Where: Holladay, Utah Style: Pioneer home Tea Selection: 18+ teas by Republic of Tea and Stash Teatimes: Tuesday to Saturday, 12 to 6 Reservations: Reservations required Contact: 801-679-3925 Cost: $22 High Tea; $16 Afternoon Tea; $12 Princess Tea; $11 Children’s High Tea Destination Tea Tips: Space is limited, so reserve well in advance. Auntie Rae’s also offers a creative array of themed private tea parties, for children and adults alike.
Destination Tea Notes: Having enjoyed a truly satisfying afternoon tea at Auntie Rae’s Dessert Island, as we walk to the car, Goldilocks’ famous line enters my thoughts: “that was just right.” Here afternoon tea is homemade, filling and affordable, in a cozy Pioneer home that equally suits a relaxed family teatime or fancy tea affair. Chef-owner Raelynn Potts visits with us, sharing the history of the home, which was originally built in the 19th century, and then expanded and updated in the early 1900s. It is always a special joy to take tea where our ancestors once did. We learn that “Auntie Rae” is an avid afternoon tea goer, and so treats her guests to an experience she herself would appreciate. Having attended more than 100 afternoon teas, I can say that the hostess who thinks to set the table with a “slop bowl” is the exception. It’s a small matter, but it allows guests to steep their teas to their liking, then have a vessel ready to collect removed tea leaves, rather than having them muddy one’s saucer or tea plate. Tea lovers need not mind the bagged tea selection; our Republic of Tea choices were very yummy!
Majestic, snowy mountains enfold the town
The front room is set with rectangular tables and glossy tufted bench seating
The back party room is adjacent to the children’s playroom – smart!
The sisters of Destination Tea
Tea Service
Admiring our vintage Noritake “Melanie” pattern teacups (produced in the 60’s)
Each guest chooses a pot of tea: we select Pomegranate Raspberry Green Tea, Downton Abbey English Rose Tea (the table favorite), Chai Spice Black Tea and Downton Abbey Estate Blend (been looking forward to trying this tea since Republic of Tea launched it to commemorate the 2019 film…and it was as fabulous as we hoped)
Scones & Spreads, Savories and Sweets
Dessert is still to come! This 3-tier tray includes sandwiches, scones and spreads, and uses the top tier for an array of fruit and cheese.
Two of each tea sandwich is served per guest, on soft white bread rounds: Chicken Salad with Grapes, Celery and Parsley and Cucumber-Cream Cheese with Dill. We also enjoy the selection of Parmesan, Cheddar and Gouda cheeses to round out the savory course.
Auntie Rae’s scone recipe is intentionally a tad sweeter than the traditional scone, with a perfect crumb. Generous portions of her delicious homemade lemon curd and raspberry preserves come on the tray, and she also offers us clotted cream, which we naturally accept.
Dessert again demonstrates the quality-over-quantity nature of this afternoon tea. DIVINE Chocolate Strawberry Tarts have homemade crusts and creamy chocolate pudding, topped with whipped cream. A portioned giant Chocolate Chip Cookie may not look fancy, but it lives up to its reputation for being one of Auntie Rae’s most popular treats, soft with huge chocolate chunks inside. And one more dessert is included…
No less enjoyable if unusual at an afternoon tea, each guest may choose a Vanilla or Dole Whip Pineapple soft-serve ice cream.
Happy to be gathered at Auntie Rae’s tea table [Observe the aforementioned red slop bowl]
Raelynn honors the history of the home by displaying portraits, letters and articles about the family that formerly owned it; also note the antique moldings on the fireplace surround. And look left for the case full of pies, cookies and other baked treats.
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