MELANIESBLOG.THETEAACADEMY.COM

Big News!

2010-02-25T11:53:00Z

Dear Friend,

It's another snowy morning in our Tennessee Mountain town. School has been delayed, the kids are sleeping in and I have just a few more moments before my "To Do" list kicks in. I'm savoring another cup of Irish Breakfast and enjoying the view of the snow covered Victorian houses on our block.

The snow is also giving me time to share with you some very exciting news! I found out just yesterday that my tea mystery series is going to be published this year! I have been fervently working on my first book the past year in between Tea Academy seminars, family life and running a busy tea room. I'm having to pinch myself- I can't believe someone loves my characters as much as I do!

Details will soon follow, but expect more announcements as the release date draws near! Right now, I am under contract to write one book per year, so it's time for me to get busy again. I will keep you updated as the cover art is completed and book promotional activities begin to take shape.

Well, I hear the kiddos waking up. "Morning Has Broken!"

Until Our Next Pot of Tea,
Melanie

A Bit Of A History Lesson

2010-01-09T16:41:00Z

Dear Friend,

I'm looking out the windows of our 106 year old Victorian tea room and watching the snow fly today! The temperatures have been a chilly 18 degrees for our high and we have had them drop to zero in the frigid evenings. It's the perfect weather for a hot pot of tea! My favorite by far, Darjeeling! Though our Cranberry Clementine we ordered for Christmas is a close second.

I try to imagine how this home once was filled with hoop skirts and petite coats and with well mannered gents and their horses in the backyard. The first Chief of Police in Johnson City resided here with his seven children and the family has returned many times to share photos, scrapbooks and stories of sliding down the curved oak bannisters and watching the coal get delivered to heat the seven fireplaces.

We have tried to preserve a bit of the history of our area by incorporating historic events and places on our new lunch menu. You'll find references to Jobe's Opera House, The Burly Bowl which was an annual parade and football game hosted by the tobacco farmers, and the Montrose Court- an alleged hangout of Al Capone who was known to frequent this area. "Thunder Road" was a moonshine run just adjacent to our tea room during the days of prohibition and was made famous by Robert Mitchum's movie. We have a very colorful history indeed!

We will be embracing history and hopefully some warmer weather with our Tea Academy in Savannah Georgia scheduled for May 28-30th and May 31- June 2nd, 2010. Participants will not only learn about tea, business courses and our four "Secrets of the Tea Room" cooking class, but will also have some time to explore Savannah from her historic squares, fountains and monuments to modern day Paula Deen's "Lady & Sons" Restaurant. There's lots to do including fine dining, shopping or take a "Ghost Tour!" Savannah is rumored to be haunted by Civil War ghosts as well as a few characters from a little book that put it on the map- "Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil." Won't you join us?!!!!

Here's dreaming of warmer weather, good tea and good friends!

Until Our Next Pot of Tea,
Melanie

Another Wonderful Seminar!

2009-10-26T13:59:00Z

I'm always amazed when we finish a seminar and I have a few private moments to stop and reflect on what we've shared and how exciting it is to be involved in helping tea enthusiasts to begin their journey of owning and operating their own tea business! I find myself remembering my own personal journey and feeling inspired by the enthusiasm of the group!

We had a wonderful seminar this past weekend with two ladies from Ohio who are on opposite ends of the state, each bringing with them a passion for food, tea and pleasing people. I watched their confidence grow as they mastered techinques in the kitchen, as they sampled the different types of teas and learned the nuances of what makes their flavor so unique, as they learned about website design and publicity. It was reaffirming to me that what we are offering helps people to grow and flourish and gives our class members the valuable tools they need to jump start their tea businesses.

I look forward to the invitation to their Grand Openings and know they will do well. They will not only succeed, but will share their passion for tea with others. That's really what it is all about! I know that we will be hearing alot from these two ladies in the future. I will keep everyone posted on their progress and look forward to adding them to our "Tea Room of Distinction" page in the near future!

Until Our Next Pot of Tea,
Melanie

Get Unplugged!

2009-08-25T11:49:00Z

I was hosting a recent tea party for a five year old celebrating her birthday. The little girls attending the party were so sweet- they all came dressed in little princess outfits and dress up shoes and tea party hats. Yes- I allow children that age to have parties here. So far, fingers crossed, we have not had any broken china tea cups or plates. The kids seem to know when they walk through the door that they are in a special place and they use their very best manners!

What made me sad during this birthday celebration was that fact that both the Mom and Dad hosting the event were texting, checking their e-mails or talking on the phone the entire event. I had to flag Mom down at one point when we were bringing in the tea trays so she would be sure to take pictures. She was in another dining room, talking on the phone during the party.

Sure, there are times when it is necessary to take a call or reach a child. But for your own child's party, plug in to them and pay attention! The party only lasts an hour and a half at the most, and the memories created by watching the little girls in all their finery, delicately sipping tea will soon be replaced with rebellious teen years and angst!

Unfortunately, I have seen this scenario one too many times in my establishment. Taking the time for Afternoon Tea is a special event in my book- one I love to participate in as often as I can and steal some precious time to share with a loved one or dear friend. I wish more of us would turn off our cell phones and get plugged back into life. I think we would be much happier for it- Don't you?

We Bid A Sad Farewell to Our Beloved Richmond Hill Inn, Asheville, North Carolina

2009-08-07T15:30:00Z

"I feel as though I have lost a piece of my own personal history," I told my daughter, Olivia as I looked at the charred remains of what had once been a spectacular Victorian mansion dressed in soft yellow with green trim. The Gabriella Pearson room that I had been fortunate enough to stay in was unrecognizable. The burned remains were a skeleton of a former historic landmark, built over 120 years ago.

I had honeymooned here and been a regular guest before the beautiful Inn began receiving many prestigious awards including being named as one of Southern Living's top three favorite inns two years in a row. The house had been stunning from it's paneled library walls where I often took afternoon tea to the famous four star Gabrielle's for a memorable meal with exceptional live piano music.

Richmond Hill was such a favorite place for my husband and myself to relax that we had purchased a print of the home and have it framed and displayed in our tea room. It has served as an inspiration to me for high customer service and true Southern hospitality.

Only the historic home was engulfed and destroyed in the fire. The inn continues to operate with guest rooms available in their croquet cottages and garden pavilion are. Afternoon tea is now served in the garden.

What began in 1889 for Ambassador and Congressman Richmond Pearson and his family when they built their stately Queen Anne style home has tragically ended in a great loss to us all. At one time, the house was known as one of the most elegant structures in Asheville. As we speak, the state is investigating this as an arson. I for one, will miss this great lady!

Spot Light On Herbs

2009-07-28T16:54:00Z

I was fortunate to attend some herb classes this summer and decided to begin my own herb garden. For an amusing perspective on our herb garden, please visit melaniesblog@missmelaniestearoom.com and see life at our tea room from the perspective of our back porch kitty, Lily. Apparently, she would be much happier having some catnip added!

Our rosemary has done so well, it has inspired me to add it to so many dishes this summer. I cooked a beautiful BBQ chicken dinner and did a rosemary rub. Speaking of rubs, adding Lapsang Souchong tea to your marinades and rubs is a wonderful way to add layers of smokiness to your dishes. We will be teaching all of our Tea Academy students about this new trend of using tea as a culinary ingredient in desserts, sauces, dressings, marinades, rubs and in noodles and rice and baked goods.

I digress! Back to the herbs! We have also discovered many uses for our French fringed Lavender including baking lavender muffins and scones. The lavender is lining our walk ways and gives off such an aromatic scent when you come to our front door! It has been a wonderful addition to our herb garden!

The most unusual herb we planted was a pineapple sage. It has grown from a small three inch sprout to a four foot tall bush with leaves resembling mint. It is highly scented and smells just like a very ripe pineapple. I have been told that it will grow to six feet high and produce trumpet shaped red blooms that will attract hummingbirds. I cannot wait!

I haven't minded weeding the yard so much this year because it has given me an opportunity to inhale the wonderful herbal aromas coming from our beds. I think just by knowing that there are fresh herbs right outside my door, I have been far more inventive in my everyday cooking for the tea room as well as for my family.

Rosemary can be harvested and frozen in ziplock bags to be used as needed throughout the winter. It also winters over well and is a hardy perennial. We really have enjoyed taking our children's cooking class students outside to the herb garden to pick their own herbs and add to their dishes. Many of them did not understand the difference in herbs and how flavorful they were. They really enjoyed comparing the textures and aromas and adding them to their own marina sauce and breads.

I hope you will consider planting herbs in a container or in your garden. You will save money, expand your culinary horizons and get the added benefits of aromatherapy in the process! I have decided to also dry some of my herbs to do some new tea blends. I will let you know what I come up with!

Until Our Next Pot of Tea,
Melanie

"Lady Bug" Blues This July 4th

2009-07-03T14:23:00Z

What began as a "normal" 4th of July weekend has suddenly become a bonding experience for my daughter, Olivia, and myself.

We sent the boys packing for the July 3rd re-enactment of the battle of Gettysburg, a seven and 1/2 hour drive form our home in Tennessee. Olivia and I decided to do more "girlie" things this weekend rather than photograph cannons and use port-a-potties. Don't get me wrong- we love Gettsburg, and Fredricksburg, and Antetiam, and Mannassis. It's just that we've already done all that with the boys and they can walk those battle fields for hours! Give me my tea room and a historical home to visit already!

Speaking of which, the tea room in Gettsyburg is now closed. Such a loss! That made my mind up. We would bow out gracefully from this trip.

So, Olivia and I ventured out in "Lady Bug," my red VW convertible with a black rag top to see the sights and spend quality time together. We made it to two stops- Block Buster for romantic comedies for the weekend (We normally have to sit through Aliens, Friday the 13th and the like when the boys are home) and stocked up on chocolate and popcorn. That's when the unthinkable happened.

"Lady Bug" died at the busiest intersection of our town in the turn lane during 4th of July holiday traffic. Everybody was out and rubbernecking. Olivia was mortified as classmates from her highschool were driving by on their way to the mall. And, no one wanted to help! Finally, two police officers stopped and after calling a third officer, they pushed "Lady Bug" across four lanes of traffic to a nearby parking lot. One and 1/2 hours later, the tow truck finally arrived.

We were informed at the car dealership that it was too late to work on the car and we would not have wheels as they were closing for the next three days. They were nice enough to give us a shuttle ride home, though.

I didn't dare call my husband and ruin his trip. If he knew that we were home without wheels he would cut it short and drive home.

So, so much for my tea adventures this July 4th. We hope to have "Lady Bug" back and running Tuesday. I really don't mind since it gives Olivia and me extra time to catch up and watch our movies.

Happy Fourth of July to All of You!
Until Our Next Pot of Tea,
Melanie

Bound for Asheville, North Carolina!

2009-06-04T12:24:00Z

Today I am gassing up "Lady Bug" as we take off for an interview with tea room owner, Tami-Jo Halliman of "Kathleen's Tea Room" in North Carolina- two miles outside of Asheville! We are expecting rain today, but I have never been disappointed in the scenic views between Tennessee and North Carolina. It takes my breath away every season whether it is foggy, raining, resplendant in full Fall colors or Spring time when the Red Bud trees are in bloom! Today it is a beautiful array of lush greens. We have finally had enough rain to make for the last two years of drought here.

I am taking my fourteen year old daughter, Olivia, as she knows almost as much about teas and tea rooms since we actually live in the upstairs of our 105 year old tea room in Tennessee! Her passion is horseback riding, so she is excited to meet Tami's husband, Daniel, who works at Biltmore Estate and is in charge of the Equestrian program.

If you haven't been to Asheville, it is worth a trip. It is an eccletic balance of traditional and new age. The original "Mast General Store" is downtown along with interesting Art Galleries, holistic herb shops, organic grocery stores and some great restaurants. "Mast General" is worth a visit as it houses an old fashioned candy section with everything from Mary Jane's to licorice whips and toys of yesteryear such as Radio Flyer wagons. It also has two floors of outdoor gear for the hiking enthusiast.

But besides the sleepy urban downtown side of Asheville, my true favorite spot is Biltmore Estate. We have annual passes and enjoy going for a quick day trip since we are only one hour away. The house is always magnificent, but my heart belongs to the formal gardens and herb shop!

My husband, Keith, and I went just last weekend to view the four new rooms in the mansion that are now open to the public as well as smell every rose bush on the estate. We sat in on a floral arranging class as well as an herb and container gardening class at the Garden gift shop. During the holidays, I watched in awe as the floral designers showed us how to create a signature wreath, just like Biltmore. "Right!" I told my daughter. "Somehow I don't think it is as easy as they make it look!" But I loved the class anyway, despite my shortcomings in the craft department. I am working on it, though!

Keith and I purchased several unusual specimens of lavender- a French Fringe Lavender, a healthy rosemary bush and pineapple sage- it truly smells like pineapple! And it will grow six feet tall with red trumpet flowers that attract hummingbirds! I cannot wait since we have a back yard full of Cardinals, blue jays, sparrows, and robins. You really have to follow our porch cat, Lily' s blog, at www.MissMelaniesTeaRoom.com to get a full bird report! That's another story!

Be sure to read about our first "Tea Room of Distinction" in our June Newsletter. Tami is a wonderful person with quite a story to tell and "Kathleen's Tea Room" is top notch.

Until Our Next Pot of Tea,
Melanie

And so it begins............

2009-05-26T10:30:24Z

When I was twenty-two,I had the privilege of taking a semester abroad in London to study International Communications. I attended Southern Methodist University at the time in Dallas and quickly learned that the British do not appreciate LOUD Texans! I was the only non-Texan (I am from Tennessee) and found that if you are quiet and mannerly, you will fit right in and get wonderful service wherever your travels take you in England!
I also was asked quite often if I had ever been on "Hee Haw," Did I know Dolly and had I been to Graceland. Dolly and Elvis are all the rage, and so was George Michael at the time if that gives you an idea of how long ago it was!
One of my most memorable experiences in London took place at the tea salon in Harrod's Department Store. I made a point each day of taking Afternoon Tea wherever I was, an open Farmer's Market, a country side tea room in Oxford or Bath and today I happened to be shopping at Harrod's marveling at the wedding dress display of Diana and Fergie.
Since I was alone, I accepted a small table for one and had a wonderful server who promptly brought me a plate of thinly sliced lemons and a small pitcher of milk to accompany my pot of Darjeeling. I always used lemon when having a pot of hot tea with my mother. Milk was something I had not added before.
I quickly added a splash of milk and a squeeze of lemon and looked into my cup and to my dismay, the milk was curdled! I quietly motioned to my server to come over and told him, "Something is wrong with my milk. Would you please bring me a fresh pitcher?" He politely smiled at me and brought a fresh pitcher of milk over right away along with a new teacup and saucer.
And so I began again, pouring my tea, adding milk, adding lemon and the unthinkable happened- it curdled again! I motioned to the very patient server and asked once again for another pitcher of milk. Without a word, he quickly brought it to my table.
This time, I watched him as he eyed my teacup. I poured the Darjeeling, added a splash of milk and stopped! He silently nodded his head in approval and I knew I had been schooled in the English way of how to properly have a cup of tea!
That's the one thing that I appreciate most about the British- they would never correct your outright or make you feel uncomfortable! It's something I have strive to do as a tea room owner myself!
And as I flew home after traveling all over Europe that summer, I knew that I wanted to open my own tea business and share my passion with tea with everyone!
And so it began with the opening of my own tea room and gourmet tea emporium, online tea business, and years later, The Tea Academy!
One of the great things about being in the tea industry is meeting all the wonderful tea business owners and learning their stories of how they got into the tea business.
Join me as I travel across the U.S. in my VW bug- affectionately referred to as "Lady Bug" because of her red body and black convertible top, as we journey across the back roads and country side in search of TEA ROOMS OF EXCELLENCE! This week we are off to North Carolina!
And so it begins...........

Until Our Next Pot of Tea,
Melanie