TeaTime January/February 2021

come for tea As we ring in the New Year, we do so with great hope that in 2021 we’ll be able to gather with dear ones for afternoon tea and to enjoy traveling domestically and internationally. A few months ago, a friend of mine at church asked me, “If you could have tea anywhere in the world, where would that be?” I quickly replied, “That’s a hard question! There are so many great places that come to mind.” I eventually settledon two of the venues in London that will be part of our itinerary for our TeaTime in Britain trip in May 2021 (see page 12 for more information), but there are many others I wish to visit all around the world, so I’ve started a bucket list—or maybe, more…

A Tribute to July/August 2020 “As a retired pastry chef, I am always looking for a reason to have tea. When an announcement was made at church that a dear friend’s granddaughter and her friend were leaving in four days to be sworn into the United States Air Force, I just knew I had to host a tea. Both girls had enjoyed our High Tea Fundraiser at our church—usually in the spring—so I knew it would be a win-win. As usual, I try to incorporate something new from TeaTime. I used the Orange Cream Scone recipe in the July/August 2020 issue… The girls enjoyed their tea, and it was a great way to say thank you for their service.” LINDA BLENK via email “Thank you for the Egg and Watercress Tea Sandwiches recipe from…

January 2 Chocolate Lovers’ Tea Noon to 4:15 p.m. The Jefferson Hotel Richmond, Virginia For all those with a large sweet tooth, venture to the grand Jefferson Hotel for a special version of its traditional afternoon tea. In addition to the delectable scones, savories, and sweets, guests will also enjoy a plated selection of decadent chocolates. This event costs $45 per adult and $35 per child, ages 4 to 8, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made at 804-649-4750. For more information, visit jeffersonhotel.com. 3 La Jolla World Tea Enthusiasts 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. La Jolla Riford Library La Jolla, California Gather with fellow tea enthusiasts in the Riford Library’s patio room for a tasting of high-quality teas from around the world, great memories, and engaging conversation. Sponsored by the Zi Chun Tea Company, this event will allow…

Shamrocks & Shenanigans THE LARKIN TEA COMPANY larkintea.com • 304-707-0142 TEACUP: Raphoe Royal Tara “Vibrant green shamrock sprinkles are a whimsical touch amidst the leaves of this festive, dessert-like black tea with lively notes of chocolate and strawberry.” —Katherine Cloniger, editorial assistant Irish Breakfast HARNEY & SONS harney.com • 888-832-8463 TEACUP: Nanking Noritake “Full-bodied yet smooth, this blend oforthodox Assam black tea yields tradi-tional malty notes along with a slight sweetness and nice astringency.” —Lorna Reeves, editor Organic Irish Rum TRUE LEAF TEA COMPANY trueleaftea.com • 713-218-6300 TEACUP: Harmony Royal Tara “The combination of black tea with coconut, wild strawberry leaves, safflower, and natural rum flavoring makes for a tasty, alcohol-free tropical beverage, iced or hot.” —Courtni Bodiford, stylist Irish Whiskey Cream THE LARKIN TEA COMPANY larkintea.com • 304-707-0142 TEACUP: ARK38 Arklow “The milky, nearly sweet flavor of this black tea blend is truly reminiscent of the traditional Irish…

United Press Photograph from the Benjamin Press archives During our first visit to Ireland, my wife and I explored the Boyne Valley, one of the most sacred spots in Celtic history. We came away with a profound sense that those rolling green hills were “home” to us. The spirits of our Irish ancestors might have spurred those sentiments, or we were seduced by the never-ending cups of tea placed in our hands. Tea, the sign of hospitality in Irish society, is considered an essential component of all celebrations—weddings, christenings, or wakes. “Who is wetting the tea?” is an Irish saying, meaning, “Who is making the tea?” “Dead from tea and dead without it,” suggests one cannot live without tea. You will find no pretentious raised pinkies here. Tea is considered a necessity. It…