - all from memory."

So, it was not a big surprise to read an article this week in the New York Times that John Mullan, of the University College London, is a dialogue consultant for Bridgerton. Per the NYT, Mullan reviews each script and makes suggestions, to "Regency-ify" the speech. 

Most of his notes are accepted, except, as showrunner Jess Brownwell explains, ". . .when it would take 10 Regency words to replace one modern one. . . it's just not worth it."

Bridgerton producers also employ historians from Mullan's university:  in the past, Hannah Grieg and, currently, Amanda Vickery. They, too, understand the assignment. Bridgerton is not a documentary, but as Vickery points out, it's "a fantasy that's grounded in an understanding of the period."  They advise on  anachronisms (say, for example, inserting a bit of technology that had yet to be discovered in Regency-times) and serve, per Grieg, as the "on-call geek". Both historians agree that armed with all this information, Bridgerton "makes choices, not mistakes".

We love a happy ending!

What, then, matters in Bridgerton? The fun, the fashion, the fantasy, the unmistakable choices and, most assuredly, dear readers, a happy ending! 💖💖

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: Waugh - and Brideshead - Revisited

Revisiting "Brideshead" and other Eveyln Waugh novels.

On my long list of books to read, "Brideshead Revisited" had sat for a long time. Authored by English writer, Evelyn Waugh, I was familiar with the era of the story  (1920 - 1940), and with a renewed interest in British aristocracy inspired by Downton Abbey and Bridgerton (and a bit of quarantine thrown in), I moved "Brideshead Revisited" to the top of the list a few years ago. My brother, Ed, has long been a fan of Waugh and decades before Downton Abbey or Amazon hit the scene, he had purchased a series of the British author's books at a local bookstore.  When I asked if I could borrow "Brideshead Revisited", he packaged up his entire collection for my reading pleasure.  

After receiving them, I dove into "Brideshead Revisited" and, although it's a compelling story, it is not the feelgood drama of Downton Abbey. The characters lead sometimes shallow and often very sad, aimless lives. The mix of scandal, religion, and that strange code of the Aristocracy are elements that both guide and repel friends and family of the inhabitants of Brideshead Castle, the ancestral home of the eccentric Flytes. 

Last month's reading:  "Scoop" is a favorite.

Over two years have passed since my first Waugh encounter and I decided it was time to revisit this author and his other works. I wasn't sure if let my own preconceived notions about what "Brideshead Revisited" was about somewhat color my opinion. 

So, last month, I read three more of Waugh's novels:  "A Handful of Dust", "The Loved One" and "Scoop".  I like them all, but the latter was my favorite so far.  It combines the confusion of mixed identities with unforeseen opportunities that brought to mind a "Being There " kind of tale. Like the simple gardener who stumbles into high society, John and William Boot's lives intersect at just the right (or wrong, depending on where you stand) time and a series of misguided adventures bring them notoriety they neither sought nor expected. 

Last fall, at Harewood House in Yorkshire, a forty minute drive from Castle Howard (Brideshead).

"A Handful of Dust", like "Brideshead Revisited" puts a spotlight on the British aristocracy with their endless parties and acceptable lapses of morality. But, also, like "Scoop", there are characters who, without much planning or focus are curiously rewarded or devastatingly punished. 

"The Loved One" is a quirky story of old and new Hollywood intertwined with two highly regarded places of interment, one for humans and one for pets.  This is said to have been written by Waugh after a trip to California when he was invited by movie studios interested in the rights for "Brideshead Revisited".  Waugh hadn't planned on any serious negotiations, but took advantage of the free trip to enjoy the sites, one of which was Forest Lawn, the famous southern California cemetery and inspiration for "The Loved One".

Three more to go from my brother's collection.

Now I'm ready for more. I've joined my brother in his appreciation of Evelyn Waugh's works (thanks, Ed!) and aside from the three unread books left, I'm even planning to revisit "Brideshead Revisited" -  both book and film adaptations. 

Episodes of the 1981 version of "Brideshead Revisited",  as well as the 2008 movie, used Castle Howard in Yorkshire, as the Flyte family estate. And, dear readers, the Flytes are not the only fictional aristocratic family to reside there. Castle Howard also served as Clyvedon Castle, the Duke's ancestral home in Bridgerton.  (It seems all aristocrats are connected - real or not).

In Yorkshire last fall. We need to revisit!

Bridgerton - ties to Brideshead film sites

We were in Yorkshire last Fall touring another great country estate, Harewood House where a few scenes of the first Downton Abbey movie were filmed. I believe while getting reacquainted with Brideshead, we also need to revisit Yorkshire and continue our English authors journey. 

 

Back to the Pink House Tearoom: Inviting patio and new additions ready for the summer!

 

Owners/managers of Pink House, Jennifer C. and son, Rex (aka "Tea Rex") on the tearoom's patio.

Our last visit to the Pink House tearoom was in November (BTS blog Pink House tearoom) on a seasonably warm and sunny day for Michigan, but not quite time for the patio. Last week, we were back to see what's new at the New Baltimore venue, including their summer-time outdoor space.

Pink House tearoom in New Baltimore

Views of Lake St. Clair's Anchor Bay

After our last Barbs Tea Service podcast recording session, my husband, co-host and "arm candy", Chris, and I took advantage of a beautiful late Spring afternoon and drove up to Lake St. Clair's Anchor Bay, where the Pink House resides.  Here we met up with owners/managers Jennifer C. and her son, Rex. They were outside on the tearoom's patio and before Chris and I parked ourselves at the front counter for lunch, we caught up with Jennifer and Rex (also known as "Tea Rex") on the latest goings-on at the Pink House. Turns out, there's quite a bit!

Chris strolls past the other end of the Pink House's outdoor space, a great place for tea and sunsets.

Now, fully staffed for both indoor and outdoor service, the Pink House is serving tea and adult beverages on their pretty outdoor space, furnished with umbrellaed white and black wrought iron tables with matching chairs.  Situated across the street from Anchor Bay, peekaboo views of the lake can be enjoyed on the patio while taking in a delicious repast. Per Rex, plans for extended summer hours are in the works, so guests may also soak in late evening sunsets. 

Front lobby greets visitors.

Lobby also has counter service.

Other new features of the Pink House include an additional room for dining. Just around the corner from the front lobby and bar, towards the back of the house, a charming space, with an open staircase to the second level, has just been restored. Jennifer took us on a tour of the renovated area and while it's almost complete and ready for guests, she is still looking for just the right finishing touches before seating is available.

Newly renovated dining space - almost ready for guests.

Airbnb accommodations are on the second floor of the Pink House -  a romantic retreat with its own balcony overlooking the lake. (Imagine the sunsets from that vantage point!).

Second floor Airbnb accommodations featuring private balcony.

Although there's a lot of new things at the Pink House, their tradition of delicious menu offerings and tea is, thankfully, still the same. While visiting last week, Chris and I opted for a spot at the bar (they were almost at capacity this busy Friday afternoon, so we thought we'd try the counter seating and found it to be just as comfortable as the more formal areas).

Creamy, flavorful quiche.

Just Delicious scones, take out too!

Chris and I each ordered a quiche, creamy, flavorful and filling, with pots of Earl Grey. And, of course, we purchased a package of "Just Delicious" scones to take home for the weekend.

We're excited for the old and the new at the Pink House tearoom. We'll be back soon and, whether it's for afternoon tea or sunset viewing from the patio, we know we'll, once again, be "tickled pink".

For more on the Pink House and Royal Treat/Just Delicious Scones, see their website:  Just Delicious Scones.

Apres podcast, a visit to the Pink House

Lunch at the counter, as lovely as formal dining.

Royal Anniversary Month: Forty-first is "Podcast" year!

Lady and Laird Gulley of Glencoe, another May Royal Wedding Anniversary*

 

This month, Prince Harry and Mehgan Markle celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary, and as speculated in People Magazine, based on past practices, the Duke and Duchess most likely will have exchanged gifts based on tradition.  The weekly celebrity magazine quotes "a source" who stated that the Sussexes "love to do their own take on traditional wedding gifts. The first anniversary was paper, and Meghan wrote out the wedding speech and had it framed for  [Harry]."   

May 19, 2018, Barb (Lady G.), in from London, at Fox News Studio for Harry & Meghan's wedding. 

If Harry and Meghan hold on to this custom, this year they'd be looking for something iron (as in the metal, not to be confused with a Sunbeam-steam-variety). To mark this year, Etsy Journal suggests a hand-forged catch all tray (perhaps shaped in a heart and stamped with the wedding date) or an industrial fire pit for the patio.  

We do believe, whatever the young couple had in store for each other, it was enchanting. However, they are not the only "Royals" marking an anniversary in May. My husband, Chris and I are ringing in forty-one years this week. While, technically (or by any other definition), we are not "Royals", Chris is a titled Laird from Scotland (with all the honors and square foot of land one can purchase for $125.00) and we do have a majestic portrait, where we are decked out in full regalia appropriate for those whose heads wear the crowns.  So, yes, close enough.

Forty-first wedding anniversary - the gift of podcasting!

While many anniversaries do have a traditional gift associated with the year, such as paper for the first, as cited above, and the more well-known, silver for twenty-fifth, ruby for fortieth, and gold for fiftieth, there is not a specific one for the forty-first. Therefore, we're free to chart some new territory and we've come up with a novel and entertaining (if only for a party of two) tradition for the two-score-plus-one mark:  a podcast! 

Laird G., tech support, co-host and arm candy.

Although we began our Barb's Tea Service podcast a few months ahead of our May wedding date, it can still count as a fun and fitting way to ring in the post-ruby anniversary.  All you need is a little bit of training, a studio locale and microphones. You'll find, after four decades of marital bliss, you'll still have things to talk about and surprise each other with (Laird Gulley, aka, "Arm Candy" sprung the history of "toasting" during a recent recording session that "wowed" me more than a full cup of Double Ginger tea!)

Flowers are always a great anniversary gift!

The "year of the podcast" anniversary present may not take off,  but I am one-hundred percent sure that forty-one years with Laird G., while surpassing the iron age long ago, struck gold early on. . . 

But, when in doubt, flowers are always good, no matter how many years you're celebrating. 😃💖💮

For more on our BTS podcast, find us at Barb's Tea Service on YouTube.

*special thanks to bro, Glenn, for the gift of the Royal Portrait earlier this year.

A toast to Trenary Home Bakery: More tasty treats from the Upper Peninsula (and an inspired Afternoon Tea)

Trenary Home Bakery is more than just toast. Other tasty treats include Limpu rye and Cinnamon bread.

 

We'd like to propose a "Trenary toast" to Trenary Home Bakery in honor of not only their eponymous crunchy creation, but to the many other tasty treats they offer. And, although a trip to the Upper Peninsula is always something special, it isn't always practical for those of us who live "below the bridge", so tapping into the Trenary Home Bakery's on-line shopping feature heaps great rewards. When a package arrived this week with the bakery's name boldly stamped on the side, along with the shipping instructions "handle with tender loving care", we knew we were in for some delicious delights.

Trenary Treats:  Handle with tender loving care!

As noted in our recent blog, "Trenary Toast:  A Finish Tasty Treat from the U.P. that's great for morning coffee, afternoon tea and late night cocoa!",  we talked about our recent discover of Trenary Toast, the twice baked bread with Scandinavian roots. The Trenary Home Bakery has been making this toast for almost a century and as its market has expanded, so has its menu of products, including cardamom Trenary Toast, Limpu rye and cinnamon bread, all of which we've sampled this week and absolutely loved.

Delicious Cinnamon bread

Deliciously addicting

The traditional Trenary Toast is cinnamon and, whether biting into the crispy comestible in its solid state or allowing a dip into a hot beverage for a softer version, it's a scrumptious snack or meal accompaniment. But, it doesn't stop there. The Trenary Home Bakery offers a variety of toast flavors from fruity (cherry) to spicy (cardamom). We were just introduced to the latter and we found it as tasty as the original, but, while still sweet, it offers a little savory touch to the mix. 

Trenary Toast:  Dunking optional

Speaking of sweet and savory - and beyond the toast - we also sample different breads from the Trenary Home Bakery. On the savory side, Limpu bread is a sourdough rye with caraway seeds, prepared from an original Finish recipe. It is wonderful on its own, full of hearty flavor, but is also a great complement to sandwich filler favorites, like egg salad, cheese or sliced turkey.

A Sweet & Savory Smorgabord Afternoon Tea, Part I, with Trenary Toast, Cinnamon & Limpu bread

On the sweet side, the Trenary Home Bakery's Cinnamon Bread, is amazing and, as the label warns, it's "deliciously addicting".  One 28-ounce package can offer several generous slices for a coffee/tea table or breakfast buffet. However, once you unwrap the sweet bread, take in the incredible aroma and cut a little bite for yourself, it may be a challenge to stop sampling before your guests arrive.

Again, per our last Trenary Toast blog, we were inspired to put together "A Sweet and Savory Smorgasbord Afternoon Tea". With our newest additions, we filled our three-tiered tray with cinnamon bread, Trenary Toast (cinnamon and cardamom), and crustless Limpu tea sandwiches. And, we're just getting started! 

Trenary Toast - perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea or late night cocoa

At home with Earl Grey or a cup of freshly brewed coffee, the Trenary Home Bakery has plenty of delicious treats for any time of day, be it breakfast, evening repast, or, our favorite, afternoon tea!

For more information on Trenary Home Bakery and on-line shopping, visit their website:  trenaryhomebakery.com

Polin Season starts today: We're ready with Bridgerton tea and scones! (and more Lady Mendl!)

We're ready for Bridgerton Season 3, with Bridgerton scones, tea and the remote at the ready!

The day has arrived, Gentle Readers, for the long-awaited story of Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington (aka "Polin").  Part one of two airs today on Netflix and we're ready! We've reserved our favorite recliner, with remote on standby, whilst we steep our Featherington Blood Orange Mimosa Tea and plate our Bridgerton strawberry scones. We expect the romance of Polin to be as delicious as our tea time treats.

Last week's blog showed BTS stocking up on Bridgerton merch.

Last week, in our Countdown to Bridgerton, Part III. . . How to prepare for Polin Season, we noted a number of Bridgerton-themed  cuppas, comestibles and candles to usher in the Regency romance's next chapter. In the short span of time from that blog to today, we've continued to follow the media coverage of the event and, kicking it up a notch, also baked up a batch of Bridgerton scones - both undertakings, I'm happy to report, resulted in success.

CBS interview with Nicola Coughlin, the "P" in Polin.

    

Lady Mendl's in March. It's the place!

                    

While the various "internets" are filled with Bridgerton news, there was one news item that stood above the rest, like Daphne's debut before Queen Charlotte:  Anthony Major's (CBS' Mornings) interview with Nicola Coughlin, the actress who plays the "P" in "Polin".  While the conversation alone is worth the watch, the added luster came from the venue in which the interview took place. Reporter and actress were chatting over tea at Lady Mendl's in Manhattan - a tearoom I visited for the first time in March of this year and, as I'm finding out, has impressive connections to many stories, including the Personal Librarian we wrote about earlier this month.

But, I digress. Back to the Bridgerton interview. . .

It was a delight to hear Nicola Coughlin, who we were first introduced to in "Derry Girls", talk about her role as Penelope Featherington and what's in store for the heretofore wallflower. Coughlin shared Penelope "really grows up throughout the season. . . she's . . . coming into her own, becoming a woman and the shapes of the dresses and corsets have reflected that." (We're on board with everything but the Regency-era spanx.)

And, now, to Bridgerton, Season 3, "the prep" . . . 

A few days ago, we made Bridgerton Strawberry Scones from WIlliams-Sonoma's exclusive mix. All that one needs to add is a cup of heavy cream and bit of patience when kneading the super sticky dough into a six-inch circle. 

Bridgerton scone mix, a bit sticky

A challenge to manipulate as well as to clean up 

Now the wiser, next time, I'll use a cutting board or generously floured counter, as the tacky consistency was a challenge for me to both manipulate and clean up after. Another slight hitch came when I discovered I was about a third short of a cup of heavy cream, so compromised with a top-off of half-and-half.

Overall, though, the scones came out quite tasty and, despite my inability to shape the clingy mix into eight uniform triangles, the end product turned out rather nicely.

 

After all that, they turned not too bad looking.

Taking a few notes in BTS test kitchen for next time.

As for tonight's tea, it could only be "Featherington's Blood Orange Mimosa Tea" from Republic of Tea. It not only features Penelope Featherington exclusively on the label, but it's also a tisane - an herbal tea with no caffeine, perfect for evening watching and apres-viewing slumber.  If, indeed, we can sleep after all the excitement.

Republic of Tea's Featherington's Blood Orange Mimosa Tea, perfect for tonight!

With a mix of ingredients that include pomegranate flavor, apple bits and orange peel, it's a robust tea, strong, confident and pretty in the cup - much like we envision Penelope Featherington's character emerging from the shadows.

In front of "Lady Danbury's House" in Bath.

Cheers, Gentle Readers, to Season 3, based on one of my favorite storylines in the Bridgerton series of books, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. While we're rooting for "Polin", we'll be looking for familiar filming sites from our Bridgerton tour in Bath last fall. We may not be invited to Lady Danbury's ball, but we'll party in Bridgeton fashion, with tea and scones, but thankfully, we'll skip the corsets and go right to the comfy pants (staying out of view of Lady Whistledown, to be sure!). 

The first four of eight episodes of Bridgerton, Season 3, starts today. The final four episodes will air June 13th. Mark you calendar - you know we have!