Sunday, February 3, 2013

Two for Tea?


A steaming cup of tea has always been the go-to remedy for a range of ailments from physical maladies to broken hearts.  Clearing the head, settling the tummy or just soothing the soul with its healing vapors, the face cannot help but relax into a slow smile upon the first delectable inhale.  Somehow, with that first whiff and a deep sigh, we know that all is right with the world.

Jazz Bouquet Floral Shop & Tea Café in West Sedona, caters to that ahh moment with its High Tea offering, served daily from 2-4pm by reservation.   A beautifully crafted selection of tea sandwiches artistically prepared, mouthwatering scones and petit fours await in 3-tiered glass trays as the soft strains of light jazz surround you.

Owner, Kim Roda knows her stuff when creating ambience and meticulous attention to detail.   If you feel the urge to unwind, slow down from the hectic pace and stop and smell the roses for a bit, literally, all of those are easily accommodated.  It’s a warm, cozy, space with a small, welcoming staff that makes you feel you are having a cup of tea at your best friend’s kitchen table.  Sharing space with the floral studio, tiny café tables beckon “Come…sit for a bit…let me get you some….tea….” as the sunlight streams into the window, the whole room is infused with cheerfulness and light.  Who could resist such a respite?

Initially, I found myself  going in to buy flowers and learned of the high tea offering, chatting with the owner.  I decided to return and check out the experience myself.  Approximately once a month, they have live jazz music.  As luck would have it, my timing was perfect and one such special event was coming up the following week.  Live jazz music that day was provided by Bill Barnes and inspired a bit of a sing-a-long to old favorites among the enthusiastic patrons.  

From an extensive tea menu (my favorite is the Moroccan Mint), there is sure to be one for every palate.  The chef typically prepares different creations for special events.   Almost too pretty eat.   Too mouth wateringly tasty not to.



That day, the featured tea sandwiches were ham with cream cheese and cucumber, an out of this world brie in puff pastry, greek with feta cheese, chicken salad, and pimento cheese with candied pecans, as well as a Cajun shrimp cucumber canapé.  My taste buds were in heaven and doing somesaults and trapeze acts in my mouth in jubilation!  Little did they know what they were in for next. 

The second tier featured their housemade scones that are perfection in a pastry.  Moist and crunchy in a beautiful balance, enhanced only by a delectable cream and housemade preserves.   By this point, my taste buds were in near full-swoon and I was ready to propose to that scone, right then and there.  I didn’t care that it wasn’t an actual person.  I’d found my true love.

The top tier completed the rapture.   A lovely collections of shortbread cookies, carefully hand decorated alongside an assortment of meringues and candied nuts.

All in all, an event not to be forgotten and often to be repeated! 

A perfect way to celebrate a special event, birthday, anniversary, a romantic date or even just a “just because” day.   If you don’t have time or are not up for the full tea, lighter teas are also available featuring a smaller assortment of sandwiches or just stop in for tea and a scone anytime.  No reservation required.  Reservations for full tea are requested to allow for sandwich preparation.  While you are there, after having sipped the last bit of liquid happiness out of your cup, consider allowing, Genie Bramlett, the delightful resident tea leaf reader, to peer into your cup and your future.   Appointments are recommended.  Call for availability.

Jazz Bouquet is located in the Basha’s shopping center across from Beall’s (40 Coffee Pot Drive, Suite E-106, 
Sedona, AZ  86336) and is also a full-service florist, including 1-800-Flowers and FTD, and specializes in weddings.  Website:  http://jazzbouquetfloral.com
Phone:  928-204-1091.   Hours:   Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.  Closed holidays.

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