There should be a drawing of a tea bag inside a prohibited circle hanging on the door of Santa’s Clarita’s newest tearoom. The Tea Gardens only serves high quality, premium loose-leaf tea, more than fifty varieties. You won’t find a teabag in the house and for good reason.
“The best part of owning The Tea Gardens is educating people about how much better a cup of tea made with loose leaves is than one made with a tea bag. I’ve converted several people to tea leaves already,” says Elda Meguerditchian, the owner of The Tea Garden, open now for less than two months.
The all-natural strawberry-kiwi flavor with no caffeine and no sugar is the number one favorite so far. But, there is so much more to explore at The Tea Gardens. Take their scones, baked fresh daily. They aren’t the typical ones that can be so hard they’d almost break your foot if you dropped one on it. No, these scones, including lemon, berry, raisin, cranberry, cinnamon and others, are super soft and fresh. They melt in your mouth when topped with fresh clotted cream and jam. But, they stand well without toppings, as well.
“I was a tea caterer for several years doing private parties and people kept saying to me that they wanted a place to go for my tea,” says Meguerditchian.
Now tea lovers and those curious about the epicurean delights of tea drinking can visit her. What they’ll find is an urban-style café atmosphere. Relax and unwind on the outdoor garden patio or inside the comfortable dining room.
Daily delights include a variety of sandwiches, pastries, crème caramel (the house special), fresh squeezed juice, tea smoothies, daily ice teas and tea-related gifts.
“Tea is a healthy alternative to sodas and other sugary drinks, studies have proven that tea helps prevent many diseases,” says Meguerditchian.
As for me, I love the presentation of the traditional tea served on beautiful three-tiered stands. The finger sandwich offerings include curried chicken, vegetarian, smoked salmon, tuna, cream cheese cucumber, roasted pepper turkey and ham.
If you’re a cookie lover, the freshly-baked chocolate chip walnut cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings.
Schedule a Victorian tea party for up to 20 people or just stop by for a cup of freshly-brewed tea. Meguerditchian serves her private label blends with pride including the smooth vanilla Earl Grey blend and the chocolate mint flavor. Don’t forget to try the Art Teas, hand-tied green teas that once steeped in hot water unfurl before your very eyes into amazing colorful flowers. They’re served in glass teapots so you can enjoy the show. A trip to The Tea Garden simply soothes all the senses. Mmmm, I feel the need for a tea break at The Tea Garden right now.
For further information, visit www.theteagardens.com or call 661-255-9TEA or 661-255-9832, 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita.