One of the pleasures of travel is the discovery of places and experiences that you don't find at home. An even greater pleasure is discovering something new and wonderful in your own hometown. Such a place in Albuquerque is the St. James Tea Room.
I have always loved the British Tea Cermony known as Afternoon Tea. With its leisurely pace and fablous sweets and savories, Afternoon Tea makes a "cuppa" a civilized beverage that is without peer in western culture. Albuquerque is an unlikely place for a first class tea room, but the St. James is a lovely tribute to the English tea room.It even has a listing in Bruce Richardson's The Great Tea Rooms of America. Founded in 1999 by Mary Alice Higbie, the St. James provides a respite from the frenetic pace of our lives and a chance to reconnect with old friends or deepen frienships with new ones.
The Library
Part of the charm of the St. James is found in the cozy dining areas that have been created. Private nooks, similar to British parlors, are separated by curtains and given names like Chartwell or Magdalen. . Each alcove is furnished with period chairs and sofas and Victorian bric-a-brac. You really do feel as if you have stepped back in time.
Kay was most pleased to be whisked away to this enchanting place in the Land of Enchantment.
Each month a different theme is chosen and a different menu, offered. We now count ourselves amoung the devoted tea room regulars who keep returning to find out what new delicacies have been created for our pleasure.
In June of this year, the theme was "Last Stop Paddington Station," a tribute to Kingdom Brunel.
The traditional cream tea scone with clotted cream and lemon curd is always on the menu.This month this course was paried with Yin Hao Jasmine Green Tea.
The Savory Course paired with Earl of St. James Traditional Black Tea
Turkey and Avocado Sandwich,Curried Lamb Sweet Potato Pasty,Tea Sandwich: Cucumber with Green Olive and Pecan Cream Cheese,Cold Pea Salad, Quinoa in an Endive Caboose
The Sweets paired with Iced Summer's Bounty Scented Black Tea
Cherry Claflouti.Train Car Chocolate Biscuit Cake, Honey Thyme Panna Cotta with Roasted Apricot Puree
When you visit Albuquerque, be sure to add the St. James to list of must-visit stops.
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