Last Saturday, Jane Pettigrew presented "A Social History of Tea" at the Amherst Rose Tea Room, the first of her two featured talks at the Massillon, Ohio tea room. Greeting guests at the sold-out event, Pettigrew explained that, despite a few setbacks in her flight from London, which included a temporary loss of luggage and an extended stay at the airport, she was excited to finally be at the Amherst Rose tea room. She gave special thanks to owners, Carl and Mary Jane Corwin, who arrived at the airport the day before with assistance and a cup of freshly brewed tea.
Mary Jane Corwin first met Pettigrew in 2007 when she attended her master tea class in London. Introducing Pettigrew to guests last weekend, Corwin stated that having the British tea historian, author and former tea room owner, at Amherst Rose was the culmination of her own tea career.
Corwin opened the Amherst Rose, a renovated and richly decorated Victorian home, in 2009. Last weekend, the rooms were filled with tea enthusiasts from Ohio and bordering states (including Michigan), who came to meet Pettigrew and partake in Corwin's multi-course afternoon tea.
The tea began with a vanilla cream and rose water sparkling cocktail served with a rosewater-frosted French vanilla cupcake, which Corwin cheerfully refers to as "dessert first". This was followed by a three cheese soup and Kensington Palace scones, the latter of which was served with lemon curd, double Devonshire cream and strawberry rose preserves.
Tea sandwiches, quiche and dessert (including double chocolate raspberry truffles and mini creme brulees), completed the menu and all were served with a choice of Harney teas.
Guests were then treated to Pettigrew's tea talk on the social history of tea. Starting from its discovery in China centuries ago to today's growing appeal and trends, Pettigrew also discussed the evolution of afternoon tea and accompanying fashions. Incredibly some of the tea dress fashions in history, although considered beautiful in their day, were downright dangerous. In the 1800's, an 18-inch waist for tea dresses was the goal for women and achieved in unhealthy ways. Fortunately, this was followed by the Edwardian free-flowing tea gowns that let women enjoy their meals in comfort.
Pettigrew refers to tea often and fondly as a "magical drink". It has the elements to relax and stimulate, demonstrated health benefits and most importantly, the ability to bring people together. Last weekend, at Amherst Rose, tea certainly brought its magic to all who attended.
Check out these websites for more information about Amherst Rose and Jane Pettigrew.
Comments