Vintage Teas - Sweet Shalom

I'm continuing my blog with visits to great tea rooms - Sweet Shalom, in Sylvania, Ohio.  But first I must share some of their theme teas before they opened at their present location, when their events were held at Otsego Park's Stone Hall, in Bowling Green, Ohio [near Toledo].  Those teas were too good not to include.

I first became aware of the teas when I read a post Chris Kruse wrote to a tea-themed E-group in February, 2003 telling about their Valentine's High Tea she and her long-time friend, Sara Velasquez, were hosting via their business, "Vintage Teas."   It was a doable day trip, so a friend and I made reservations to attend.

As soon as we walked in the door it was a delight to the senses.  First, visually.   Fresh flowers and candles on the buffet table. . .

  

A charming server to greet us. . .

A beautifully set table reserved for us. . .

With a little keepsake place card . . .

A strolling violinist played love songs delightful to hear.  When he came to our table he played "Someone to Watch Over Me."

Our taste buds were treated to wonderful tea - Courtship Tea Blend [which I blogged about in February], and wonderful food. . .

Heart-shaped Scones with dried cherries, served with raspberry butter and lemon curd.

Vegetable frittata made with potatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, cheese, garnished with red pepper cut-out hearts

A Roma tomato stuffed with egg salad

Cucumber sandwiches with avocado and cream cheese spread

Russian cream with cherries, and heart-shaped chocolate truffle cake

Following the meal there was a program about the history of Valentine's Day and a Valentine contest [three categories - beautiful, humorous and romantic] for those who wanted to participate.  What a fun afternoon, and Chris and Sara didn't leave out a single detail!

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The following October I returned with a different friend for "A Taste of Tea and Treachery Mystery Tea."   What a nice touch to have someone taking photos as a keepsake of the event.

The event was publicized this way:  "October brings memories of the fun of dress-up.  We invite you to come dressed "fit to kill" [optional] as in the Victorian days of Sherlock Holmes and help us solve the mystery of the disappearance of Mistress C. Nomore, the tea lady!  Join the suspense in the tea parlor with good food, good company, and good fun.  There will be prizes for the best costumes." 

Buffet Table

Attendees

Our Table

Fun Menu Description:  The plot will thicken as we tuck into a meal of kneadless violence scones with Devon cream, lemon curd and jam.  Crooked cucumber sandwiches, fowl play sausage banger rolls, Sherlock's savory tart, sweet revenge pumpkin bread pudding with cinnamon mousse and quick and painless raspberry chocolate cookies.    All served with steaming cups of St. James' Sherlock Holmes tea.   [I purchased a tin to take home.]