USA TODAY International Edition
10 TEA ROOMS THAT WILL PAMPER MOM
If you plan to take mom out for Mother’s Day, you should consider a tea room, says Lorna Reeves, editor of
TeaTime magazine (teatimemagazine.com) “After Christmas, our research shows that Mother’s Day is the most popular time to have afternoon tea. That’s certainly a great way to pamper her.” Reeves shares some favorite places to raise a cup. Rose Tree Cottage, Pasadena, Calif.
The tea served by British owner Edmund Fry is so authentic that his customers have included the royal family. Indeed, this is where bride-to-be Meghan Markle came to prepare for her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth. “They do a very, very, very traditional tea,” Reeves says. “They don’t put anything in their tea room that’s not British.” rosetreecottage.com
The Pembroke Room, Lowell Hotel, New York
Maybe afternoon tea is the reason this city never sleeps. Although there are many tea purveyors across Manhattan, Reeves particularly likes the offering at The Lowell Hotel on the city’s Upper East Side. “It’s a nice oasis after you’ve been out in the hustle and bustle of New York.” lowellhotel.com/ restaurants-and-bar/afternoon-tea
Queen Mary Tea Room, Seattle
For more than 30 years, former pastry chef Mary Greengo has served warming teas in this city known for long, damp winters. And while the food is delicious, the teas stand out. “Mary has a lot of blends. It’s really well done. Everything’s made fresh and there’s a good selection,” Reeves says. queenmarytea.com/
The Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City
You won’t leave hungry from this tea, which includes a least a dozen savory and sweet options, all for $28. “It’s one of the best values. People have the misconception that tea food is not filling,” Reeves says. The room also offers special pricing for children’s teas. grandamerica.com/dining/afternoon-tea/
English Rose Tea Room, Carefree, Ariz.
The British owner of this room set up shop because she couldn’t find a proper cup of tea when she moved to Arizona. “There probably would have been an easier way,” Reeves muses. The room offers etiquette classes, daddy-daughter teas, and a Royal Wedding tea to mark the big day. carefreetea.com
Royal Park Hotel, Rochester, Mich.
Reeves singles out this room because of hostess Mary Kuhn, who attends to regulars and newcomers alike, preparing each pot of tea. “She pays attention to the details. Customers really love that personal touch.” And the menu it offers gluten-free and vegetarian options. royalparkhotel.net/royaltea.htm
Teaberry’s Tea Room, Flemington, N.J.
Tea drinkers will find a wealth of choices at this quaint room in a Victorian-era home. The tea menu contains more than 100 choices, including, black, white and green teas, along with herbal and fruit blends. “And they make all their food fresh,” Reeves says. teaberrys.com
Gypsy’s Tearoom, Westminster, Md.
Visitors may be surprised to find sophisticated tea service in this small town between Baltimore and Gettysburg, Pa. The shop offers custom tea blends and exotic options such as South American mate tea. gypsystearoom.com
Laura’s Tea Room, Ridgeway, S.C.
Guests not only choose a tea, but they can choose their china from a collection of more than 150 tea cups in this tiny town’s tea room. “You can pick one that’s fitting for your personal aesthetic,” Reeves says. laurastearoom.com
The Royal Tea Room, Tampa
Tucked away in a strip shopping mall, this tea room has been wowing guests for more than 20 years, Reeves says. “It has a beautiful relaxing ambience. You go in there and you just want to stay forever.” royaltearoomtampa.blogspot.com/