As fall winds down and gives way to winter, coming indoors to enjoy a relaxing spot of tea seems more appropriate than ever. Add an array of sumptuous sandwiches and decadent desserts and you have a new holiday season tradition.
Clark County boasts three tea houses and, while each one projects its own personality, the desire to create an atmosphere of unhurried pampering is shared by all.
• Myrtle’s Tea House.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Where: 321 N. Third Ave., Ridgefield.
More information: 360-887-9018 or www.myrtlesteahouse.com
Myrtle’s celebrated its 10th anniversary this past May. Their private Unicorn Room has become quite popular for Daddy & Me teas, as well as Mommy & Me and Grandma & Me. A Wee Sipper tea featuring pink hot cocoa and peanut butter and jelly tea sandwiches ensures that young ones enjoy the experience as much as grown-ups. Miz Myrtle’s Afternoon Tea–a three-course affair that begins with sorbet and ends with the option of a chocolate tea to accompany the desserts –is an indulging feast but a slightly paired down version is available.
This time of year, a Holiday Menu showcases delicacies not regularly available, and reservations are required. At the heart of the tea house is a gift shop that owner, Elizabeth Brush, delights in shopping for year-round. Filled with infusers, tongs, demi-spoons, seasonal teas and other accoutrements, it’s a magical place for any tea lover.
• Sweet Peas Tea Room.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Where: 5206 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver.
More information: 360-984-6422 or www.sweetpeastearoom.com
With British owner Sharon Harbeck, and her daughter, Chantelle Davis, at the helm, this is a true English tea room in every sense. Harbeck’s scone and clotted cream recipes have been handed down for three generations, and she acquired the family treasures from her Auntie Gert when she was 11 years old.
Full afternoon tea is a lavish array that begins with sorbet followed by homegrown, homemade tomato basil bisque soup, tea sandwiches, a savory treat, homemade English scones, homemade preserves with the clotted cream and tempting sweets. Sweet Peas also uses free-range eggs in their egg salad sandwiches.
The gift shop includes aprons and tea cozies made by Davis, as well as items knitted with English yarns by Harbeck. Tea wares and tea from around the world can also be purchased.
“Tea is a time of sheer pampering. We want people to not feel hurried and rushed. It’s an experience, and that’s how I want customers to feel when they leave here,” Harbeck said.
• Savor The Moment Tea House.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Where: 619 S.E. First St., Battle Ground.
More information: 360-989-4191 or www.savorthemoment.us
Wendi Deans opened her Victorian-inspired tea house in the heart of Old Town Battle Ground a year ago. From Tea & Scones of the Day for $5 to the full High Tea on a Tower for $18, her range of prices aims to offer affordable options for everyone. Devon cr?me and Deans’ homemade jams — also available in her gift corner — are served with all scones.
Special teas include a monthly Downton Abbey dinner, Sunday brunch by reservation only and Christmas lunch and dinner every Wednesday in the month of December. Heartier fare is featured for these events.
To encourage the youngest generation in the tea tradition, Savor offers little one birthday parties and “I Spy” game sheets. Along with the extensive tea selection, bubble gum tea with gumballs and Bella Coola–a straight fruit tea with dried apples, cranberries and pineapple–are hits with the young and young at heart.
