Written by Karen Pacifico

ou’re Invited To Tea . . . I invite you to make a cup of tea and sip as you read about a traditional, delicious and affordable afternoon Tea (Low Tea) being served weekdays in our town.

Afternoon Tea Service at The Original Pancake House

Permit me to provide a little background on tea service. The words ‘low’ and ‘high’ refer to the tables from which either tea meal is eaten and relates to a light or more substantial meal respectively. Low tea was usually taken in a sitting room or withdrawing room where low tables (like a coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs. The Original Pancake House provides us with the opportunity to enjoy Low tea, which is a light repast, served in the afternoon when the rhythms of the body fall to a natural low. In the past taking the time to enjoy low tea was indisputably a high-class affair (only the upper classes being able to sit about in the mid-afternoon).

And while afternoon tea used to be an everyday event, nowadays it is more likely to be taken as a treat. Recently Tony and I met Donna and Ted Huffman for just such a treat. Reservations are recommended in order that owners Eric Jim and his sister Juana Jim (known as JJ) can prepare the table service and menu suitable for your afternoon enjoyment.

Did you know that tea was a privilege of that class of people created by the industrial revolution - the leisure class? It was a very economical way of entertaining several friends and soon became the norm.

The menu consists of your choice of tea (or coffee for those who prefer), assorted slender tea sandwiches, scones, clotted cream & preserves, delectable sweets, fresh fruits and Swiss chocolate. All these delectable treats are presented on a three-tier tray at a cost of $10 per person – cash only please. Along with an impressive menu, the soothing pleasant music, tea pots in their cozies, china service, and sugar served with tongs all create the perfect atmosphere and reflect the tea party of a great hostess, JJ.

Black tea is fully fermented, quite versatile and can be taken hot with milk and/or sugar. An example would be English Breakfast, which is a refined black breakfast tea with a good body and full tea flavor. White tea is plucked in the spring and dried immediately after harvest. Pai-Mu-Tan is a beautifully styled white tea, elongated leaf with white tips and gray-green leaves producing a sweet, mellow taste. Green tea is unfermented and retains its’ green leaf coloration and is known for health benefits, particularly as an anti-oxidant. Herbal tea is technically not tea but brewed in much the same way and is generally low in caffeine. African Outback Organic, an herbal is a healthy blend with a pleasing citrus flavor while Lavender Lace is flowery, minty and slightly sweet. The menu also has blends and scented teas such as Orange Spice, Jasmine and JJ’s House Blend. These are but a few of the selections as there are 24 teas on the menu and JJ is more than happy to describe their differences.

A term you may not be familiar with is clotted cream, which is a thick, absolutely delicious cream, best, explained as a cross between ice cream and butter and scrumptious with the fresh baked scones.

We all know the game of choosing the right setting to meet someone to talk. Lunch is too rushed, dinner is too formal, and cocktail hours are generally too loud. When you want to impress a guest or meet friends for relaxed conversation, extend an invitation to a tea party. Create a reason to meet, as if we really need one, to sit and enjoy time together. Private Tea Parties can be arranged and JJ and Eric are willing to work with you to make this the best possible service for you and your party. Additionally, their fine Swiss chocolates, exotic teas, beautiful teapots and tea cozies are for sale.

So surprise someone with a special break from the ordinary and enjoy yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

Afternoon Tea Service at
The Original Pancake House
1540 Fording Island Road, Hwy 278, Bridge Center

Directions: You can enter off 278 East into the Bridge Center or 278 West make a left turn at Moss Creek and at the 2nd driveway turn left.

Afternoon Tea is served weekdays: 3pm –6pm
Reservation Recommended - (843) 815-3452