This month's theme recipe - Regency era FLUMMERY

from Dinner with Mr Darcy by Pen Vogler 

Flummery is a white jelly, which was set in elegant molds or as shapes in clear jelly. Its delicate, creamy taste goes particularly well with rhubarb, strawberries, and raspberries. A modern version would be to add the puréed fruit to the ingredients, taking away the same volume of water.
  • 1⁄2 cup/50g ground almonds
  • 1 tsp natural rosewater (with no added alcohol)
  • A drop of natural almond extract
  • 11⁄4 cups/300ml milk
  • 1 1⁄4 cups heavy (double) cream 1–2 tbsp superfine (caster) sugar 5 gelatin leaves
1) Put the gelatin in a bowl and cover with cold water; leave for 4–5 minutes
2) Pour the milk, almonds, and sugar into a saucepan and heat slowly until just below boiling.
3) Squeeze out the excess water from the gelatin leaves and add them to the almond milk. Simmer for a few minutes, keeping it below boiling point. Let it cool a little and strain it through cheesecloth, or a very fine sieve
4) Whip the cream until thick, and then fold it into the tepid mixture. Wet your molds (essential, to make it turn out), put the flummery in (keeping some back for the hen’s nest recipe below if you’d like) and leave to stand in the fridge overnight
5) To serve: If you don’t have a jelly mold with a removable lid, dip the mold briefly into boiling water before turning out the flummery
"To make Flummery Put one ounce of bitter and one of sweet almonds into a basin, pour over them some boiling water to make the skins come off, which is called blanching. Strip off the skins and throw the kernels into cold water. Then take them out and beat them in a marble mortar with a little rosewater to keep them from oiling. When they are beat, put them into a pint of calf’s foot stock, set it over the fire and sweeten it to your taste with loaf sugar. As soon as it boils strain it through a piece of muslin or gauze. When a little cold put it into a pint of thick cream and keep stirring it often till it grows thick and cold. Wet your moulds in cold water and pour in the flummery, let it stand five or six hours at least before you turn them out. If you make the flummery stiff and wet the moulds, it will turn out without putting it into warm water, for water takes off the figures of the mould and makes the flummery look dull."ELIZABETH RAFFALD,THE EXPERIENCED ENGLISH HOUSEKEEPER, 1769

Promoting our friends in tea

Do you or a friend run a TEA-FRIENDLY BUSINESS? Increase your exposure and good juju with promotion here on the Tea Travellers site. Click the Publicitea tab for options and details.  

THE QUEEN MARY TEA ROOM & RESTAURANT

ADDRESS: 2912 NE 55th St, Seattle, WA 98105
CROSS STREETS: 29th & 30th Avenues NE
FWY ACCESS: 5, near Highway 520

WEBSITE: queenmarytea.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram 
PHONE: (206) 527-2770
EMAIL: queenmary@queenmarytearoom.com

HOURS OF OPERATION:
  • Breakfast: 9-11a
  • Lunch: 11a-6p
  • Afternoon Tea: Anytime Last seating: 4p (4:30 on Saturday and Sunday)
PARKING: Street
CAPACITY: Call to discuss your event needs
RESERVATIONS: Recommended, especially on weekends
GIFT SHOP: Yes! There is a small (and adorable) shop onsite as well as an entire store a few doors away
WC: Yes
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes
CHILDREN WELCOME: Yes
OUTDOOR DINING: na
DRESS: Come as you are
CATERING: Take-away
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS: Call ahead to discuss
PRICE: $37
DESCRIPTION OF AMBIENCE: Cozy, traditional English feel
CULINARY SPECIALTIES: Pasties & entree pies, sorbet trio, phyllo tart
UNIQUE ASPECTS: The oldest tea spot in the USA (as we've been told)
OWNED BY: Mary Greengo
SURROUNDING BUSINESSES: Tavern, coffee, brewery, jewelry, art gallery
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1988
LISTING UPDATED: September 2016

MENU

Afternoon Tea is served anytime, includes a pot of
Queen Mary tea and each of the following:

Fruit sorbet trio
Queen Mum's shortbread

Zucchini tea bread
English buttermilk crumpet
Cranberry orange scone



Ginger cookie
Oatmeal raisin cookie
Chocolate fudge brownie
Assorted fresh fruit

Potato leek soup
Wild rice filled phyllo tart
Coronation chicken cashew tea sandwich
English cucumber and mint tea sandwich
Q.M. smoked salmon mousse on rye swirl
Roasted vegetable quiche
Pork sausage roll

(Vegetarian & gluten-free options available)

Served with whipped cream, butter, jam and marmalade.

$37 per person



Embellish your Afternoon Tea with a glass of bubbly!

Choose from the following:

BELLINI, FRAMBOISE, KIR ROYALE,
MAGNOLIA, MIMOSA, STRAWBERRY PASSION KISS
Additional $6 per person

SWEET PEAS TEA ROOM

ADDRESS: 5206 NE 78th St, Vancouver, WA 98665
CROSS STREETS: NE Andresen & NE St Johns
FWY ACCESS: 205

WEBSITE: sweetpeastearoom.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook 
PHONE: (360) 984-6422
EMAIL: sweetpeastearoom@yahoo.com

HOURS OF OPERATION:
  • Tues-Sat, 11a-4p
PARKING: Lot
CAPACITY: Call to discuss your event needs
RESERVATIONS: Recommended, especially on weekends
GIFT SHOP: Yes
WC: Yes

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes, via ramp
CHILDREN WELCOME: Yes
OUTDOOR DINING: na
DRESS: Come as you are
CATERING: Take-away
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS: Call ahead to discuss
PRICE: $25

DESCRIPTION OF AMBIENCE: Charming, warm, tasteful decor in the historic Padden House
CULINARY SPECIALTIES: Traditional English treats made onsite using local ingredients
UNIQUE ASPECTS: British owned & operated
OWNED BY: Sharon Harbeck
SURROUNDING BUSINESSES: Local eateries, a vet's office and animal shops
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2015
LISTING UPDATED: September 2016

MENU

FULL AFTERNOON TEA
This is the real deal when it comes to Afternoon tea and is a special treat.
We begin your tea experience with sorbet to cleanse your pallet. This is followed by a cup of our soup of the day, always hot and delicious. You then receive four tasty tea sandwiches, a savory treat , two authentic homemade English scones served with preserves and our special clotted cream. Four delicate tasty desserts follow along with a little fresh fruit to top it off just perfectly. All of this comes with a bottomless pot of tea of your choice.
$25



Tea for Two
Tea for Two and Two for Tea.
What could be nicer than sharing a tea with a friend or a loved one. This is the perfect solution. Each of you will receive the following...
You begin with sorbet to cleanse the pallet and then a cup of our soup of the day. This is followed by Three sandwiches and a savory delight. One homemade English scone with preserves and Clotted cream and three demi desserts. One large, bottomless pot of tea for you to share.
$35 per pair



The Luncheon Tea
For those of you that require a little less sweetness this is a perfect choice especially at lunch time.
We begin with a hot cup of soup followed by four assorted tea sandwiches and a homemade  scone with preserves and clotted cream. There is also a bottomless pot of tea for your enjoyment.
$15



Union Jack Tea
Especially for the little ones 10 years and younger
We have made a special tea for our younger patrons. We start you off with sorbet to cleanse your pallet. Two tea sandwiches, a true English Scone, preserves and Clotted cream and two desserts.A child's pot of tea or hot chocolate. We also offer Lemonade.
$12 per person



Please we ask that there is no sharing, we offer a Tea for Two.

We ask that if you have any dietary allergies you let us know 24 hrs prior to your visit. Our food is made to order and if we are aware of your needs we can prepare ahead for you.

AT THIS TIME WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCOMODATE GLUTEN FREE OR DAIRY FREE DIETS.

Quiche L/Arraigned

A Sunday Brunch goes tragically wrong when a squabble breaks out over the quiche du jour. Was it just the mimosas talking? Or was it something that’s been slowly baking for years? 

Wed, Aug 17 at 2:30pm
at Pamela's Tea Room in Garden Grove

 

$29.75 includes
game
themed afternoon tea menu
& tax 
(gratuity addtiional)

Please call tearoom directly for advance reservations 714-897-9442

Marmalaid to Rest - July 2016

Our 2nd event in 2016's 
Summer Sleuthing Series
Marmalaid to Rest
a Cup of Mystery tea whodunnit game

Wed, July 20 at 2:30pm
at Pamela's Tea Room, Garden Grove, CA

A holiday in Seville turns bloody when the corpse of an orange grove owner crops up

$29.75 includes
mystery game
Pot of English tea
fancy salad du jour
4 assorted tea sandwiches - chef’s choice
crumpet with orange marmalade
cranberry orange scone with clotted cream & jam
theme dessert
& sales tax (gratuity additional ... and appreciated)

By Advance Reservation - Seating is Limited
Call tearoom directly to reserve: 714-897-9442

Annual Austentatious Afternoon Tea #3

For this year's annual Jane Austen themed tea we're venturing to The French Estate, a residence that looks like it would have been home to any number of Jane Austen's characters. 


$25 per person covers venue rental fees & (hopefully) live music -- please try to pay by JULY 4 to help us hold this date as it's the only one available in November.

WE NEED #35 GUESTS TO CONFIRM OUR RESERVATION SO PLEASE SHARE THIS EVENT WILLY NILLY

The tea party will be a potluck to keep costs down. Please bring your favorite tea treats and come prepared to party Regency style. Period attire and attitudes encouraged -- but most important, come wearing what you're comfortable in.

We'll even have an optional 'whodunnit' of sorts, involving gossip & scandal as opposed to homicide

BYO favorite tea cup and be ready to share why you love it so much. Tea will be provided, btw.

Please send funds:
  • Either electronically to LECOLESIRENE@GMAIL.COM as you would to "friends or family" (lest we be charged 'product/service' fees) via Paypal, Google Wallet or QuikPay 
  • or Via post, by check made out to SIREN SCHOOL 6475 E. Pacific Coast Hwy #259 ~ Long Beach, CA 90803

PS - We hope to attract a goodly number of males as we plan to offer simple country dance instruction


Passage to India themed tea event


Saturday, September 10, 2016
11:00 AM

Tea and Teacups
18154 Imperial Hwy, Yorba Linda, CA 

Dolly Shewa, the new owner of Tea and Teacups in Yorba Linda, is infusing some of her Indian heritage and love of tea into this tearoom that has been serving OC for the past quarter century. In celebration, we'll host A Passage to India tea -- using more the name than the substance of the beloved book by EM Forster. Even so, please feel free to come in 1920s British or Indian attire, be it merely a hat and gloves or a beautiful sari

$30 includes tea sandwiches, soup, scone, traditional Indian savory and dessert, tax & gratuity

Your payment ensures your RSVP, so please send funds to secure your spot as follows:

  • Either electronically to LECOLESIRENE@GMAIL.COM as you would to "friends or family" (lest we be charged 'product/service' fees) via Paypal, Google Wallet or QuikPay 
  • or Via post, by check made out to SIREN SCHOOL 6475 E. Pacific Coast Hwy #259 ~ Long Beach, CA 90803 



Bringing the Tea Travellers Societea to you


Do you ever see the societea's event posts on social media and curse the distance that prevents you from attending? Well, curse no more. Now that the Tea Traveller's Societea is officially one year old, we've had a year's worth of opportunities to see what works and what is unnecessary. Wacky themed tea events have been very popular, but our tearooms treasure hunt went unnoticed. Mysteries have garnered interest, and the Victoria, BC Tea Tour was fun and fabulous.

We've taken what we've learned and are now ready to enlarge the scope of societea activities by enabling afternoon tea enthusiasts to start up local Societea Salons (chapters) in their hometowns. While customizing their group to fit their particular niche and personality, they'll have access to Tea Travellers Societea activiteas as well as have TTS behind them when it comes to both training and promotion.

If you're interested in parlaying your love of the tea life into into socially satisfying connections with local people who love the same things you do -- all while earning a little pocket change -- put the kettle on and join us as a Salonniere. It will give you just one more excuse to indulge in the pleasures and magic of tea.

Start planning now for a haunting good time

Join us for a Hop On / Hop Off 
up the California coast -- visiting all your favorite haunts 
Oct 8-16, 2016

SECRET GARDEN TEA ROOM & GIFT SHOP

ADDRESS: 1711 Elm St E, Sumner, WA 98390
CROSS STREETS: Between Bonney & Wright
FWY ACCESS: 5, near Hwy 167

WEBSITE: sgtea.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook  
PHONE: (253) 826-4479
EMAIL: secretgardener@msn.com

HOURS OF OPERATION:
  • Wed-Sun, 10a-4p (shop closes at 5p)
PARKING: Street and lot
CAPACITY: Call to discuss your event needs
RESERVATIONS: Recommended, especially on weekends
GIFT SHOP: Yes! The "gift shop is stocked with tea-time treasures and a variety of delightful gifts including our own loose-leaf teas, fanciful jewelry and accessories, and charming floral accents for your home."
WC: Yes

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes
CHILDREN WELCOME: Yes
OUTDOOR DINING: Yes, call to discuss
DRESS: Come as you are
CATERING: Yes
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS: Call ahead to discuss
PRICE: $29
DESCRIPTION OF AMBIENCE: 1890s Victorian mansion; "Our dining rooms are decorated with china and antique glassware from our vintage china collection which we have made available for party rentals"
CULINARY SPECIALTIES: In-house 'from scratch' recipes
UNIQUE ASPECTS: They rent china and do all sorts of amazing things, including taking tea trips to England!
OWNED BY: Mark Elliott
SURROUNDING BUSINESSES: A handful of eclectic eateries
YEAR ESTABLISHED: opened in Sumner, 2005 
LISTING UPDATED: March 2017


MENU

AFTERNOON TEA SETS
These tea sets are available all day.
On Saturdays, all tea sets are available
only by prior reservation.

LARKSPUR
LUNCHEON TEA
Pot of Tea
Scones with Devonshire Cream,
Jam & Lemon Curd
Sorbet
Tiered rack with Tea Sandwiches,
Savories, Fresh Fruit
Seasonal Pastries & Sweets
Hot Towel Service
$29
(Gluten Free +$5 with 48 hour notice)

HOLLYHOCK
HIGH TEA
Pot of Tea
Cup of Soup of the Day
Scones with Devonshire Cream,
Jam & Lemon Curd
Sorbet
Orzo Pea Salad
Tiered rack with Tea Sandwiches,
Savories, Fresh Fruit
Seasonal Pastries and Sweets
Hot Towel Service
$33
(Gluten Free +$5 with 48 hour notice)

ROSE
CELEBRATION TEA
Commemorative Photograph
Pot of Tea
Royal Sparkling Wine or  Apple Cider
Cheese & Fruit Plate
Sorbet
Scones with Devonshire Cream,
Jam & Lemon Curd
Tiered rack with Tea Sandwiches,
Savories, Fresh Fruit
Petite Pastries and Sweets
Individual Chocolate Rose Cake
in Raspberry Coulis
Hot Towel Service
$43
This tea set is available only if the entire party orders it.  Child’s version is $33 (under 12)
(Gluten Free +$5 with 48 hour notice)

* * *


LIGHT TEA SETS
These tea sets are available at specified times only.
On Saturdays, all tea sets are available
only by prior reservation.

VIOLET
SWEET TEA
(served before 11 after 2:30)
Pot of Tea
Scones with Devonshire Cream,
Jam & Lemon Curd
Seasonal Pastries and Sweets
$14
(Gluten Free +$3 with 48 hour notice)

CAMELLIA
CREAM TEA
(served after 2:30 only)
Pot of Tea
Scones with Devonshire Cream,
Jam & Lemon Curd
Fruit Cup
$12
(Gluten Free +$3 with 48 hour notice)

LAVENDER LIGHT AFTERNOON TEA
(served after 2:30, weekdays only)
Pot of Tea
Scones with Devonshire Cream,
Jam & Lemon Curd
Tiered rack with Tea Sandwiches,
Fresh Fruit
Petite Pastries
$20
(Gluten Free +$4 with 48 hour notice)


Scones and goodies (Devonshire Cream, Jam and Lemon Curd) are unlimited when consumed in our dining room.
Tea is a leisurely meal to be savored~
our tea sets include numerous items, many of which are prepared to order.
Tea sets may not be split,
as the tea and scones are unlimited when consumed in our dining room.
Please let us know of any food allergies~ some accommodations are possible. Vegetarian versions of our tea sets are available with prior notice.  We do not offer vegan or gluten-free tea sets.


CULVER HOTEL

ADDRESS: 9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
CROSS STREETS: Main Street & Cardiff Avenue
FWY ACCESS: 10 & 405

WEBSITE: culverhotel.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter 
PHONE: 310-558-9400
EMAIL: info@culverhotel.com

HOURS OF OPERATION:
  • No designated hours — just call and request your preferred date & time
PARKING: Valet $8 (very convenient); Self-parking (far less convenient — ask the valet to point the way)
CAPACITY: Call to discuss your event needs
RESERVATIONS: Required with a credit card to hold
GIFT SHOP: NA
WC: Yes

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes
CHILDREN WELCOME: Yes (those who can behave in a hotel — there is no child's menu)
OUTDOOR DINING: Not applicable for tea
DRESS: Come as you feel comfortable in a nice hotel
CATERING: Take-away
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS: Call ahead to discuss
PRICE: $25
DESCRIPTION OF AMBIENCE: Classic elegance in the hotel's open and opulent lobby
CULINARY SPECIALTIES: Mignardises

UNIQUE ASPECTS: National landmark from a bygone era
OWNED BY: Managed by Seth Horowitz — John Wayne once owned a share of the hotel which he won in a poker game
SURROUNDING BUSINESSES: In the heart of Culver City, the area was created by original hotel owner Harry Culver and features a smattering of eateries
YEAR ESTABLISHED: Hotel built 1924, renovated in 2011
LISTING UPDATED: Mayl 2016

MENU

Full Tea
Scones with cream and lemon curd
Assorted finger sandwiches
Petite pastries and mignardises
Choice of tea
$25

Culver Tea
All of the above plus
Strawberries and cream
Champagne
$32








Plough on

TEA TRIVIA TUESDAY


Farmer's Tea is a combination of a Ploughman's Lunch (heavy grained bread, sharp cheese, fruit, and sausages or a meat pie), popular in British pubs, served with a sweet.

[image of Francis Tea Rooms from Tripadvisor]

Mystery Monday - Scone Cold Dead

It's MYSTERY MONDAY with 
SCONE COLD DEAD
Available now on Amazon or the Cup of Mystery site -


A customer ends up dead and the tea room's kitchen takes the heat. Help them clear their name and keep their A rating with the health department

(type: Spot of Mystery for 1+ sleuths, this is a mystery solved on the spot while at tea with mayhem served up between courses)