Tea, Anyone?

posted July 20, 2009
  by Christine Gable, Kiddie Chow

While here in America we are quite partial to the coffee break, taking some down time to sit and appreciate the finer things in life certainly has a lot going for it. In other words: afternoon tea.

That’s precisely what happened for me during a recent press trip to Michigan, on an activity-packed afternoon when we were learning all about the sites and sounds and shops of Grand Haven. For not only was this town chock full of interesting little shops and businesses, it’s home to the Bodacious Babes Emporium. A must-stop, if you’re in the area.

Walking through the doors is like stepping back in time. Of course, before you get settled at your table, it’s best to pick your favorite hat from the selection. Here’s a tea parlor where girls of all ages can not only have tea but also settle a Victorian-era hat upon their tresses. Would you like a black one with a tall plume? How about a royal blue one with a face veil? There are hats to fit every style and personality—and it’s the very first and vital step to getting into the right frame of mind for a Victorian tea moment.

I chose an intriguing black number—not too ostentatious, with classic styling. It truly does take one into a different era (and frame of mind) to don one of these creations. After all, isn’t that what little girls around the globe intuitively know: the outfit makes the girl (and the situation). Whether it’s a little black number befitting the prom or a slinky sheath shimmering for a night on the town, there’s nothing like color and style to put you in the right frame of mind for what’s to come. The possibilities are endless.

Afternoon tea is a tradition that was introduced in the 1800s by the 7th Duchess of Bedford. She especially liked afternoon tea since it helped stave hunger while waiting for the late evening meal. Thin toast and fine breads gradually gave way to sandwiches and pastries served in drawing rooms across the country—all in finger-sizes, of course. Not only a great way to hold off hunger, afternoon tea was also an excellent way to slow down the pace of life and to entertain and connect with others.

I especially got a kick out of the kids’ menu, with its listing of “frog spit” and “dirt in a cup.” Sure-winners for those with a less-than-enthusiastic response to afternoon tea. And smoothies are available for kids who would rather sip through a straw than from a fine china cup.

The main menu contained more than enough delightful delicacies—I only wish that I could have tasted them all:

• Scones
• Sweet breads
• Mini cinnamon rolls
• Crumb cakes
• Cupcakes
• Mini éclairs
• Cookie bites
• Fruit squares
• Brownie bars

As it was, I was quite satisfied with raspberry scones with clotted cream and lemon marmalade. Deliciously divine.

We also had the Michigan iced wine tea. Apparently President Obama often requests to have Michigan iced wine with dinner, thanks to its full-bodied, delicious flavor. The leaves and branches of the iced wine vine are used to make this tea, which you may be familiar with: the grapes are left to freeze on the vine before picking.

No matter what your age (and especially if you have a little girl), I highly recommend the Bodacious Babes Emporium for livening up your afternoon.

And if you’re not in the Michigan vicinity, check out your local offerings: there just might be a Victorian tea parlor in your own town.

Next week: Seed Savers: Are You One?

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