Seasonal: Dallas Arboretum: Chocolate Tea

Celebrating the process of making chocolate, the Dallas Arboretum hosted a special "chocolate tea."
A formal, afternoon 3 course tea, the service and dinnerware was elegant and understated. The relaxing atmosphere provided by the arboretum ensured an enjoyable afternoon of quiet conversation with table companions. The food, while good, was overshadowed by the teas, which were unimpressive and at times down right nasty, having been allowed to steep way too long .

For Becky's review, see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=10/2007

Tea Event: Breast Cancer Awareness Tea

Tea is always an excellent way to take time to visit with friends and a tea with a mission is doubly sweet. August found Becky and I at the ninth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Tea in Fort Worth.
The website had specified “Sunday best” but we were little prepared for the glamor of our fellow tea go-ers. As we walked into the Marriott, we were treated to a vision of hats, gloves, and pearls. After registering, we were directed to a silent auction with items ranging from beautiful gift baskets to adorable pink earrings. For those less comfortable with the uncertainy of an auction, there was the “Pink Store” with various small items available for purchase.
Soon it was time to find our way to our table which turned out to be another adventure in and of itself! Each table had a unique theme and we flitted from table to table taking them all in - tiny fairy statues, tropical Hawain foliage with leias, Indian elephants (complete with everyone wearing saris), Asian plates complete with name cards in Chinese and chopsticks, cowboy boots, whimiscial hat boxes with tea pouring from the top, beach ball center piece with chocolate shell candies, and even a disco themed table complete with disco ball.
Even more amazing than the tables were the hats. Becky and I stared in awe at the varied confections perched high atop the lovely heads of their owners, ranging from simple elegant pieces to daring constructions, like the winner of the Dare-to-Wear category, a riot of yellow carnations and organza with a tiny yellow hat perched at the very top (or my personal favorite - a beautiful chinese latern made into a hat).
After tea was served, the program consisted of a slide show tribute, pink roses presented to breast cancer survivors, an informative medical lecture on inflammatory Breast Cancer, an inspiring talk from the found of Men Against Breast Cancer, and a live auction that included some lively bidding for such high-dollar items as tickets to a Cowboy’s game.
The entire experience was one of education, elegance and fun, pulled together with a polish and surety that made attendance a pleasure. As we drove away, we were animatedly discussing what we had learned and how we might try to host a table next year. How about travel?

Tea Room Review: Adolphus Tea

With a reputation for the "most elegant tea in Dallas", the Adolphus had quite a lot to live up to. Fortunately, and thanks to their excellent tea captain Michele, it did.
Four courses of lovely food were served, accompanied by live piano music. The atmosphere was quiet, peaceful, and most of all elegant. The tea menu was likewise well-appointed with a large number of choices of loose leaf tea, which were difficult to decide between. Thank goodness for Michele who was able to provide impeccable recommendations for every course.
Well worth the price tag, the tea at the Adolphus has certainly earned it's reputation as one of the best teas in Dallas.
For Becky's review, see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=09/2007

Tea Room Review: Middleton's House of Tea: Temple

Tucked away in near-obscurity in Temple, TX, Middleton's House of Tea is definitely a find. Providing an impressive 5 course tea (starting with sorbet and moving through to the fabulous deserts), you feel transported to a quaint cottage in the English country side. Delicious mango tea complimented the courses. Service was cheerful and helpful, ensuring a relaxing, stress-free experience.
All in all, well worth the trip!

Tea Room Review: FiveTwelveCollege Tea Room: Waxahachie

Hosted by one of the most fascinating tea room ownersI have had the pleasure to talk with, the FiveTwelveCollege Tea Room provides an experience simultaneously relaxing, delicious, and educational. A regular full-course afternoon tea is served with a select number of loose leaf teas. Everything is done with an eye to tradition, including the shapes of the sandwiches - soldiers, diamonds, and butterflies. The owner has been all over the world and is full of wonderful stories about tea she has had in far away places. A wonderful place all around!

Tea Room Review: Kiran's: Houston

While in Houston for the Lucy exhibit, Becky and I dropped in on this upscale resteraunt with my sister Sharon to try thier tea. Kiran's offers a uniquely Indian twist on the traditional afternoon tea, providing perfectly brewed loose leaf tea with every delicious course. The atmosphere was quiet and elegant with understated service ready to help and offer advice. An experience I would recommend to anyone.
For Becky's review see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=09/2007

Tea Room Review: Gypsy Rose Tea Room

On our way back from picking apples in Henrietta Orchards in Roanoke, Becky and I decided to try this new, up and coming tea room, located in the back of the Antique Mall in Lewisville. What an excellent decision! Gypsy Rose offers a wonderful selection of loose leaf teas, with sample available for viewing and (most importantly) sniffing. Prepared in individual pots, we tried the Emerald Charm and Roasted Almond varieties (both wonderful). For lunch, we ordered the daily quiche (broccoli cheese) and the salad sampler with chicken salad, soup, and pesto pasta. The quiche was excellent and the chicken salad was the best I've had at any tea room. For dessert, we split the pound cake with pomegranate reduction sauce and vanilla ice cream - lovely. The atmosphere was quiet but fun with cheerful service ready to help and offer advice. An excellent experience I look forward to repeating. I can only hope that they will begin offering an afternoon tea service in the near future - I'm confident they will do as well at that as they do at their current tea.
For Becky's review see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=07/2007
Gypsy Rose Tea Room: http://www.gypsyrosetearoom.com/

Tea Room Review: Katie's Daughter

I have been twice for afternoon tea to this quaint little tea room, tucked in the back of an antique mall in Arlington, and both times have been pleased and impressed with their loose leaf tea selection and food.The berry scones were very moist and lovely and the cucumber sandwiches were unusual and tasty. But the real star of the menu is their loose leaf tea selection. I've managed to sip my way through five selections so far and can't wait to try the rest.

I look forward to returning this fall to try the pumpkin dessert!

For Becky's take on it, see http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=06/2007.

Katie's Daughter: http://www.katiesdaughter.com/tearoom_hightea.htm

Belles and Bullets

I love nothing better than a tea party. Except maybe a tea party where I get to do a little target practice with the girls.
I found out that Bullet Trap(http://www.bullettrapinc.com/) offers a "ladies night" on Wednesdays, so I couldn't resist setting up a second ladies tea shoot. (for pics and a write up on the first one, see http://barbaritea.blogspot.com/2005_08_01_archive.html?SID=8b23db6e3470315aba3dc9c3b770f109).
We met at the range and, with our 2 safety officers, proceeded to try out a number of pistols. Some of our ladies were first time shooters, others had been out to our first ladies tea shoot. Everyone had a fabulous time. After a couple of hours, we drove back to my house for a formal afternoon tea (albeit at 8pm at night) complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and lovely little desserts.
For more pictures and details, check out Becky's Blog - http://www.beckymadison.com/cgi-bin/blog?smonth=05/2007

Tea Room Review: Serenitea

URL: http://www.sereniteatearoom.com/
Address: 13889 Southwest FreewayHwy 59 and Sugar Creek Exit(Gerland's Shopping Center)Sugar Land, TX 77478
Phone: 281-491-4588
Reservations required for afternoon tea.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 teacups
Ambiance: 5
Service: 5
Food: 5
Tea: 5

Located in an improbable strip mall, Serenitea surprises and delights from start to finish. An enormous tea selection, generous portions, and an enthusiastic and knowledgeable owner make this tea room something special.

A pot of good quality loose leaf tea is provided for each guest and for each course. An extensive tea menu is available, but definitely ask the hostess for her recommendations as there are so many considerations it may be difficult to decide. The hostess was able to provide extensive information and advice about tea selection, including suggesting a a wonderful blueberry tea that matched perfectly with the scones course.

The food was both delicious and generously portioned, served with a traditional clotted cream and wonderful lemon curd. Even with skipping lunch, we were unable to finish all of the desserts.
Service was great - the hostess was friendly and clearly enthusiastic about tea. When asking about certain varieties, she dashed off to bring back a tin to let us smell the selections before choosing. The atmosphere was comfortable, unpretentious, and welcoming. An excellent place for any tea enthusiast to spend an afternoon.

Tea Room Review: Enchanted Cottage Tea

Combine dollhouse charm with superb service and tea selection and you begin to have an idea of the experience waiting for you at the Enchanted Cottage tea room. The owners have turned what was once a run-down ramshackle house into a gingerbread cottage in suburban neighborhood. Stepping through the door is slightly surreal as you leave a common place street behind and enter a sugar-coated wonderland. Every inch of the house is meticulously hand-decorated - the attention to detail is fantastic – and the overall effect leaves one feeling as if you have stepped into a beautiful fantasy land. The tea selection is extensive, providing an excellent variety in silk bags. A different tea may selected for each course, allowing visitors to sample several types. The food is delicious, with an emphasis on the sweeter courses. Service is excellent – it is clear from the moment that you enter that the owners are tea room enthusiasts themselves. On every level, the Enchanted Tea Room is worthy of its name - little wonder that it brings out the princess in all its visitors.

Tea Room Review: Mary Ellen's Tea Room

Located in a strip mall in Dallas off of Beltline, Mary Ellen's provides a nice tea experience with the emphasis being on the service and atmosphere.
A selection of bagged, rather than loose, teas were provided. The china for serving was pretty as was the homey tea pot. The sandwiches were basic but tasty - chicken salad, egg salad, and tuna salad - served on soft white bread with a generous accompaniment of fruit salad. Two types of delicious scones were served (pumpkin and cranberry) with a lovely sugar glaze and were, by far, the favorite course. The pumpkin scone was deemed so delicious that the clotted cream was passed over! The desserts were good, if not particularly imaginative.
Service was attentive, polite, and efficient. We were checked on consistently and unobtrusively. The atmosphere was quiet and inviting - the decor varies from room to room and adds a homey touch. The layout of the place disguises the surprisingly large size - broken into several smaller rooms, it is ideal for large parties to be served while never disturbing the other patrons. Overall, a nice place for a quiet gathering of two or many.

Iced Tea Haiku

Cool diamond drips slide
Sparkling mirrored light plays
Serenity in glass

Superstitious minds...

http://www.teamuse.com/article_001101.html
An excellent article about superstitions and tea.

DFW Tea Readers Group

http://dfwtea.com/
An interesting club in the DFW area that meets once a month to have a book discussion and tea. Happy sipping ladies!

Afternoon Tea Haikus

Smiling at steam fronds
Breathe the scent of jasmine blooms
Escape for a time

When Sisters rejoin
Words that tumble fall into
Fragile cups of thought

Sipping hot comfort
Such tiny tasty tidbits
Belie the moment.

Tea Review: White Peach (Adagio)

http://www.adagio.com/white/white_peach.html
This lightly flavored white tea has a slightly sweet taste that compliments the delicate white tea nicely. Matching nicely with mild snacks (such as crackers), I like this tea in the late afternoon, after an unwisely heavy lunch. Although I have not tried it iced yet, I imagine it would be a delightful way to enjoy this brew.

Tea Room Review: Grand Lux Cafe

URL: http://www.grandluxcafe.com/
Address: Galleria Dallas 13420 N. Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX
Phone: (972) 385-3114

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 teacups
Ambiance: 3
Service: 4
Food: 5
Tea: 3

Urban tea. That phrase best describes the tea experience at the Grand Lux, a large, loud, upscale cafe located in the Galleria mall.

Tea is served in the lounge/bar area, and as such, is hardly a cozy affair. Loud music blares from the speakers making it difficult to hear your tea companions. Servers are only slightly familiar with the tea service at this time, making it difficult to get good recommendations on the tea.

Decent quality loose leaf tea is provided, prepared in coffee presses (and interesting addition). Unfortunately, the tea is generally not allowed to steep long enough before pressing, resulting in a weak drink (unless you are fortunate to have a skilled server). Asking for "double strength" helps considerably.

The food is the highlight of this experience, delicous and artfully prepared. Four beautiful open faced sandwiches start the meal, followed by a two tiered trey with three lovely scones (accompanied with lemon curd, raspberry jam, and clotted cream), and seven heavenly desserts.

Sevice was inconsistent - the first time we went, the server was very efficient and friendly. The next time, the server was unfamiliar with tea and often misidentified items when explaining them. A second pot of tea can be provided, but at an additional cost.

Tea Room Review: Angela's Bistro 51

URL: http://www.angelasbistro51.com/
Address: 2701 Guillot Dr, Dallas, TX
Phone: (214) 979-0051
Reservations required.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 teacups
Ambiance: 5
Service: 5
Food: 5
Tea: 3

Elegant from start to finish, Angela's Bistro provides a refined tea experience with superior cuisine. The warmth of the hardwood floors creates a quiet atmosphere that is enhanced by the striking painting hung on every wall, reminiscent of dining in an art gallery.

Upon sitting down, diners are presented with a selection of bag teas from which to choose. A pretty china pot of hot water is provided for the table to refresh your cup. Additions of a loose leaf tea, or a tea pot for each person (so you could steep your bag in the pot rather than in the cup) would be welcome.

The food is as elegant as the surroundings and as unusual as some of the art pieces. The sandwich, desert, and dip courses are served on a tiered tray while scones are brought in a basket to the table during the service. The sandwich courses included a wonderful chicken salad sandwich dipped in fresh herbs and an open-faced cucumber sandwich. The scones were very tasty as were the deserts. The dips were the most noteworthy portion of the meal, an unusual and delicious addition that included a cheddar/cherry dip paired with crackers, lightly steamed asparagus paired with a mustard dip, and strawberries paired with a sweet cream.

Service was impeccable - the server was very efficient and friendly. We never had to ask for refills on the hot water and the dishes seemed to whisk themselves away when we weren't looking.

Piccadilly Passion Fruit (Sir Aubrey's)

http://www.siraubrey.com/products.htm

This lovely iced tea provides interesting passion fruit flavor to overlay the black tea based. In no way a sweet tea, the fruit stands up particularly well to the iced tea presentation. I prefer to brew this with a bag of Luzianne to further bring out the black tea undertones. This is an excellent blend providing crystal clear results.