Mystery Tea Trip

Last Wednesday, January 25th, my friend, Linda, planned a "Mystery Tea Trip" for three ladies - Barb, Lori, and myself [all participants of last fall's Michigan Tea Tour].  We had no idea where we were going only that we should be dressed for tea [wearing comfortable shoes], and be at her house by 9:15 a.m.

Turns out she had been in contact with Teresa [another Michigan Tea Tour participant from Ohio] and we were meeting at Swan House Tea Room in Findlay, Ohio at 11:00 a.m. Findlay is 126 miles from my house.  This was my third visit to Swan House - 2004, 2012, and 2017, and each time with a different owner.

Lovely 1865 Italianate Style House at 225 W. Sandusky St., where the tea room is located.

Teresa was there with her mom, daughter, grandson, and four other ladies, so we filled a room all to ourselves.

The tables were set with Blue Danube china in a vivid blue design - used by all Swan House proprietors.  Swan napkin rings held the white linen napkins.

Our tea began with a scone, and three different kinds of tea.



Afterwards three-tiered servers were placed on our table.

The bottom plate held slices of Herb Quiche, Apple Walnut Tea Bread, and Spinach Dip with crackers.

The middle place held a Carrot Ginger Canapé, Rosemary Chicken Salad Sandwich, and Fruit Salad.

The top tier held the desserts:  Signature Swan Cream Puff, Nanaimo Bar, and a Lemon Thimble Cookie.  All this for $18.95 plus gratuity.

After the meal it was time for pictures...

[L-R:  Barb, Linda, Lori, and Me]

~ Linda who planned the enjoyable "Mystery Trip." ~

When we left Swan House we went to Dietsch Brothers Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream Shop, and lastly before heading home, Jeffrey's Antiques Mall.  Amazingly, I didn't make a single purchase, but I enjoyed browsing the mall.

Thanks for planning such a delightful day, Linda!

Afternoon Tea at The Swan House Tea Room

My girlfriend and I had reservations for Afternoon Tea at The Swan House Tea Room in Findlay, Ohio on October 30th, but with superstorm Sandy's broad reaching side effects, we  rescheduled for Friday, November 9th.

 

Below are three photos from a previous visit in June 2004, when it was under different ownership.

 

 

 

 

It's about a two hour and 15 minute drive to Findlay from my house, but from my girlfriend's house it's about an hour less.   Our reservations were for 11:00 a.m.   We were on the road by 9:30 a.m. and arrived in plenty of time.

 

This is the beautiful Victorian Italianate house on Sandusky Street where the tea room is located.

 

 

 

Below, Bev [on the left], is the current owner of Swan House, with her friendly hostess who greeted and seated us.  Christmas music was playing softly in the background to provide holiday atmosphere for their Christmas open house. 

 

 

The photo below is the elegant tea room.  We were the first reservation of the day to be seated, but by the time we left many of the tables were filled with guests.

 

 

The table was set with Blue Danube china, with a silver swan napkin ring.  Blue Danube is a high-quality white china pattern with vivid Meissen blue floral designs on the rim and bowl of the plate, which is scallop-shaped with edges beautifully trimmed in blue.   Swans  symbolize many things, some of which are  love, fidelity, and royalty.  They have a strong association with Greek mythology.

 

 

I ordered pumpkin cream black tea - very smooth and not spicy.

 

 

Scones were brought out first...

 

 

with Devonshire cream, lemon curd, and preserves.

 

 

Three tiered server with their November menu items.

 

 

Bottom tier:  Orange Cranberry Muffin,  Baguette Slice with Almond Cheddar Spread [my favorite item on the entire tray - would love to have the recipe!] and a Grape and Cheese Kabob.

 

 

Middle tier - Savories: Crustless Cheesy Herb Quiche, Mini Ham Puff, and Turkey Tea Sandwich [a ground turkey salad]. 

 

 

Third tier - Desserts:  Chocolate Chai Latte Cookie, Pumpkin Bar and their Signature Swan Cream Puff pastry.

 

 

Afternoon Tea is $17.50 per person and includes tax.   Gratuity is additional.

 

 [L-R:  Sandy & Me]
 

It was a very enjoyable Afternoon Tea.   The only difference that I noticed in this visit compared to 2004 was the servers previously wore black dresses with  white pinafore aprons, and they don't wear those anymore.  The new owner has maintained the same standard and pretty much the same procedures of the previous owner.   I highly recommend The Swan House, and one of the perks for visiting The Swan House is going to Jeffrey's Antique Gallery afterwards, which I'll be blogging about tomorrow.