4020 Secor Rd.
Toledo, Ohio 43623
419-472-9970
www.thetealady.com
When someone thinks of Toledo, Ohio, they usually conger up an image of the old
John Denver song, or Klinger from M*A*S*H, not a source for quality tea.
However, Elaine's Tea Shoppe is positioned to help change that image.
The front faŤade is a rather unassuming storefront, but you know exactly where
you are by seeing the large teapot shaped sign above the door. Upon entry, you
walk into a room done up in a French-Country style, not the typical Victorian
type tearoom. The store has two basic sections to it; the tearoom and the
retail area. Tablecloths, fresh flowers on the tables, a relaxing musical
selection, along with the soft sounds of a water feature accent the tearoom.
Elaine's Tea Shoppe Exterior
After taking in this visually, you are greeted at the door with a sample of the
shop's tea-of-the-month, and offered to have a seat, browse at your leisure, or
ask as many questions about tea as you wish. After spending an hour with Elaine
Terman, the owner, it's obvious she has extensive tea knowledge.
The retail shop has an extensive assortment of tea accessories and gifts, from
cast iron teapots to teapot shaped charms. The focus is truly on the health
benefits of tea, and is complemented with an assortment of aromatherapy, bath
and body care, and all-natural botanical products.
Elaine's serves and sells only premium quality loose leaf teas. They have over
30 different teas on the menu, and sell over 100 different teas in bulk. The
types of teas range from the typical blacks and greens to herbals and rare
whites, including some interesting blends, chai, and iced drinks such as the
Lavender Lemonade and Iced Chocolattea.
Most teas served in the shop are served in French presses, although for certain
teas and occasions, ceramic teapots are used. Prices for the teas are quite
reasonable, ranging from $2.00 for a small press (one cup), to $4.50 for a large
press (2-3 cups) of a premium blend or rare tea.
Elaine's Tea Shoppe Interior
The menu, while not extensive, is properly oriented to those seeking either the
traditional tea fare, or just something different from the usual lunch menu
choices. The menu includes the Tea Luncheon plate with tea sandwiches trimmed
into heart shapes and garnished with fresh grapes and baby carrots, and a
serving of pasta salad. Other items include soups, bagels and bagel sandwiches,
scones with clotted cream and jam, fruit / cheese plates, muffins, and usually a
selection of 4 different desserts.
The afternoon I sampled Elaine's, I chose to have the UnWrinkleMe Tea
TM. This
is a special blend created by Elaine, and is a combination of white, black, and
flavored teas that is extremely pleasing to the palate. It's also high in
anti-oxidants, hence the name. I also tried one of Elaine's chicken salad bagel
sandwiches, along with a blueberry scone with clotted cream and jam.
Elaine's caters to the casual shopper / diner, however the shop can be reserved
for different occasions such as wedding showers, baby showers, children's
birthday parties, formal teas, or any other reason you might have. Hours are
from 10-6 M-F, 10-5 on Saturday.
I highly recommend stopping by Elaine's Tea Shoppe if you ever find yourself in
or near Toledo. It's truly a worthwhile stop, and an oasis of civility in an
otherwise hectic world. But, if you can't make it to Toledo, she is accessible
through her website for questions, comments, or mail-orders.
