Sweetea's Bakery & Tea Room Visit

Today, a friend of mine was heading down Monroe way (it's a bit of a drive from Charlotte) and I asked if I could tag along so we could stop at Sweetea's Bakery & Tea Room. I hadn't seen it since it's opened, and I've been looking forward to checking it out.

It was a quiet Saturday afternoon, with a couple other patrons present when we were there. (I resisted asking them what they were drinking, even though I really wanted to know what they were having and see what they thought of it.)

It's a delightful space, done in soothing pink, green and cream. Big cozy chairs and couches as well as a couple tables. It was wonderful to see Marie Fish, the owner and baker, as well as her family, present and working away.

She had a fantastic selection of baked good and treats. (I gave into the cream cone - mmm mmm mmm.)

But the one thing we had to have? A pot of tea.

This was the first pot of tea I've had at a tea room that had Felicitea's tea. I have to tell you, that I was supremely excited to sit there and wait while tea I blended with my own two hands steeped away in a pot.

We selected Sloth Tea - a perennial favorite - and took a sit on a big cozy couch and chair and waited while Marie's daughter set up the pot and cups for us.

Honestly, this pot of tea seemed to take longer then any other I've ever had. My patience and anticipation were rewarded when the sweet golden liquid was ready. (Pictured is the first cup from the pot. )

Sloth Tea is one of my, and many customers, favorite teas. It was my first custom blend, made for a friend, which makes it extra special. It's gently sweet, needs no sugar, and I love the depth it gains as you let it continue to steep. (We left the leaves in the pot for the whole time were drinking the pot. The last cup was richer, deeper, earthier and not at all bitter.)

We had lovely contemplative tea time talk while I tried not to burst with pride and joy that my little tea had made it all the way from my tossed together idea years ago, to this pot, sitting in front of me, being served to others day in and out.

Much thanks to everyone - my friends, family, colleagues and, of course, Marie - for helping me bring this tea, and everything it symbolizes, to my cup in a little tea room in a sweet little Southern town. I got to taste, literally, a dream made good. I never could have done it without the love, support, and willing palates of those around me. Thank you.

There is something deeply special about seeing a dream come true in steps. There is something even more wonderful being able to sip the fruit of those labors.

I invite you, if you're ever down that way, to stop in and say hello to Marie and her family. Take a nibble of a scone, order yourself a large pot of tea, and (when you stop moaning in appreciation at Marie's baking skills) taste the dream for yourself. It's rather tasty, even if I do say so myself.