Reynolds Tavern, Annapolis

My tiered tea!  This tray has tea for two people

Tea, Tea, Glorious Tea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

I went to Reynolds Tavern in Annapolis one weekend to sample their Afternoon (Tea) Delights. 

One thing I loved right off the bat about this menu is that they offer diners a nice selection of tea menus to choose from, whether it's a simple Cream Tea ($7.90 for a pot of tea and a scone) or a more elaborate Champagne Tea ($24 for the Afternoon Tea menu PLUS a glass of champagne and chocolate).   

I chose the Afternoon Tea ($17) which includes a pot of tea, one scone, a selection of sandwiches, 2 tiny savory tarts and a variety of tea cakes and pastries. 

Cranberry and Orange Scones

We had a choice of a cranberry and orange scone or golden raisin scone.  My cranberry orange scone was warm and full of fruit and flavor.  I knew from this scone that this Afternoon Tea was going to be a treat. 

I always eat the scones first since they are usually right out of the oven.  As you can see, I don't like to skimp on my cream or jam :)

 Savories!

We had three sandwich quarters - one cucumber, one ham and one egg salad.  Our two tarts were a mini mushroom tart and a mini shepherd's pie that had me oooh-ing and aaah-ing with my mouth full.  

Sweeties!

Look at those beauties.  I was in sweetie heaven!!!  On this dessert tier I had a chocolate truffle, a lavender cookie, a Russian teacake, a lemon bar, a piece of poundcake, some hummingbird cake and THE PIECE DE RESISTANCE - a Bakewell cake.  When our server told us that this was included, I'm pretty sure I reacted like I had won a million dollars.  Bakewell tarts are quintessentially British, and this cake mirrors the cherry and almond flavors so well that I was transported to British heaven. 

Additionally, (and this is very important though not stated on the menu) you can have UNLIMITED pots of tea!!!  This is always a big deal for me because I like to try new teas at tea rooms (especially ones that I wouldn’t usually buy for myself at home).  I tried a regular British Breakfast tea, another black tea called Canton Spice Tea that I hated because it had lemon in it, and a lovely Green tea flavored with cherry that I surprisingly loved!

What a WONDERFUL afternoon.  I swear, if it were up to me I would be taking tea at a different place every weekend.  Sure, this may seem expensive, but trust me it's worth it if you love tea, or if you love bite sized treats, and if you have hours to spend chatting with friends - because this is not supposed to be a fast meal!

Reynolds Tavern is definitely one of the best Tea Rooms I've been to in Maryland (along with Tea by Two).  I loved:

• Their tea selection
• Unlimited tea
• The food!!! 
• The proper yet convivial atmosphere
• The serving ware :)
• The general adorableness of its location - in a brick building on Church Circle in downtown Annapolis next to plenty of street parking and parking garages, but also with valet.

Not only will I want to come back for tea, but I would love to try some of the British selections from their menu. Bangers and Mash?  Shepherd's Pie?  Yes, please!

Teaism, Penn Quarter, Washington DC

My book club planned to meet at Teaism, a casual self-seating restaurant that has an Asian flare, in DC’s Penn Quarter one Sunday afternoon, which made me very excited about the prospect of having afternoon tea (we all know how much I love those!!!).

Everyday from 2:30-5:30pm, Teaism has the option of ordering the following afternoon teas:

Traditional Menu 20.00
Tea sandwiches, ginger scone, cookies, lime curd tartlets, chocolate truffles, and a pot of tea

Asian Menu 20.00
Rice balls with pickle & sesame, tea cured salmon & nori, tofu with ginger, green tea ice cream, mochi, chocolate truffles, and a pot of tea

Because I am a sucker for tea sandwiches and scones, I had to go with the traditional menu.  In fact, I ended up splitting it with a friend of mine, and we just ordered another pot of tea (I ordered a Keemun black tea, since I know I love that) since the menu only comes with one pot. Sharing was such a great idea since I felt very satiated from my half.

The best part of the menu was their ginger scone, hands down (get the recipe here). If you like ginger, you will love these sweet scones, especially with a little bit of the marmalade. 

I really enjoyed their cucumber sandwiches that were made with rice vinegar.  Their cookies (on the bottom tier) were OK, but I LOVED the mini tart.  

 The truffle tasted like a matcha white chocolate truffle that I was NOT a fan of.  I didn't like the fudgy consistency and I didn't like the super sweet taste either.  The fact that it was green didn't help :)

Some mores notes:

- This is not a traditional tea room, so don't expect unlimited tea or table service like normal.  In fact, don't expect many other people ordering the afternoon tea....
- They don't have descriptions of teas on their menu!  This always bothers me!  I don't know what "Now and Zen" is or "World Peace," for example.
- If you are ordering tea from the small selection on the menu, don't forget to look at the chalkboard around the register - there are more listed there.

Overall, though I enjoyed everything I ate, it really is just the wrong atmosphere for a two-tiered afternoon tea.  I am glad I tried it, but I think next time I would order a pot of tea, some ginger scones and something savory since all the other items that my friends chose looked really good.

Tea by Two, Bel Air

Real Talk: I am obsessed with Tea Rooms. They make me SOOOOOO happy!  If you've never been to one, Tea by Two in Bel Air is a great place to try for your first time because it will make you as obsessed as me (well, probably not AS obsessed.....).

Check out this adorableness!!!!

Dan and I had a Groupon/Living Social for Tea by Two, so we were able to get two High Teas for the cost of one (usually $20pp).  A High Tea consists of the following: Soup or Salad followed by assorted tea sandwiches, sweets and a warm scone.  A great choice for a lunch time visit.

Crab Bisque and ADORABLE TEA POTS

One flaw of the menu is that it doesn't state how much tea is available to you.  I found out that with the High Tea, I could try as many pots as I liked!!!  This is HUGE for me because I am VERY picky about teas, so it makes it hard to commit to one!

The first type that I ordered was a scented Black tea called Magical Garden - Black and Green blend of citrus, heather and lemongrass.  I am 100% sure they gave me the wrong tea because I tasted a berry flavor rather than citrus, and I did not like it.  Dan, who is not a fan of tea, decided to try a Rooibos, the Orange Creamsicle - Rooibos Orange and Cream.  He actually liked it!!!  I thought it was great as well, by itself or with one lump of sugar.  The second type of tea that I tried was their Anniversary Blend - Black tea made with rose petals and pearls! I liked this so much that I ended up buying some to take home with me!!

 

SCONES AND SWEETS AND HAPPINESS

On to the food!  Dan and I started with their soup of the day, a creamy crab bisque.  And then we were presented with the 3 tiered delight as pictured above.  Do you see my face?  I'm pretty sure I smiled like that the entire time we were in that tea room.  On the bottom level were 2 large butterscotch scones that I SLATHERED with sweet cream and lemon curd.  The middle tier held 3 types of finger sandwiches and on top were 3 kinds of sweets (lemon cake, sugar cookie, and mini peach melbas).  SO GOOD. ALL OF THEM SO GOOD.  

So what can I say?  This place is fantastic.  The service was amazing and incredibly friendly.  The atmosphere is so charming and delightful.  The food was surprisingly substantial and not-surprisingly delicious.  Their tea selection was broad and unique.  Their gift shop was tempting and satisfying.  PHEW!  Are those reasons good enough for you?

FYIs:

• If you plan to come on a Saturday - MAKE RESERVATIONS!  This place is adorable, but tiny, and was quite full when we came at Noon.  
• They are unable to seat children under 5, including infants. 
• They have a gift shop.  Plan to spend money, because you won't be able to stop yourself.
• Please check out the bathroom.  They use a teapot wallpaper with which I would like to cover every inch of my own house.

Teavolve Cafe and Lounge, Harbor East

 Mango Fruitea Smoothie

A friend and I went to Teavolve Cafe and Lounge in Harbor East for a wonderful Saturday brunch.  This place is airy and open with a lot of seating.  I also need to point out that this is not a tearoom, in fact, you don't even need to like tea to like this place, and trust me, you will like this place.  

I ordered a Mango Fruitea Smoothie, which was basically a mango slushie.  I could hardly tell it was made with tea actually, but it definitely was a refreshing way to start our visit.

Crab and Egg Croissant

I then ordered the Crab and Egg Croissant ($9) which came with chipotle aioli and a side of fruit.  This was a hefty sandwich, and I loved it!  There was plenty of crab for a breakfast sandwich, and I liked the kick of the aioli to round out the sweetness of the crab and croissant.  I was pleasantly full after this, so I had to bow out of trying all the delectable pastries and cakes that they serve.

Of course, we still ordered a pot of tea to sip while we continued to chat :)

This was a lovely and relaxed meal in a gorgeous, laidback setting.  I was also really impressed with the prices, especially for being located in Harbor East.  I would absolutely come again, and in fact, I can't wait until I do!

Tea By Julia Faye, North Baltimore

Last Thursday I had off from work and decided to treat myself to a delightful afternoon - I went to a new tea room! Now, I was a little apprehensive because taking tea is traditionally a shared activity, but I didn't want that to stop me.

Tea by Julia Faye is a small but cozy tea room and shop located right by the Cylburn Arboretum and Sinai Hospital.  Though I was the only guest there at the time, I was made to feel completely comfortable by Miss Julia, who was incredibly warm and friendly and not at all overbearing.

Considering I didn't make an appointment, the food preparation took longer than usual since the food is made fresh.  I didn't mind.  I ordered a port of Keemum black tea and read my magazine by the window while some beautiful classical music filled the room.  Let's all just imagine that and say ahhhhhhhhh, because it was as lovely as it sounds!

I ordered the Light Tea ($11) which came with a 4 cup pot of tea, a blueberry scone (served with freshly whipped cream, lemon curd and jam), a cheddar biscuit and some assorted tea sandwiches.  My sandwiches included cucumber and cream cheese on two baguette slices, half a croissant filled with a DELICIOUS chicken salad with cranberries and two little square turkey sandwiches on raisin bread.

You can order sandwiches a la carte. The delicious croissant with chicken salad that I loved comes with chips and is $6.95!  What a steal!

This was one of the loveliest afternoons I've had in a while.  I was so relaxed and everything was just so pleasant.  I'm sure this place is very busy over the weekend, but if you have a chance to go during the week, I urge you to consider it, but make an appointment first!

I can't wait for my next day off work!!!

Friday Morning Haiku

Lemon bar and a beautiful rooibos tea at The Casual Cup

 

It's a rainy day

I just want to stay inside

and drink loose leaf tea

 

Last weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of going to The Casual Cup in Phoenix for a 2 hour tea tasting.  We tried a white tea, two types of green teas, a black tea (assam) and a rooibos "tea" (it's not really tea since the leaves come from the African Red Bush).  The wonderful owner, Wendy Savelle, paired our teas with delights from the kitchen - scones, quiche, lemon bars.  

 

Everything was absolutely delicious!  More than that, it was just so much fun to learn about tea and to try all different kinds!  I met the loveliest ladies and learned about the Royal Tea Club - a group who meet up for Tea at various tea rooms in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and sometimes England!!!! 

I realized that once I finish all the million teabags that I have left in my kitchen, I will tread softly into the Wonderful World of Loose Leaf Tea. 

 

I also realized that I miss going to Tea Rooms, and will try and make a serious effort to getting around to more of them this year.  What a wonderful resolution :)

The Casual Cup
13820 Jarrettsville Pike
Phoenix, MD 21131
phone: 410.667.3606
toll free: 877.937.9338

dws0921@verizon.net

Groupon: $10 for $20 at Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company

All right people, I was all over this Groupon and purchased one immediately

$10 for $20 at Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company

The best part of this is?  You can use it towards coffee beans and tea bags as well as drinks.  That means I can get my supply of Baltimore Blend and Fair Trade Mexican coffee beans, as well as all my different crazy teas that I love (YORKSHIRE GOLD, I AM COMING FOR YOU....well, as soon as I finish the 80 bags I have left at home).

You have to use this in one visit though, so plan wisely - and perhaps stay for a sandwich and a delicious drink! It also expires Dec 31st 2010, which makes me immediately think of Christmas presents!

Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company (FYI - you can't use the Groupon for the online store)
9 W Aylesbury Rd.
Timonium, Maryland 21093

5209 President's Ct.
Frederick, Maryland 21703
(301) 631-0030

890 Bestgate Rd.
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
(410) 572-5792

Check out my reviews here and here

Friday Morning Haiku

Tea Time, I Love You

Sugar Cubes and Cookies, Yum!

My Tummy Can't Wait

ICED TEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This may be ridiculous, but I JUST made iced tea for the first time yesterday and now I am hooked. I will never ever ever buy iced tea again because it's so easy!!!!!!!!!!

This is what I did:

- Boiled 4 cups of water

- Poured the water into a pitcher and then added 3 tbl of sugar and gave it a stir

- Added 5 teabags (I used my Trader Joe's Irish Breakfast Tea because it's the cheapest to use at $2.99 for 80 bags hahahaha) and steeped the tea for about 10 minutes....I think...

- Took out the teabags and then just let it come to room temperature before putting the pitcher into the fridge

- Poured the cooled tea over ice

- DRINK AND ENJOY AND WONDER WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG TO MAKE THIS

Anyway, I am really happy now.

Does anyone make iced tea another way? Has anyone tried to make Sun Tea before??

ALSO - I KNOW YOU KNOW THIS, BUT TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY FOR A $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO MCCORMICK AND SCHMICK'S! Just write in a comment and you'll be in the running! I'll let you know tomorrow who the lucky winner will be!

Why I Clearly Need to Go Back to the U.K. for a Holiday...

I moved from London, England in 1994, and unfortunately it's been ten years now since I've gone back for a visit. Ten years is a LONG time. Lately, I've started to become crazy when anything British-related has caught my attention.

It got really bad during the Snowpocalypse when I watched 5 seasons straight of a BBC show called Monarch of the Glen, which is set in Scotland. My tea drinking went on a spike (I wanted to be like the actors who either drank tea or whiskey in every scene....so I chose the healthier option), so did my love for Jammie Dodgers and basically anything to do with my childhood. Also, my friends and poor Dan get at least one image of Scotland/England a day in their email and a rant about how amazing it would be to go to Edinburgh or the Scottish Highlands or the Yorkshire moors.

Anyway, I had a bit of a chuckle today when I looked in my tea cabinet and saw these:

Trader Joe's Irish Breakfast Tea - sorry, no photo!

Taylors of Harrogate's Yorkshire Gold (my fave)

Murroughs Welsh Brew

I

Taylors of Harrogate's Scottish Breakfast Tea

At least I covered all the parts of the UK, right?

Dan, honey, I think it's time I go back for a vacation hahahahaha

Also - why am I bringing this up on a Taste of Baltimore blog? Well, I purchased Trader Joe's Irish tea at the TJ's in Towson, and the rest from Baltimore Coffee and Tea! :)

Oh, hey, tomorrow is the last day to enter the McCormick and Schmick's $25 gift certificate giveaway! I hope you entered :)

Are You a Tea Drinker?

Since I've been feeling a bit under the weather, tea has been my new best friend and there are two kinds that I've been drinking lately.

My staple for the mornings has been Yorkshire Gold, (p.s., on their website, doesn't that Tea Loaf look spectacular????) a really rich black tea that warms my body entirely while transporting me to the misty moors of England (in Wellington Boots and a raincoat of course!).

The next kinds are the jasmine tea and chamomile citrus tea from Mighty Leaf tea. These herbal teas are perfect for the times when you don't want any caffiene, but just some extra warmth. I also love that they come in these delightful bio-degradeable silk pouches, which allows them to add large pieces of rind or tea for better infusing.

I've got to say though, once I start feeling better, I'll be filling my to-go mug with some freshly brewed coffee, but I'll always remember my tea days fondly :)

What are your favorite tea brands or flavors? Does it change to something different when you're sick?

Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company, Timonium

OK, you're going to have to give me a second to catch my breath here. I CANNOT believe I haven't posted on this place. This is my hands down favorite coffee establishment! This is where I buy my coffee (my favorite is their Fair Trade Mexican) and my tea (my favorite is Yorkshire Tea Gold). Their coffee bean and tea selection is fabulous and overwhelming all at the same time. They also have flavored coffees for those wanting to start slowly into the world of Coffee Love.

On top of being my tea and coffee supplier, this is also the shop I like to go to in my area when I want a nice cup of mocha. Their prices are MUCH cheaper than your big coffee shop chain, and they also serve gelato, pastries and some savory choices (including bagels).

They have free wifi, so get a cup of coffee, an almond pastry and sit at a table and ponder how awesome this place is!

p.s. They have gifts displayed for Christmas!

www.baltcoffee.com
9 W Aylesbury Rd
Timonium, MD 21093
(410) 561-1080