Taking a Break...

I'll be in Indianapolis, Indiana the next few days attending my church denomination's quadrennial General Assembly, where my son and I are delegates.  My hubby is keeping the home fires burning while we're away.

 

I hope to visit at least one tea room while I'm there, and I'll be sure to blog about it when I get home, and resume my blogging.

Father's Day and Gentlemen's Teas

Yesterday after church, our family met at El Charros, a favorite Mexican restaurant to celebrate Father's Day.  The restaurant's selection of tea was limited, but iced tea was on the menu, and it worked for us!

We started with a Botana appetizer - corn chips, refried beans, chopped onions and green peppers, melted cheese, topped with sliced green olives, and garnished with a few avocado slices.

Our main entree was a Taco/Enchilada Special served with beans and Spanish rice.  I forgot to take a photo of the enchilada with beans and Spanish rice, but I did remember to take a photo of the soft-shell taco.

I belong to a tea-themed E-group, Afternoon Tea Across America [ATAA].  Earlier in the day, one of our creative members wrote a post about "Gentlemen's Teas."  Most tea establishments cater to female clientele, and every tea I've ever hosted has been for female guests, so my interest was definitely piqued by Gentlemen's Teas.   I did a little research after we returned from dinner.

I discovered Dean and Deluca sells an "Earl Grey Gentleman's Tea" by TWG Tea Company of Singapore.  Earl Grey is a classic, and one of my hubby's favorite teas.

[Internet Photo Courtesy of Dean and Deluca]

An Internet search for Gentlemen's Tea showed the majority of them are offered in London, England, but I did find at least two establishments that offer them in the United States.

The Grand Floridian Resort Tea Lounge, at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has what they call a "Gentleman's Tea Platter" [Prince Edward's Tea], which is an array of duck and cherry terrine; chicken and pork roulade; country pate en croute; and English Blue Stilton, the "King" of English cheeses. It is served with marinated fresh berries, and cumberland sauce.  Also included are delicious fresh baked scones with rich Devonshire cream, and a choice of tea, with a glass of Port. 

[Internet Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World]

The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago has long offered Afternoon Tea in its lobby, where the majority of attendees are women.  So their food and beverage manager instituted a twist on Afternoon Tea for the opposite sex called the Gentlemen's Retreat Tea, which is served daily in Peninsula's Bar upstairs.  The menu consists of hearty savory appetizers such as barbecued baby lamb chops, smoked salmon club sandwiches, mini beef burgers with blue cheese, and more.  Tea, coffee, and a glass of the hotel's privately blended bourbon and a cigar are also included.

[Internet Photo Courtesy of Haute Living.com]

Thanks to Martha, my mind is swirling with ideas for a Gentlemen's Tea.   Since the men in my family don't drink alcoholic beverages or smoke, I would have to come up with a non-alcoholic beverage to accompany tea, and offer a chocolate cigar! ;-)  It was fun reading the menus, and looking at photos from a few of London's Gentlemen's teas for ideas and inspiration.  

For a Father's Day Gentlemen's Tea across the pond, the Royal Horseguards, a two-time recipient of the Tea Guild's Top London Afternoon Tea Award of Excellence, offered this "macho makeover":  Beef and Ale Pie; a Casterbridge Steak Sandwich; Mini-Fish and Chips with Pea Puree; and a Smoked Bacon and Cheddar savory Muffin.   It's a meal designed for the modern gent, served in the stylish Equus bar.

[Internet Photo courtesy of Media.VisitBritain.com]

There wasn't a "cutsy" cupcake in sight!  The selection of desserts included: man-sized cupcakes with 'whiskey and walnut', and 'chocolate and chili' flavors; "manly" macarons, and a chocolate tool kit.   The Gentlemen's Tea also included freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserves, washed down with a Builder's Tea or one of the hotel's award winning tea blends.  The cost: $56 [US money].  For those who wanted to upgrade and get a Habanos Cuban Cigar and a signature gentleman's cocktail, there was an additional charge of $39.

[Internet Photo courtesy of Media.VisitBritain.com]

Doesn't a Gentleman's Tea sound like a fun alternative to serve the men in your life?  Have you hosted a Gentleman's Tea?  If so, please share.

J.L. Hudson's Department Store Presentation at Longacre House

This past Tuesday [June 11th], I was invited to Longacre House in Farmington Hills, Michigan to present a program on Detroit's iconic department store, J.L. Hudson's.  The City's Cultural Arts Department hosts monthly teas for the community to attend.

I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share my Hudson's memorabilia, and talk about this great department store from years past.

The never-before-worn turquoise hat came from Hudson's - an  E-bay purchase.  It still had the original $3.99 price tag affixed.  Since it matched my outfit, I wore it during part of my presentation. 

My good friend, Lori, attended the tea with me.

Lovely room where the monthly teas are held.

Tablescape 

Program

Attendees

1st course was Canadian Cheese soup - a popular Hudson's menu item.  My soup was eaten before a picture was taken, so the kitchen graciously allowed this photo to be taken afterwards.

The second [main] course was Hudson's famous Maurice Salad accompanied by a scone. You'll notice the scone is halved, and a seemingly out-of-place chocolate brownie is on the luncheon plate.   It's called, quick thinking and flexibility!   The meal was catered, and when the kitchen staff opened the delivery boxes to begin plating the meal, they discovered only half of the boxes contained scones, while the other half were filled with brownies.  A huge mix-up in the order. They quickly cut the scones in half to accommodate everybody, and the brownies were a bonus!  What woman doesn't like chocolate, right?  ;-)

Dessert was another popular Hudson's menu item - Hot fudge ice cream puffs.

The ladies ate their dessert while I gave my presentation.

One attendee's grandfather helped build one of the later additions to the Hudson's building. [He owned a cement company.]  At the conclusion of my presentation when I gave the ladies an opportunity to share their Hudson memories, she came up and told about her grandfather's connection to Hudson's.

Ladies looking at Hudson's memorabilia. 

It was a fun, nostalgic theme, and everyone seemed to enjoy reminiscing about Michigan's beloved department store.

Graduating from High School

Last Sunday, June 9th, my granddaughter, Marissa Lauren, graduated from high school in a class of 633 students.  Their class song was "Don't Blink" by Kenny Chesney, and my daughter spoke a similar comment as we watched Marissa file into the stadium with her classmates at the beginning of the commencement ceremony. She said to me, "We blinked and she grew up!"

Occasions like this prompt many memories, accompanied with the realization that time passes much too swiftly. 

Marissa was probably in the 2nd grade [2003] when she drew this picture for me.  She dated it Aug. 22, but didn't include the year.  It was definitely a keeper.  She learned early on that her Nana liked tea!

~ Marissa in Kindergarten ~

~ Marissa's Senior Picture ~

~ Marissa with her Mom [my daughter, Lori] ~

~ Marissa with her older brother, Brandon, and older sister, Tiffany ~

~ Papa, Marissa, and Nana ~

~ The whole family ~

A Happy Day!

 Congratulations, Marissa!

        

Williamston Antique Mall

When we left Cristy's on Saturday, we saw road signs advertising Williamston Antique Market. We had two hours before the antique market closed, and since neither of us had tight schedules we decided to stop.

I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but with 75 dealers, the likelihood of seeing something I liked was pretty good!   I spotted some reasonably priced ramekins in a locked cabinet, and after inspection, decided to purchase them.  I've been collecting ramekins for several years.  At some point I will feature my entire collection on my blog, but for now, these are the two I bought at the antique market.

These ramekins will be very pretty on a tea table.  I love the tiny pink roses on the white and beige china, and the delicate gold rimmed, scalloped edges.

The M Z Austria mark was used by Moritz Zdekauer on porcelains made at his works in Altrolau, Austria from 1884 to 1909.  Zdekauer's company exported pieces to America and Dutch colonies before another company took ownership.

Between Cristy's fabulous tea, and our finds at the antique mall, we concluded it was a very enjoyable day!

Cristy's Flower Fairy Fantasy Tea

On Saturday, June 8th, my girlfriend, Lori, and I traveled to East Lansing, MI to attend another of Cristy Bennett's teas - Flower Fairy Fantasy.  As you will see, Cristy seems to outdo herself with every tea she hosts.

She always sets the stage outside for what's to come inside.  The porch of her cottage-style house was decorated with fantasy-like wisteria.

Below is what we saw when we stepped inside.  Cristy is the only person I know who decorates her house to coordinate with the theme of her teas.   She's absolutely amazing!

Her antique hutch...

Fairy garden on the top of the hutch!

The mantel...  Cristy said the fabric was the inspiration for the tea.

The antique secretary, with a fairy statue.

Fairies on top of a dining room china cabinet.  Also fairies pictures on the wall!

Another dining room china cabinet.

A corner china cabinet.

And now for the fairy tablescape. Cristy made the rose petal placemats.  I don't think she ever sleeps!  ;-)

Notice the star fairy wand in the fresh floral arrangement that was ours to take home.  Cristy also made our individual fairy menu booklets.  She used to be a Stampin' Up consultant, and has card making experience.

Even our drinking straws had bell-shaped flowers attached.  Normally Cristy's teas are for adults only, but three adorable little girls attended this fairy tea.  

The teacup centerpieces were stunning!  

Cristy's husband, David, distributed warm hand cloths before the tea began, and then we were ready for a toast with sparkling strawberry juice. 

The first course was chilled Strawberry Fairy Nectar, and Flower Petal Cream Scones with Strawberry Cream.   Our tea was Goju Berry Green Tea from Tealightful Treasures.

Second course was Fruity Fairy Chicken Salad in Wonton Flower Petal Cup; Fairy Wing Pasta Salad; and Starry Night Fruit Salad.  Everything tasted as good as it looks!

Third course was Flower Fairy Strawberry Tea Cakes served with Strawberry Black Tea.

Lori and Me

Before leaving we stepped outside to Cristy's backyard to see the fairy garden there.  Too cute!

What a wonderful afternoon!  Now we're looking forward to returning in August for her Peaches and Cream Tea.  I'll be sure to tell you all about it!