A Spot for Tea MARBLE CLIFF

Cambridge Tea House treats guests royally

The Cambridge Tea House – a special place for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in Marble Cliff – has completed its third successful year.

Owner and operator Mary Boesch says, “The experience has been really great with support exceeding my expectations. The Village has treated my business perfectly. We have lots of regulars. Some walk or even ride their bicycles to this wonderful old brick building that was formerly a service station. I love working in a repurposed building and welcoming guests from the Tri-Village area and greater Columbus. I’m flattered when people ask if I’ll open another Tea House in their area. For now, the answer is no. I want to focus on this Tea House and giving them the best experience possible.”

Mary admits she had never worked in a restaurant. “Was I prepared? No, I had a law degree and banking background! But my love for food and cooking, coupled with classes at the prestigious French Culinary Institute in New York City led me to develop a business plan that I still follow today. As a small business owner, I wear many hats and am involved in every part of the business. Actually that’s the best part; I can set the tone for the workplace and treat the staff and customers with respect. I enjoy getting out of the kitchen and have guests tell me how much they like our food and wide tea selection. Some share memories of having tea with their grandmothers or mothers.”

Mary can usually be found in the “from scratch” kitchen at the Tea House. “We make everything on the premises, including all our soups (they change seasonally), breads and popular scones. My scone recipe hasn’t changed since opening and I’m told they are the best in town. I believe people eat with their eyes first. I’m very particular about how my food is presented.

My staff understands that, and the positive feedback tells me customers notice.”

The Tea House is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. “We hold lots of after-hour events too, like baby showers, wedding showers and smaller dinner parties. Our monthly special candlelight dinners are very popular. In July, the menu for our Taste of Europe dinner included the best foods I had eaten during a recent trip to Europe. Our August dinner was a tribute to Julia Child, who would have turned 100 that month. In September, we had a special dinner with food writer, cookbook author and cooking teacher Betty Rosbottom – which sold out in one day.”

Planning for the holidays has started at the Tea House. “We still have some dates available for small holiday parties. And this year, we’ll be offering a unique gift package of a tin of ‘Paris’ or ‘Holiday’ tea paired with a custom candle of the same fragrance from The Candle Lab on Grandview Avenue. We’ll be glad to talk to you about your holiday needs. Just stop by 1885 W. Fifth Ave. or contact us at 486-6464 or www.cambridgeteahouse.com,” Mary says.

Trinity Church Foundation Gives the Gift of Music

Located at the corner of West Fifth Avenue and Cambridge Boulevard in Marble

Cliff, Trinity United Methodist Church is offering a special concert series featuring the following popular local groups. All concerts are open to the public and free of charge. More information about the series and each performance can be found at the church website, www.trinityumchurch. com/concertseries.htm.

Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, 3 p.m.

The Ohio State University Chorale and The OSU Men’s Glee Club

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, 7 p.m.

The Upper Arlington High School Symphonic Choir and the Hastings and Jones Middle School Honor Choir

Sunday, March 3, 2013, 7 p.m. Handbells Columbus

Sunday, April 28, 2013, 3 p.m.

The Trinity Chancel Choir and the Otterbein University Vocal Ensemble with members of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra