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The Woodinville Weekly - The Northlake News - The Valley View - www.nwnews.com
'Your time, your tea, at your place'
by Deborah Stone Staff Writer
An afternoon in a tearoom is perhaps one of the most relaxing ways to spend your time. Just the act of having a cup of tea forces one to slow down and step out of the rat race for awhile.
"Tea is a wonderful ritual that encourages people to take a moment for themselves out of their busy day," says Lea Miller. "It's an opportunity to linger, to enjoy friends and to simply be."
The longtime Bothell resident considers herself a tea connoisseur. And for many years, she wanted to open her own tearoom, but life's realities got in the way.
Then she retired from her job as district manager for Avon. Three years later, though, she decided she wanted to re-enter the workforce. Lea Miller recently opened her own tearoom in Bothell, Three Cups of Tea.
"I felt disconnected," says Miller. "I wanted a job again.'
Each subsequent interview the local woman had, however, she managed to talk her way out of being hired. It took a book club session with friends to make her finally realize that she could make her long lost dream a reality.
"We had just read "Three Cups of Tea," Greg Mortenson," explains the Bothell woman, "arid I voiced aloud my desire to have a tearoom. But .. I was concerned I was too old. My friends vehemently disagreed and two of them immediately offered to work for me if I opened a place. We ended up spending the rest of the time writing notes about the business, generating idea after idea."
That was nine months ago. In June, Miller gave birth to her "baby" and the doors officially opened at Three Cups of Tea.
Located off of Main Street in downtown Bothell, the new tearoom and gift shop is spacious, yet cozy with a delightfully charming ambiance.
Flowered tablecloths, hand painted chandeliers, original artwork and assorted vintage items set the scene. Look closer and you'll note the delicately embroidered napkins, colorful sparkling sugar, mini tea timers and other exquisite details.
Splashes of coral pink, vibrant blue, green and yellow give the place a bright, sunny feel and windows, which open to the street, bring in plenty of natural light.
Scattered throughout the shop are a variety of tea related gifts, with everything from unique tea ware and specialty jams to books about and even novel tea-to-go cups.
Before getting sidetracked by all the fun items for purchase, sit down and indulge in a proper tea.
With dozens of varieties of fine Harney & Sons teas to choose from, you might have difficulty in narrowing the selection down.
Ask the friendly wait staff, who will be happy to tell you
about some of their favorites, such as delicately infused Pomegranate Oolong, fruity Caribe, caramel flavored Paris and refreshing, herbal Mint Verbena.To accompany your choice, add a scone or two, served with clotted cream, lemon curd and jam.
I usually like my scones plain, but I'll always make an exception when it comes to the tearoom's raspberry, white chocolate chunk.
If your sweet tooth is raging, try one of the many amazing French pastries like a heavenly Key Lime Calypso or decadent Marquise au Chocolat. They are definitely drool-worthy.
And if you're looking for something more substantial, get the "Tea and Lunch," which includes a pot of tea, half sandwich with cup of soup or mixed greens and two scones.
Or if you happen by in the morning, opt for the egg, sausage, red pepper and cheddar quiche.
Though Three Cups of Tea hasn't been open long, business has been surprisingly brisk, according to Miller. She had expected a slow start, but word-of-mouth has been strong and she has had many folks stop in after hearing about the place from friends.
"They seem to really love it," she says. "They tell me they enjoy all the special touches and the attention to detail. And they say they feel very comfortable here. I'm glad because I set out to make Three Cups of Tea a place where everybody's welcome. My vision statement is: 'Your time, your tea, at your place.' I want people to feel at home when they're here and know they can linger, relax and talk, as well as feel appreciated and be well fed."
The tearoom is also ideal for birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, business meetings and other gatherings, as there are two small, private rooms off the main are aptly suited for such functions.
One is a slightly more formal dining space with a fireplace. The other is the Alice Room, decorated in an "Alice in Wonderland" theme, which is popular with both children and grown women.
And lest you think Three Cups of Tea is a female-only domain, think again.
"We have men come here almost on a daily basis," comments Miller, "and they are always pleasantly surprised. They don't feel claustrophobic because they're not surrounded by clutter. And they're delighted with the food because it's good and they never go hungry here."
