Thanks to Starbucks, Seattle’s fame as the “Coffee Capital of the USA” remains secure. But in keeping with the spirit of the PBS Masterpiece Theater hit series Downton Abbey and the London Summer Olympics, this travel gal has another Emerald City destination in mind: the Queen Mary Tea Room.
For the last several years, celebrating the end of summer with Afternoon Tea at the Queen Mary has become a mother-daughter ritual. Early on, I had visions of our having heart-to-heart conversations over tea, scones and finger sandwiches in an elegant, intimate setting.
I imagined sharing tips on tea etiquette as we reflected on the past school year and her dreams for the one ahead. But that was my vision, not my daughter’s, who was much more focused on the cookies and other bite-size treats served so appealingly.
Who could blame her? The Queen Mary is a favorite destination for multigenerations whatever the occasion. Little girls come to celebrate birthdays where they are invited to choose from among a selection of tiaras to wear for the event. Women friends, too, come to share special occasions or whisper confidences. Men and women come for the experience of having lunch, tea or biscuits in an elegant setting that reflects a timeless tradition of manners, ritual and civility.
And should you decide to continue the tea tradition at home, you can visit the Queen Mary Tea Emporium just down the street. What tea lover traveler wouldn’t love to bring home a selection of teas with exotic names like Russian Caravan, Brazilian Sweet Orange Maté, Moroccan Blossom or Yang Xian Mao Feng to spark an endless journey of the imagination?
What about you, Wanderboomers? Do you have a favorite tearoom, teahouse or tea traditions that you’ve come across in your travels?
Without a doubt, two places: High Tea at Denver’s Brown Palace, one of Queen Elizabeth’s top 10 places for tea; for “low tea” – definitely the Tea House in Santa Fe. If you go, order their blueberry scone shortcake – it’s the best! And their tea menu is 16 pages long.
Sounds like an absolutely wonderful place and a great spot to go with girlfriends or a daughter. I think my sons might feel a little more at home in a Firehouse Subs or even Starbucks, but hey, even they would probably like the cookies and scones. I don’t know of a place like this in my area but I will be on lookout for something close.
Thanks, Page! I’ve added both places to my “must-visit” tea sites. Thanks for stopping by ~
Of course, your sons would love the cookies and scones, Carol! Thanks for commenting ~
That’s sounds lovely. I had to laugh at your expectations-that is exactly what I’d be envisioning for my daughters and I.
I’m shocked to realize I’ve never been to a tea room. I’ll have to look in to remedying that.
If only big girls–as well as little girls–could wear the tiaras!
I have to laugh at myself, too, Lynne. What was I thinking!? With my daughter now a teenager, my hope for having those heart-to-heart conversations have been put on hold once again. Maybe when she’s 30?? By all means, look for a tea room in your area. You owe it to yourself. Thanks for commenting ~
Ah, but we can at the Queen Mary Tea Room, Beth! After all, are we ever to old to wear a tiara?
No English tea salon to mention, Nancy, but a certain salon de thé is my daily ritual when I’m in France which I wrote about. However, when at home I only rarely set foot in a coffee shop of any kind. Don’t hate me, but I have no real love for scones.
I just read in the NYT that Starbucks is having trouble getting a foothold in Europe — especially France. It’s really interesting to read the reasons why.
Hi, Julie ~ Not even a bite-size scone?? That’s okay – we can still be friends :-). I read the same fascinating article about Starbucks in The NY Times this morning, Julie. I have confidence that Starbucks will succeed where others have failed.
How about the Empress in Victoria, B.C.? Lovely place. My sisters and I are headed there on Tuesday. I’ve been there twice and don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it!
Absolutely, Nadine! I love the Empress for high tea. Thanks for reminding me. I’ll have to plan a visit there with my daughter. Have a lovely visit with your sister!
My favourite tea house is a recent discovery — Vieng Joom On in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. I never expected to find a tea house here, but I did, and it’s fabulous — cucumber sandwiches, floral cushions and an amazing garden setting on the banks of the Ping River. Oh, and free wifi!
Sounds idyllic, Barbara! Lucky you to make such an unexpected find. Thanks for sharing with us here ~
Hi Nancy, the Park Hyatt in Washington, DC has a Tea Cellar with over 50 rare single estate teas, along with a tea master to make recommendations and give insight into each blend — including the exact temperature to let each one reach its flavor potential. It is a very unusual and really great!
I appreciate the recommendation, Cheryl-Anne! I’m definitely putting this one on my list for my next Washington, DC visit. Thanks for stopping by ~
Hi Nancy, I LOVE tea rooms, the English kind, where scones are pronounced with a short A, as I was taught in Zambia (former British colony). No tea rooms there. But I have found a few here in Southern California, where I go and lift my little finger and have a couple of cucumber sandwiches and scones with clotted cream. Lovely.
How fun, Rossandra . . . I’ll have to remember my pronunciation : “scaans . . .” Thanks for the tip!