Tea Time in "Teacumseh"

Hello Friends!

We found ourselves back in "England" for tea this Saturday after a weekend excursion through Toledo, Ohio to see Jerry Seinfeld in concert (outrageously funny, by the way), then on to Dundee, Michigan (to take in the "Cabella's Experience"), and finally stopping in Tecumseh on our way back home. I remembered we had visited the British Pantry and Tea Garden about four years ago and it had made quite an impression. I was anxious to reconnect with this tea room and, after my first cup of Yorkshire Gold (the "house" black tea blended in Yorkshire Dales), I wondered what had taken me so long to get back to this incredibly charming tea room.

Although we were a bit too early for the "afternoon tea" offering, we were delighted with our lunch choices. I had a spinach quiche that was the perfect consistency and packed with flavor. It was served with a homemade spice bread that was delightfully moist and the apple slaw, which is a unique salad concoction you will savor. For dessert, we had carrot cake and a lemon tart. You will definitely want to save up your sweet allotment for this tea parlor and I would highly recommend the Yorkshire Gold as a perfect accompaniment to your meal. It can handle the heartiest of lunches and perfectly off-set the sweetness of dessert.

Men will not feel out of place here, even though they may be in the minority of patrons. The dark wood booths and imposing counter area balance out the flowery teapots and lace curtains. And that goes for the gift shop, too; plenty of delicate, decorative items that will appeal to your feminine side, but the variety of imported foods for sale will delight any gastronome regardless of gender.

The service is great and we met with the manager, Debbie, who was answered all our questions with a smile and enthusiasm. We were checked on regularly to see how we were doing and if we needed more tea - and you absolutely know how important that is!

There's also a room upstairs for special occasions. It was in use during our visit, but not at all interfering with guests on the main floor.

My only regret was that we didn't have more time to try out the many, many teas on the British Tea Gardens loose tea list. That will serve as our excuse to head back to Tecumseh - and, I can tell you this, it won't be another four years!

Another gloved thumbs up to The British Pantry and Tea Garden. A bit of merry old England in southern Michigan.


The British Tea Garden is located at 112 E. Chicago Blvd, Tecumseh, Michigan. For more information click on this link British Tea Garden
. . . and tell them BTS sent you!

Celebrating Like Royal-Tea

Hello Dear Friends!

It appears we have moved from Spring (?) to mid-August heat this week in Michigan, but despite the soaring temps, I am unwavering in taking my hot tea break this afternoon. I'm partaking in Twinings Earl Grey today - Queen Elizabeth's noted afternoon tea favorite - in the spirit of a recent Royal celebration.

In May, my husband, Chris, and I celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary. The weekend before the anniversary date, our children hosted a party for us at my eldest son and his fiance's new (to them!), lake-front home. They corralled the usual suspects to join us for a cook-out, champagne toast, boat rides and a lot of heavy duty lawn chair sitting. When the most taxing activity you do all day is climb on and off the neighbor's pontoon boat, you know you've succumbed to the ultimate in party-time relaxation.

So, in appreciation for all their hard work: to our kids owed, many, many kudos!!

But, wait! There's more! To put the cap on this week of pseudo-nobility, Chris and I treated ourselves to a special dinner for two at the Royal Park Hotel in the city of Rochester. It was such an extravagant experience, that if someone had placed jeweled-crowns on our heads and velvet robes around our shoulders, it would not have seemed out of place. We were seated in a cushy, intimate booth facing the lit fireplace (which only a month ago, was appealing). The hostess and waitress attended to all our needs - some we didn't even know we had - and the dinner culminated with an on-the-house dessert of vanilla ice cream stuffed into delicate cream puffs surrounded by "Happy Anniversary" in chocolate script. It was quite literally, the icing on the cake!

I suppose after all this attention, pampering, catering-to and indulgence, returning to our "ordinary life" could feel a bit like Cinderella after the ball. But, unlike our fabled princess, my little corner is filled with an embarrassment of riches. In my "real life", this weekend, Chris and I were in another world at our cabin up north, plowing through dirt-covered back roads in our Dodge Dakota pick up truck; the one who wasn't driving had bare feet resting on the dashboard, in true hillbilly fashion. The only thing missing was Ellie Mae, Granny and her rocking chair. We stopped at the "Kitchen Kettle" for a hot dog lunch, where nothing is written on the plate - - in ketchup or mustard. But, in my purse, I keep a letter from my son - something he wrote for Chris and I on our 25th. Like many of the best family moments, it was both funny and moving as it touched on the importance of family - the support, love and tolerance - that really make life's journey what it's all about. Whether that journey is via horse-drawn coach, dodge pick-up or ordinary pumpkin, really, who could ask for more?

So, dear friends, it looks as though it may be time to turn on the air conditioning and add some ice cubes to my Earl Grey. It seems there's laundry piling up and my desk is screaming to be decluttered. I'll get to my weekend chores sporting one glass slipper and one flip-flop, but I'll keep the tiara in the closet . . . for now.

Most humbly,

Barb

Dining at the Royal Park Hotel

Important Note: The Royal Park Hotel serves Afternoon Tea. Barb's TEA Shop will be organizing an informal excursion on a Saturday this fall. Any who are interested, just email Barb at barb@barbsteashop.com for future updates.

Brownies Excel in Table Etiquette and Manners Class

When one receives a referral from a guest at a previous event, it's always a pleasure and a compliment. Imagine how even more special it is when that particular guest is only six years old!

Megan of Brownie Troop 3250, had attended Barb's TEA Shop's "Teddy Bear Tea and Etiquette Class" in the Fall of 2006 through Rochester, Michigan's after-school enrichment program. She was an enthusiastic participant even in Kindergarden, so BTS felt quite honored when Megan's mom called to schedule a Table Manners Class for their Brownie Troop, on Megan's recommendation.

Last month, BTS held that manners class for fifteen Brownies in the classroom-turned-restaurant in Rochester Hills. The Brownies learned not only by demonstration, but by actually performing the tasks themselves. This Brownie troop mastered proper place settings, the correct way to cut meat (with fun melon slices!) and what to do with the roll on one's bread plate. The young ladies practiced placing their flatware on their plate in the correct place to signify when they were done and what to do with their napkin should they need to leave the table for any reason.

This was an interactive class where the girls brought their own experiences and questions into the discussion. They were eager to test their table skills with their "kool-aid tea" and modified 3-course meal. At the end of the mock restaurant experience the girls were rewarded with cookies, a diploma and a teddy bear calendar.

BTS received a note in the mail last week from this very special Brownie troop. They put their training to use at a fancy restaurant in town and we're pleased to report, they excelled in their manners and earned their etiquette badge to boot! What a wonderful accomplishment for an amazing group of young ladies.

Congratulations to Brownie Troop 3250 and thanks for inviting BTS to be part of the fun!

Barb's TEA Shop offers a variety of tea and table manners classes for children. For more information on a customized program for your group, contact BTS at barb@barbsteashop.com or call us at 248-840-4356.












Megan at the Teddy Bear Tea.

Happy Mother's Day - Traditions Old and New

Hello Friends!

Today, in our household, "tea time" just got a new look. For Mother's Day, my husband, presented me with the latest in tea-making technology - the "three-in-one hot beverage center". Although, it doesn't allow for the eagerly anticipated high pitch alarm of the tea kettle coming to a boil or the charm of having tea served from a lovely china pot, it does deliver a pretty darned good cup of tea - in less than a minute. And, loose tea at that. (Let's fasten our tea snob belts folks, we're in for a startling ride!)

Since my husband is also responsible for loading Pride and Prejudice on his GPS so we could listen to it on our leisurely drives up north (see Austen-tacious blog, March, 2008), could a tea brewing revolution be far behind? I have to admit, when I first saw the box, I was apprehensive. What next - tea bags and hot tap water?!! But, no, quite the contrary. This is a wonderful device and, even though I'm enamored with the whole tea preparation ritual, I have to say, instant gratification is not hard to take.

So, today, among my many treasured gifts, was a family-sponsored tea time all to myself. While my kids were grocery shopping and tidying up, I began to explore my new tea maker. I carefully removed my new filter basket and measured in a heaping teaspoon of Lady Earl Grey tea (taking heed at the manual's stern warning not to exceed the FILL line) and filling up the water reservoir drawer for just a cupful. In a few short seconds, a hearty flow of tea was dispensing into my tea cup. With no need to wait any further, I dashed off to the study with my "instantaneous tea" and a couple of walnut clusters quickly snatched from my Mother's Day cache. Could tea time get any better?

Perhaps at age 50, one gets more philosophical, or maybe because the extra few minutes I shaved off prep time today could be exchanged for meditation, I thought how, like our conceptions of the ideal afternoon tea can change, so can holiday celebrations. Mother's Day this year is a perfect example. I was fortunate to have my whole crew here breifly this morning, but because my one son had to work today, we're one short for dinner. However, since he is a waiter at a cafe uptown, he suggested we come up and meet in "his section" for dessert. We've got the family, food and a table and chairs. All the ingredients are there, just a little twist on the placement. Like my new tea brewer, it's all going to blend together just fine.

So, today, we can all take a moment and remember our favorite "Ladies", our mom's. I spent many wonderful - and extremely unceremonious - tea times with my Mom where we talked about the kids, politics, the newest book read or my latest travails at work - but the subject was always secondary to the time spent together. Tea brewed fast or slow, tea carafe or tea pot, screaming kettle or dripping water, it doesn't matter (although no styrofoam cups, please!). It's just the perfect accompaniment to any long chats with mom.

With that, dear friends, I bid adieu as it is dessert time and we're heading uptown for a brownie sundae. I'll fasten my tea belt, but it may be a little tight on the ride home.

Happy Mothers Day!!!!

Barb

Birthday Forecast: Low Fif-teas, Warm and Happy

Hello Dear Friends,

When you receive a red hat and an AARP card in the same week, it can only mean one thing: you've reached a milestone birthday. And, that's exactly what happened to me this week - I turned the half-century mark two days ago. I'm happy to report, it's been most enjoyable thanks to family, friends, and, a circle of ladies who are a hybrid of both - my Red Hat group!

I am Queen Mother of "The Royal-Teas", a red hat group in southeastern Michigan. For those who are unfamiliar with the red hatters, their philosophy is centered on celebrating 50 and embracing all that life has in store for the next phase of "maturity". It's based upon the poem, "Warning -When I am Old Am An Old Woman, I Shall Wear Purple", where author, Jenny Joseph, expresses the freedom she will have to do things when she's older that she wouldn't consider in the confines and restrictions of youth. It's an "in-your-face" rebellion to stereotypes of growing older. It's not about going out to pasture; it's about starting a new business, going back to school, building your dream retreat or wearing a purple dress with a red hat!

So, today's tea selection had to be "Sweet Thai Delight", a present from one of my RH-ers. The description on the side of the box applies as well as to the tea as it does our group: ". . . it is sure to enliven your senses and fill your spirit with warmth and happiness". And, so it does.

The Royal-Teas is comprised of an eclectic group of ladies with a variety of backgrounds, tastes and interests. The range couldn't be illustrated better than by two of the teapots I received in my Queen Mother "treasure bath" (see picture, bottom left insert). We are sometimes understated and elegant and at other times, we are a bit funky and on the "wild side". But, always, most emphatically so, we are true to the spirit of the red and purple. We are enjoying our fifties with fun and laughter and a limited respect for rules, schedules and order.

And, so, today, with my red hat on and my cup of tea in hand, I reflect on this fifty-year old journey. While I'm not sure 50 is really the new 30, I'm fine with exchanging my pink chapeau for red, throwing caution to the wind, but still being mindful of reality. I'll continue to increase the length of my daily walks, eat more fiber, and maintain my regularly-scheduled appointment at the hair salon to replace the gray for highlights. But, most importantly, I'll keep that special group of ladies within easy reach, in preparation of what lies ahead.

"We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple."

An Austentacious Weekend at Pemberly Pines

Salutations Dear Friends,

After a weekend at Pemberly (Pines), and a media stimulus of Austen-inspired tales, I had no better choice for afternoon tea than my dear, and sadly, depleting supply, of Earl Grey tea from the celebrated Pump Room in Bath. As many Austenphiles know, the Pump Room was quite the social gathering place in Jane's time and it was the scene of much spirited conversation and activity in some of her novels. Although, from most accounts, Jane was not entirely happy during her stay in Bath, we found it to be a most charming place to visit when we traveled to England almost two years ago.

And, although, this particular tea from the Pump Room is not my favorite Earl Grey blend, it does - like Calgon - "take me away" to this wonderful city of Bath and a "reconnexion" with one of my favorite authors. I am such a fan of Jane's, that one the most famous estates of her books, "Pemberley" (impressive home of Mr. Darcy) has become the namesake of our most humble up- north cottage. We've "Americanized" the name a bit, by dropping the last "e"and "northernized" it by adding "Pines". We think Jane would be amused at the irony, since Mr. Darcy's estate was most formidable in size and, in most conservative measurement, Pemberly Pines is but barely 1,200 square feet.

However, we believe we pay appropriate homage to the spirit of Darcy's Pemberely from Elizabeth Bennet's account of her first visit to the estate. She states that "she had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste." With respect to Mr. Darcy's expected condescension due his superior rank and pride, we believe we have achieved the same with Pemberly Pines.

And, so, in our sojourn to northern Michigan this weekend, my husband downloaded a books-on-tape version of "Pride and Prejudice" to, of all things, our dashboard-mounted GPS! At a guaranteed 12 hours-plus of listening pleasure, we were able to take in all of Part One (of Two) in one round-trip excursion. We also found "Becoming Jane" as a pay-per-view choice this weekend and spent another two hours in the Regency Period. It was, if you will forgive my impertinence, as though we were at Steventon itself for a reunion with the entire Austen clan.

There are consequences to such intense Austen-immersion, however. My husband will have to suffer my addresses to him as either "Mr. Gulley" or "Squire Gulley" for the next fortnight. I will find much felicity in our household activity and greet all invitations with undying alacrity; however, if the occasion requires it, I may become appropriately vexed as well.

To all Austen fans: the newly initiated due to Keira Knightley's Miss Bennet and Anne Hathaway's Jane Austen or the more "mature" of us admirers who became loyalists in 1995, after Colin Firth's quintessential Mr. Darcy, (and who should have read the book in its entirety for high school English class), I take such liberty as to say Jane would have been most flattered by all the attention and all the wonderful entertainment her life and novels had provided generations of followers. But, alas, it is 2008 and I am back at home, away from my fellow regents and my thoughts of balls and excursions to country estates must be laid to rest momentarily. Other chores, of a less-exciting nature, must be attended to. Another cup of Pump Room tea and it's off to the rest of the days diversions. . . until next week.

Yours, most respectfully, in tea and friendship, etc.

Mrs. Gulley

Hello Friends!

Today, I had absolutely no difficulty deciding my tea selection - it had to be "Royal Wedding Blend". My eldest son, Rob, and his girlfriend, Karyn, got engaged this weekend and we've been celebrating since we got the news on Friday!

So, today I went down to the treasured tea vault and cracked open one of my last remaining boxes of Royal Wedding. It's a wonderful darjeeling - limited edition - that was packaged in a beautiful blue and gold box to commemorate the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles. I stocked piled it when it was first offered, as it not only was a satisfying darjeeling, it also made a great gift for wedding showers and engagement parties. Now, that we find we're heading down that same path, we couldn't be happier.

And, although, we're not exactly (meaning not at all) royalty, my husband and I will be commemorating 25 years of marriage in May. The fact that our son and soon-to-be-daughter-in-law happened to get engaged this very same year just seems to make it all the more special.

It's so cliche, but where does the time go? Except for a few of the "high school years", time has gone by at warp speed. It doesn't seem all that long ago that I was standing at our family room door wall, watching our three children in the backyard, hanging from (not actually swinging on) the swing set, digging tunnels in the sandbox and eating their peanut butter sandwich lunches on their Lil Tykes picnic table. Now, suddenly, this year, they're all at milestones: my oldest graduating from college (and now engaged!), my youngest graduating from high school, and my middle son turns 21! It's so exciting and rewarding and emotionally-charged - - thank goodness my drink of choice has such a calming effect.

Another sip of my wedding tea and I think back to more than thirty years ago when we celebrated my parent's 25th wedding anniversary. It was just on the cusp of my one brother's engagement and before the steady stream of sibling weddings that followed. Because I was the youngest, the only girl and the one with the "shallow pockets", I planned the anniversary dinner in lieu of a major contribution to the total bill. We hosted an intimate dinner party at, what at the time, was considered a pretty fancy dining establishment. At ages 18 through 24, the four of us were quite impressed with ourselves and my parents were thrilled. In fact, the picture we snapped that night of my Mom and Dad at the restaurant table, both in mid-laugh, was an all-time favorite of my Mom's and it remained a permanent fixture on her bedroom dresser.

And, here, my husband, Chris and I are almost repeating history. Rachel is 18 and Rob will be 24 (and we've already covered Matt). We, too, have planned a special dinner - this time up north at our cottage - with the family to celebrate all that weddings can bring: love, happiness, children, tears and, most certainly, lots and lots of laughter. Without a doubt, the camera will catch us all in mid-laugh, and that's just the way we want it.

So, join me in a toast as I raise my cup of Royal Wedding tea to all who celebrate this wonderful "institution" (really, can we come up with a better term?) of marriage. Oh, and of course, another tea cup toast to an afternoon tea bridal shower in the future! And, this is just the beginning. . .

Yours in tea and friendship,

Barb