The Gulf Coast Post - Thursday, January 13, 2011 - Pg 9
The Gulf Coast Post is now featuring a regular column called “Half-tank Trips,” a series that will spotlight locations for dining, exploration, learning and fun that take only one-half of a tank of gas to drive to. The Post’s first Half-tank Trip highlights a unique place in which one can enjoy a cup of tea.
The Baron’s Tea House
Worldly-wise and cosmopolitan are words that describe feline Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, a top-hat-wearing cat whose special blend of tea is never the same. And although The Baron’s Tea House” in Crestview is named after the sophisticated kitty character in Hayao Miyazaki’s Disney-Studio Ghibli film “The Cat Returns,” the teahouse in the county seat is better described as cultured Victorian.
“My 6-year-old daughter, Rochelle, loves ‘The Cat Returns,’” said co-owner Erica Teets, when explaining the origin of the teahouse’s name. I, myself, became interested in tea when I once visited Japan on business.
I would prefer the place have an Asian flavor, but when I bought it, everything was decorated with a Victorian flair. So I left it as it is.” The place of business was formerly known as the Ivy Leaf Tea House.
Owned by Erica and her husband, Kurt, the teahouse invokes visions of Londoners from the 19th Century, who formally took tea several times a day. Upon entering the shop, visitors may be tempted to sit on the edge of their velveteen seats, cross their legs,
sit up straight and carefully hold a china cup of tea with a pinky finger extended.
Chelsey Vawter, 18, has been serving teas and sandwiches at The Baron’s Tea House for about 11 months and said she “really likes it.” She especially enjoys the “familiar
air” fostered in the teahouse as well as “getting to know the regular customers.” Additionally, Vawter appreciates the relaxed atmosphere.
As British teatime suggests, scones and other delectable baked goods are daily made “from scratch” by Erica herself. “I’ve always been interested in baking,” the tea
connoisseur explained. “I spend several hours a day preparing all the baked goods.”
Pastries and almost 50 different blends of tea are not the only items guests can partake of. Tasty sandwiches, quiches, soups, salads, and fruits also grace the menu.
A special Baron’s Tea House experience is the “premier Victorian tea service,” said Erica, which features two special rooms and table settings that include lace, linen tablecloths and special china.
“The rooms and the service give a sense of privacy,” Erica said. “When people drive a distance to come here they like to feel as if their experience is special and they
sometimes stay as long as three or four hours.” When visitors request the Victorian Tea, they should expect to spend no less than 1 _ hours enjoying the full-course meal, said Erica.
It’s possible that one imagine such an establishment might appeal strictly to females. “We do have mostly women who come here,” said Erica, “but believe it or not, we’ve lately been drawing men from local Martial Arts schools.
Visiting the teahouse for their fourth time, were Candy Kagan of Niceville and Veronica Stuart Ertl of Santa Rosa Beach.
“We really enjoy the atmosphere and the service here,” said Kagan. “We’re big on tea parties anyway. Being here is like being in a time capsule. It takes you back to Granny’s house.” Added Ertl, “It’s nice and quiet here. Gives us a chance to talk and catch up with old friends.” Kagan and Ertl get together about every six months and have been good friends for about 20 years, they explained.
“And we like the education,” Ertl continued. “They give you the background of the teas you order. We also like all the antiques and decorations.” The two friends said they usually spend about two hours at The Baron’s Tea House, enjoying the experience and each other’s company.
Attesting to her comment about attracting men as The Gulf Coast Post editor, Stephen Smith, who recently visited the teahouse with his family and gave an account of the Victorian Tea, which included a large amount of food.so much, in fact, that the editor went away “stuffed.”
Also part of The Baron’s experience is the teashop where visitors may find young Rochelle eager to help them pick out tea paraphernalia such as tea cups, teapot
drip catchers, tea bag holders and of course The Baron’s distinctive tea blends.
Venturing out to The Baron’s Tea House is an experience in which mimics what Erica believes is the original intent of the British teatime. A chance to temporarily shelve the worries of the day and “just relax,” she said, “slow down, recharge or make a connection with friends and family while enjoying good food.”
