Food pairings at Ferndale's Torino are amazing: The Detroit Free Press agrees!

Visiting Torino in September with our most discerning foodie friends

In June of this year, I posted a blog about one of the Mother's Day gifts I received from my son, Matt - a gift certificate to an exciting, relatively new-on-the-scene restaurant, Torino, in downtown Ferndale (see Mother's Day features favorite teas: Will Father's Day bring T's and Carrots). In that article, I noted the delicious five-course dinner my husband and I had, along with an additional beverage pairing the restaurant offers as an option. The food and drink pairings were amazing and the meal included what my husband referred to as the "best damn carrot" he ever ate.  We are such fans, we brought our most discerning foodie friends back this month for another sampling and it was a collective "thumb's up" all around.

Our 30th wedding anniversary  at Torino in May

"Best damn carrot"

I'm happy to report, and not at all surprised, that we are not alone in our devotion to this gourmet treasure in Oakland County. The Detroit Free Press' Restaurant Crictic, Sylvia Rector, wrote about her recent dining experience in Thursday's edition of the newspaper:

Tasting Menu at Ferndale's Torino delivers a memorable dining adventure

We still get the paper delivered, so when we saw that Torino was featured with a full two-page spread, we were thrilled. But, when you view the on-line article, you get treated to even more pictures, including a group shot of some of the crew at the restaurant, including one of Matt's friends (he has a few that work there, all reflect the entire staff's enthusiasm for their product while providing first-class service).

First course:  peach, wild rice, yogurt paired with a Gewurztraminer

Every meal begins with an "amuse", a small appetizer to start the experience

Desserts are paired with a digestif. Our group ended with coffee and tea.

Torino ambitiously changes their menu weekly, so you will always be greeted with something new. They offer both three-course and five-course menus with optional drink pairings - both alcohol and non-alcohol selections - for an additional price. They also have a good selection of loose teas, which I'll write about in an upcoming blog!

Great service & well-informed staff. Dan M,(and friend of Matt) assists Chris.

We plan to be back very shortly. Our foodie group wants to make this a regular event on our calendar. It really is more than just going out for a bite to eat. When you dine at Torino's you are not only getting great food, but entertainment as well as you learn about the different foods, taste the unique blends and textures and view the artistic presentations of every single course. Some courses may be  served on glossy, asymmetrical china plates, others on striped-wood planks and  every one as delightful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Consider the price of a meal, movie and educational seminar, and you'll know it's a great value.

We heard that Torino was sold out for seatings this weekend, after the article hit the stands. Home of the "best damn carrot" and so much more - we're looking forward to our next visit and maybe we'll see you there, if we can all get in!

Meeting the Royal Chef in northern Michigan: Darren McGrady shares how the Queen takes her tea (and more!)

Royal Chef Darren McGrady with Detroit Tea Examiner

I was one degree of separation from the permanent residents of Buckingham Palace when I met the Royal Chef in person at "The Taste of Traverse City" last Saturday. Darren McGrady was chef to both Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana before moving to the US sixteen years ago and has many great stories to share after serving the Royal Family for several years.

Author of the book, "Eating Royally", McGrady graciously agreed to a phone interview with me over a week ago to talk about his upcoming visit to Michigan. We chatted for almost a half hour and, among other palace tales,  he shared what the Queen liked for afternoon tea and how she would select the menu based upon who would be visiting. She never missed tea time, whether she was entertaining 6,000 guests or just her grandsons. As McGrady says, "It's the most important meal of the day and so quintessentially British". He is a captivating speaker, so I knew we'd be in for a real treat when we finally got to meet him in person in Traverse City this past weekend.

(For more of that interview, see the entire article, "Royal Chef to be featured guest at 'Taste of Traverse City' event".)

A beautiful day in northern Michigan

We arrived at the "Taste of Traverse City" a little after one o' clock, just after the gates opened. We were part of the VIP group that allowed us our own open-air lounge furnished with leather sofas and the opportunity for a one-on-one meet and greet with the Royal Chef.

The Royal Chef preparing for his first cooking demonstration.

The Royal Chef conducted two cooking demonstrations and one informal talk where he shared memories of cooking for the Queen for eleven years and, from there, his move to Kensington Palace to work directly for Princess Di.

Not surprisingly, when speaking of the Royals, the topic of tea does come up frequently. McGrady noted how there are four meals every day:  breakfast, lunch, dinner (which is served at 8:15 pm) and, without exception, afternoon tea. As the Royal Chef explained, "even the staff stops for afternoon tea". So very civilized!

The Royal Family is of German descent and so they hold on to many of the Christmas-time traditions. They open all their presents on Christmas Eve. .  . after tea, of course.

The Royal Chef delights the audience with tales of the Royal Family

Favorite foods of the Queen and company are wild game and chocolate. Interestingly enough, the Royal Chef had prepared a meal that combined both, serving a venison with a chocolate burgundy sauce and he reports it was a big success.

The differences in protocol between Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace is probably best illustrated in how one orders ice cream. McGrady told of the series of events that would occur when Prince William requested a dish of the cold dessert at the Queen's main residence. Several calls would be made, not only to the kitchen, but to those in charge of  the silver and linens.  Several minutes would pass before a bowl of ice cream would arrive, on a serving tray, in a fancy bowl with a starched napkin.

When Prince William requested the same dessert at Kensington Palace, however, he would often come right into the kitchen to ask the Royal Chef. McGrady tells of how he would point to the freezer and say to the young prince, "help yourself". The now Duke of Cambridge would gleefully run to the fridge and unceremoniously treat himself to a few scoops of ice cream - sans silver and linens.

Feeling like a queen in the VIP lounge

Being treated royally in Traverse City 

The Royal Chef included a few autobiographical notes, including the story behind his move to Texas. He was inspired by Princess Di who often told McGrady they needed to move to America. After the tragic car accident, he was invited by Prince Charles to remain in England. But, McGrady felt it was time to try something new and he received many invitations from the rich and famous in the US, with the best offer for him and his family coming from Texas, where he still resides today.

McGrady is a frequent guest of TV news and talk shows, a professional speaker, author and host to annual culinary excursions to England. Two items have just been added to this year's "wish list":  the book, "Eating Royally" and Culinary Excursion 2014.  

One degree of separation in 2013, shooting for even less in 2014!  Until then, a hearty endorsement for Eating Royally and I shall start my royal-in-training protocol by having my moose tracks served on a silver tray, in a crystal bowl, with a freshly pressed napkin. 

How much fun should a guest speaker have at an afternoon tea? (Keep calm and drink tea!)

Before the tea with Andrea and the lovely tea trays

How much fun should a guest speaker have when presenting at an afternoon tea affair?

That’s somewhat of a rhetorical question, but I found myself having a tremendously good time two weeks ago in Lansing, presenting at a tea luncheon to a group of ladies who were part of a large convention of a major fraternal organization. Held in the lovely Crowne Plaza in our state’s capital, the banquet room was already primed for a fancy occasion with rich carpeting, chandeliers and starched linens. What amazed me more, however, was the commitment to the afternoon tea theme beautifully executed by Andrea Troutman, organizer and lady-in-charge of the event.

  

Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lansing sets the stage for high-end afternoon tea

 When I opened the door to the last banquet room on the left, to join Andrea, I was met with a tea room on par with many upscale afternoon tea venues I have visited. Each table had a two-tiered tea stand adorned with a unique teapot. Each place setting had a beautiful tea cup filled with assorted tea bags and goodies all tied together with a bow. Aside from the desserts the hotel had on the menu, guests also were served lovely homemade cookies and biscotti provided by Andrea and her family.

Table set with tea tray that had many claims

The good times started immediately when two of the ladies assisting in the set-up, and later to be attendees at  the luncheon, told me the centerpieces were going to be raffled off and they had already designated the one they wanted. They were in a lively debate as to who should receive it, but, even as a “guest” speaker, I was told with good-natured warning, not to even think about taking that one home.  Ah, yes, the (white) gloves were off and I knew this was going to be one fun group.

 

Tablescapes with beautiful tea cups and tasty goodies

Lunch and conversation were delightful and soon I was invited up to the podium to discuss the history and etiquette of tea, the latter of which included the dreaded “tea faux pas” that tea drinkers will want to avoid at all costs! Although I did not police the room during the tea, several guests offered up confessions. The penalty is remedied by a good dose of laughter, which this group easily dispensed.

Program featuring Barb's TEA Shop

After a raffle of the Elmwood Inn’s series of “Tea in the City” books, concluding remarks and short meet-and-greet before leaving, Andrea did present me with a tea tray to take home. I had my choice of three pretty, but very different, trays and I picked the little black teapot that was inscribed with an adorable paraphrasing of a famous English saying. This teapot displays the words, “Keep Calm and drink Tea”. It was such a fun teapot. It reminded me of the group I was with and thought it would be a great keepsake of the event.

  

Assortment of pretty tea cups filled with goodies and wrapped in a bow

The most incredible part, though, was learning that Andrea had made all these tea trays herself. A year’s worth of scouring vintage shops and estate sales had paid off big-time in these one-of-a-kind serving pieces. It was like seeing a Pinterest page come alive.  I left the tea luncheon not only with a smile on my face, but a year’s worth of inspiration to motivate me on all my various tea projects.

Tea trays provide inspiration and motivation

A great time with the ladies group in Lansing with words to the wise: have fun and "keep calm and drink tea".

Afternoon tea at Sweet D's: Dee-lightful time in Linden, Michigan

Sweet D's Tea Room is located in historic Linden

Last week, fellow tea enthusiast and blogger, Phyllis Barkey, and I visited Sweet D's Tea Room in historic Linden, Michigan. From south Oakland County, it's about a 50 minute drive in total, up 1-75 to exit 101 and then pretty much a straight shot going west. As we were chatting about tea things en route, I can't recount every turn, but I can vouch that it is an easy drive up.

Phyllis Barkey and Barb Gulley, fellow tea bloggers

Sweet D's is the creation of Dee Birch who not only runs a tea room, but a hair salon, also located in Linden. Birch has a fascinating resume of careers and specialties. As a hair professional, her skill in period fashions led her to Mackinaw Island's "Somewhere in Time Weekend", where she once took part as actress Jane Seymour's personal stylist. She continues to be a guest presenter every September at the Grand Hotel.

Dee Birch, owner of Sweet D's

But, her love of tradition, which she credits to her grandmother, took her many places, including her current tea room, housed in a Victorian home built in 1899. For more about Sweet D's, see The Detroit Tea Examiner's article Afternoon Tea at Sweet D's is sweet indeed.

Endless pots of tea served in white pots 

Sweet D's offers lunch fare as well as two options for afternoon tea, a three-course and a five-course offering. We feted on the five course, and I will tell you, it is worth saving your appetite for! The standard three-course offers tea sandwiches, scones and pastries. With the "super-sized" option, you get your choice of soup or salad AND a dessert.  Of course, both come with your choice of tea, served in white pots and conveniently placed at your table on individual warmers so tea doesn't go cold, no matter how long you stay and chat - and we did both!

Tray filled with pastries

Chunky chowder has a creamy tomato base

The five course meal started with "chunky chowder", followed by a selection of tea sandwiches, fresh fruit and a tray of miniature pastries.

Variety of  tea sandwiches served with min quiches and fresh fruit

Next, we had freshly baked scones served with cream, jam and lemon curd, all contained in tiny crystal glasses with demi-tasse spoons.

Scones served with cream, jam and lemon curd

Dessert came in a trifle filled with pudding, cream and other tasty ingredients. Dee referred to it as a "whim wham", a term used in Victorian times to describe a dessert that was made up of what was on hand and served on a whim.

Afternoon tea ends with a trifle

We had a dee-lightful time over afternoon tea!

Sweet D's can seat up to 25 guests and, in addition to lunch and tea, can also host special events.For more information, visit Sweet D's on facebook.

Sixth Annual Jane Austen Festival: A most agreeable time in Louisville

Last weekend, my daughter, Rachel, and I had a most agreeable time at the Sixth Annual Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, Kentucky. This marked our fourth visit to historic Locust Grove where the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA), Greater Louisville, hosts the festival under the care and direction of its Regional Coordinator, Bonnie Wise.

The grounds of Locust Grove were filled with Regency-attired guests 

Bonny Wise donning a lovely bonnet

Each year attendance grows and the town of Meryton expands to include more stores and merchandise, much to our delight. Period dress is the norm, although, not required. Many guests were spurred on this year by the festival's goal of breaking a Guinness Book World Record for the number of people dressed in Regency attire. Although, according to the Courier-Journal.com, the festival came a bit shy of the record set in 2009 in Bath, England, this year's attendees' efforts were exceedingly impressive. So many full-length gowns and waistcoats dotted the country landscape, one could easily be convinced they were transported to early 19th-century England.

Rachel learns a new game. Entertaining and no batteries required.

We took in pastimes and crafts of the day, with surprisingly entertaining games and finely skilled artists. Rachel favored a numbers game played with a cleverly-constructed wooden box. It required no batteries to charge and no frustrating level acquisitions of our on-line addiction of Candy Crush. (However, I dare say, I do believe Miss Austen would have forgiven our Words with Friends indulgence and not dismissed it so equally as the trifling condition it may be considered.).

Lace-making demonstration

Navigation equipment

Bare-knuckle boxing

We were entertained by shadow puppets, bare-knuckle boxing, lace-making and a lesson on how the Navy men navigated the seas before GPS technology. We admired the latest red-carpet Regency styles which would have begged any E! correspondent to inquire, "Who are you wearing?". Betsy Bashore may be the impressive answer.

Red carpet Regency fashion show

Traveling mostly by foot, we admired a lovely sedan chair that made its way through the grounds and provided a reprieve for weary walkers. (I do wish I could engage such transport when nearing the Cincinnati border, traveling south from Michigan.  It would relieve my poor nerves as we approach the bottle-neck traffic that always greets us on the bridge to Kentucky.)

Lovely sedan chair would calm my nerves during rush hour traffic

In need of more shopping, we headed to the Visitors' Center to the vendors inside where a new one caught our fancy - Pure Hokum. This retailer offers a wide selection of fine, hand painted gifts including brilliant white china with Austen quotes. Rachel purchased a cup with the famous Darcy quote: "Surely you must know it was all for you". That charm can melt marshmallows before we even heat the hot chocolate.

Rachel purchases a pure hokum mug

Of course, as tea enthusiasts, like Jane herself, we never miss the afternoon tea. It's always a treat, but with the addition of Bingley's Teas, it was even more delightful. (For more about Bingley's Teas and their new Prince Regent Collection, see The Detroit Tea Examiner's article:  "Prince Regent Collection from Bingley's Teas"). The menu included tea sandwiches, scones and a selection of scrumptious desserts. Rachel chose the decadent chocolate bread pudding and I selected the lemon cake, the latter of which brought to mind our favorite Austen prince charming, Mr. Darcy. It was a fair balance of tasty tart and sour with hearty richness, ending on a sheer delight of sweetness with an irresistible luscious topping. (Oh, my, I appeal to anyone within striking distance for a fan. I do believe the temperature of the room has elevated greatly.)

With Julia Matson, owner of Bingley's Teas and their new display tent

Rachel and I enjoying our afternoon tea

Speaking of the master of Pemberley, the great highlight this year, as always for us,  was the "Dressing of Mr. Darcy", expertly executed by Brian Cushing. With a most appealing countenance and a fine figure, Mr. Darcy shed articles of his attire while describing their importance and history. Starting with his hat, then a nod to his hair, he removed his jacket, cravat and suspenders, giving full warning that his pants, boots and all else would remain on his person. Despite any collective unspoken entreaties from the audience for more, we remained a respectful and admiring group.

  From the genteel male fashions, we journeyed across town to the gentlemen's civilized sport of dueling. We gathered in the Village Green to witness a battle between adversaries. I dare say, our own Mr. Darcy showed up as one of the combatants and, to our distress and horror, without a happy ending. An unexpected shot fired through air, and, alas, our handsome hero was left, face down on the grassy lawn. I shall hastily add, however, that as the victim's body was carried away, in front of astonished fans, we detected a charming, unsuppressed smile on the lips of Locust Grove's very own Mr. Darcy.

Dueling victim is carried off, but grieved fans are comforted by a smile

As we left the festival and all the endearments of the Regency period and Jane Austen, we once again relished our visit to the unplugged era of our favorite author. To a simpler, slower time where a turn about the room or picnic on the grounds could be enjoyed without a multitude of distractions. A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to this wonderful affair:  surely you showed it was all done for us.

Rachel and a well-restored Mr. Darcy

How to celebrate the birth of the new prince and additional savings for readers of The Detroit Tea Examiner

This week, Prince George Alexander Louis was born to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Almost as English as the monarchy itself, tea is the perfect pairing for any royal event. Below are a couple of Barb's TEA Shop's recommendations for tea enthusiasts to honor the new prince.

1.  Royalty Tea at Royal Park Hotel. Mention The Detroit Tea Examiner article (link below) when making reservations and receive a 10% discount!

Royalty Tea will include Duchess of Cornwall Scones

To toast the new Prince George, The Royal Park Hotel is hosting a "Royalty Tea". With a regally-themed menu including Duchess of Cornwall Scones and a Kir Royal cocktail, the Rochester luxury hotel afternoon tea is fit for a queen. . .or king. Readers of The Detroit Tea Examiner can receive a 10% discount if they mention this article (through August 22), when making reservations:  Special savings on 'Royalty Tea' honoring new Prince George at Royal Park Hotel.

Tea Hostess Mary Kuhn does all the work

We visited the Royal Park Hotel last November and loved the ambiance, the food and the great service, including personal attention from Tea Hostess, Mary Kuhn. (for a full account, see our blog story, "Fit for a Queen or three: Afternoon tea at the Royal Park Hotel").

2.  A cup of Prince Regent Tea from Bingley's Teas
 
Keeping it all in the family, celebrate Kate and William's new son with tea created to honor a royal ancestor, the Prince Regent. Last weekend, we were in Louisville, Kentucky for the Sixth Annual Jane Austen Festival and met up with Julia Matson, owner of Bingley's Teas. Known for their tea blends inspired by characters in Austen novels, Bingley's Teas has created a new line of teas with a nod to the Prince Regent and popular teas of his time.

Prince Regent Teas from Bingley's Teas are regally packaged

Packaged regally in a black,glossy tins sealed with gold wax, the Prince Regent line includes "Evenings in Ceylon" a rich black tea that has become a new staple in our humble household.

Rachel viewing  Prince Regent Teas at Jane Austen Festival in Louisville last weekend

Be it a fancy afternoon tea with friends or just  a cup of regal tea at home, join the celebration from "across the pond" and give yourself the Royal treatment.