The Victorian Rose tearoom in Rochester, MI opened in 1995, owned and operated by Loretta Curry. It was the first tearoom I visited after I became smitten with tea in 1998, and I have visited it many times through the years.
When I was there in September [during the Michigan Tea Tour] the server said Loretta was closing after her Christmas teas this year. My friend, Joanie, called and made reservations for the 2:00 p.m. seating last Saturday, Dec. 10th. We were told it was a sell-out.
Loretta, who is the chef, occasionally came out of the kitchen to mingle with guests. Her final series of Christmas teas will be this this weekend. The good news is someone bought the tearoom and it will reopen on Jan. 9, 2017 as Tonia's Victorian Rose Tearoom.
The tables were festively set, and our five-course meal began with Tazo's Passion tea, and a Cherry Almond Scone with Chai Butter.
~ Second was Creamy Asparagus Pea Soup with Proscuitto. ~
The third course was Baby Cheese-filled Purses topped with Lemon Herb Butter Sauce.
The main course was a Chicken Breast with Apricot and Cornbread Stuffing, covered with a Cranberry Orange Glaze, served with a Roasted Mixed Pepper and Caper Potato Hash.
Dessert was a Chocolate Grand Marnier Lady Finger Parfait.
Loretta's Christmas finale tea was exceptional, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
[L-R: Linda, Joanie, and Me]
Thank you, Loretta, for 21 years of service. I'm glad Tonia is going to perpetuate your legacy.
