My friends and I made a reservation here a few weeks prior. It was my first time there and as we strolled up to the house, I couldn’t help but notice the broken teacups and plates purposefully strewn along the walkway. It looked like the perfect place for a fairy and her fairy friends to take residence. I absolutely loved it.
Inside, the decor is worthy of Food Network meeting Antiques Roadshow and comes complete with a gift shop. Although they have utilized the space as well as possible, space is still limited. We were grateful for our reservation, especially because they have limited hours as well.
Believe it or not, I’m not much of a tea drinker, but I’ll happily make an exception for the teas here.
The tea menu seemed to have a good variety from around the world, so if you have something very specific in mind, take the chance and see if it’s on their menu, if not in their seasonal stock. Their lunch menu is also seasonal, and made with totally fresh ingredients, almost all locally sourced. Their desserts come in bite or two-bite sizes, so you never need to feel overfull and can still enjoy just a bite of a sweet treat after your meal.
My friends and I took part in Proper Tea which goes by their pre-set menu for this experience. Proper tea is by reservation only. Seatings are at 11:00 AM or 1:30 PM Wednesday-Saturday.
The menu starts you off with tea of your choice (you could have as many pots of tea as you wanted). Our first tea that we tried was the White Blueberry. It was a white tea infused with blueberry flavor from Fujian province, China. It was very fragrant and the harmony of flavors happily danced on my tongue.
With our first tea we were served a warm cranberry scone with Clara J’s Lemon Curd, Devonshire Cream (which my unsophisticated self just learned was cream cheese), and Strawberry Jam. The scone was comfortingly warm, crumbly, and buttery, with each spread elevating the flavor with sweetness and tang.
Our second tea was called Butterfly Pea Flower and Lavender. As the name suggests, it was a blend of dried blue pea flowers and lavender. However, what made this one stand out was how fun it was to watch and to drink! It came with lemon wedges and when squeezed into the tea, it changed from a dreamy blue to a royal purple. This was such a highlight, as the kid in me pretended I was creating a magic spell.
With this tea came our lunch, which was beautifully presented in three tiers.
The first tier had our savory options which consisted of a Carrot, Apple, and Raisin Salad which was served in a radicchio cup and tossed in cinnamon and honey dressing. There was an Asparagus Canapé, baked on puff pastry with white cheddar and balsamic glaze. Finally, a Deviled Egg that was pickled in beet juice and had the most adorable beet star on top.
The second tier had our sandwich options.
The first one was Clara J’s Signature Ribbon Sandwich, house-made white and wheat bread layered with chicken salad, red pepper, and spinach, iced with seasoned cream cheese.
The Traditional Cucumber Triangle, sliced cucumbers on white bread, cream cheese seasoned with dill and lemon zest.
Finally, Pimento, dark rye, red peppers, cheddar, and cream cheese. If you see a running theme here with cream cheese, you are not mistaken. It was a little overkill with it being on all three sandwiches and honestly cream cheese was all I really tasted; it didn’t leave room for any other flavors to shine.
The sandwiches were still good, just lacking in a variety of flavors.
Our final tea that we tried was called Paris, and we ordered it to go with our dessert tier. Paris is a herbal tea and is caffeine free. This flavor profile was a complex blend of fruit, citrus and creamy vanilla.
This one was my personal favorite taste wise because it was so light and slightly sweet, which I thought paired well with dessert.
The third tier was of course the dessert tier.
Seasonal Crumble Bar, with zucchini, fruit, and oats. This was my favorite of the desserts. It wasn’t too sweet and surprisingly delicious with the zucchini. I was skeptical at first.
The Signature Lemon Drop Cookie, lemon sugar cookie sandwich with lemon buttercream.
Finally, the Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownie, topped with chocolate mousse, chocolate fudge, mixed nuts and topped with a maraschino cherry.
The whole meal cost each of us just shy of $30. We did get three medium pots of tea, which were $7 each.
For the quality of the food, freshness, and knowledgeable, prompt, and friendly service, I think this tea house is well worth it. Since street parking in the neighborhood is free, taking a little brunch repast and walking through a lovely suburb is just the thing to cap off the lovely brunch experience you will have at Clara J’s Tea Room.
Dine In?
YES
Outdoor Seating?
YES
Delivery?
NO
Credit Cards?
YES
Visit Clara J's Tea Room
- www.clarajsat219.com
- 219 W Wayne St, Maumee, OH 43537
- (419) 897-0219
