Slowing Down to Enjoy Afternoon Tea

At the mere mention of tea, our minds start picturing genteel folks of the past, calmly enjoying hot, steeped water in delicate cups, snacking on tiny prepared foods, and conversing with friends in muted tones.

BY MATTHEW BRADY | MIKE RIVERA PHOTOS

To confine tea to this cultural stereotype is like calling a single tree a forest: this beverage’s reach and heritage extend far beyond Great Britain’s borders. Tea is consumed all over the world and has been for centuries; it is in fact the second most consumed beverage on the planet behind only water.

The word tea can refer to the drink itself, or to a host of ceremonies, parties or meals in which the consumption of tea is ritualized by culture, or even religion. By strict definition, though, tea is an aromatic beverage prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over cured leaves of Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub native to East Asia. Herbal tea refers to drinks not made from the Camellia leaves, but rather from fruit, leaves and other parts of the plant - such as rose hip.

Tea originated in Southwest China, where it was used medicinally; as its popularity grew globally, tea was consumed for pleasure, and served frequently. When the beverage made its way to the United Kingdom, it became customary for hosts to offer tea to newly arrived guests. In Great Britain, “tea” evolved to complement the structure of a day in which there was a long stretch between lunch and dinner, becoming “afternoon tea,” a mini-meal and opportunity for socializing. The food consisted of light fare such as scones with clotted cream and jam, small quiches, tiny sandwiches and desserts, all served alongside a pot of tea.

Today’s world is incredibly fastpaced, and tea is now enjoyed at home, sold in cafes and tea rooms - and even in gas stations. It’s commercialized, mass-produced, and often served on-the-go. If you’re a tea connoisseur - or just longing for a place to enjoy the social and emotional relaxation that comes with tea as an event, head to Cromwell, Connecticut, and prepare to treat your senses to Tea Roses Tea Room.

Peggi Camosci, with a combined love of tea and an understanding of how these social gatherings can offer so much more than basic nourishment, opened this tea lovers’ oasis in 2010. Like any of the widely-acclaimed food establishments around the world, she knew it was important to be equally committed to the quality of the experience, as well as to the food and beverages served.

... to experience what truly makes tea roses special, you'll want to bypass the to-go counter and sit in their tea room."

When you first enter Tea Roses, there’s a small gift area that has books, crafts from local artists, greeting cards and a wide selection of teas and tea accessories, all beautifully displayed. There are many flavors of tea available, including their own “Tea Roses Tea Blend,” and my personal favorite: carrot cake. As you walk further in, you’ll find a small counter where you can order your hot beverage to-go. Although convenient, to experience what truly makes Tea Roses special, you’ll want to bypass the to-go counter and sit in their Tea Room, located in the back of the building. This area has a cozy blend of intimate tables, and an eclectic mix of furniture and flatware that add to the charm of the seated experience. During my visit to the Tea Room I experienced another element of ambiance that was unexpected but welcoming: the rumble of a passing train, a perfect nod to nostalgia.

As I sat and enjoyed my carrot cake tea, conversing with Peggi, I suddenly realized that I hadn’t touched my phone in almost two hours. There was no need to raise my voice to be heard, and I was learning something new from someone who has an incredible passion for what she does. The food served was perfectly portioned, as satisfying to the psyche as it was to the palate. The Tea Roses menu consists of organic, loose leaf and traditional teas; scones with lemon curd and double cream; soups and salads; and mini desserts. Tea is a feast for all the senses, elegantly presented on tiered platters and cups, and full of your favorite hot blends.

Peggi informed me that everything she serves has her not-so-secret ingredient: love. After experiencing one of her scones with the carrot cake tea, I’m a believer. Peggi’s care for her customers and passion for what she does are evident in the way she describes Tea Roses Tea Room, in the attention to every detail from aesthetics to hand-crafted baked goods. Peggi loves what she does - and has a story to tell. She wants that story to be told through Tea Roses Tea Room, and encourages you to sit, sip and relax while enjoying the delicacies of food - and time. Peggi suggests making reservations to allow her to provide the best experience possible.

Sit, sip and relax while enjoying the delicacies of food– and time."

Tea is a feast for all the senses, elegantly presented on tiered platters and cups, and full of your favorite hot blends."

TEA ROSES TEA ROOM

322 Main Street in Cromwell, CT; 860-632-1400; tearosestearoom.com

Hours of operation are:

Wednesdays 11am - 4:30pm Fridays 11am - 4:30pm

Thursdays 11am - 7:00pm Saturdays 11am - 4pm

*kitchen closes a half hour earlier

OTHER CONNECTICUT TEA ROOMS TO SEEK OUT: The Green Teahouse, 55 Isham Road, West Hartford Mrs. Bridges’ Pantry, 292 Rt 169, Woodstock The Herbery, 1001 Middlesex Tpke, Old Saybrook Alice in the Village, 27 Coogan Blvd, Bldg 26A, Mystic Open Door Tea, 3552 Main St, Stratford Tea with Tracy, 16 Bank St, Seymour