Nestled in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico, St. James Tearoom offers a serene escape, a tradition upheld for nearly 25 years. As the world rediscovers its rhythm, this charming tearoom, brainchild of Mary Alice Higbie and her son Daniel, continues to provide a tranquil interlude from the city’s hustle. Mary Alice, affectionately calling herself a “tea lady,” has transformed her childhood fantasy of hosting tea parties with illustrious guests like Queen Elizabeth II and Peter Pan into a delightful reality at St. James Tearoom Albuquerque New Mexico.
Her passion for British tea culture is palpable. Mary Alice is not just a tearoom owner; she’s a tea etiquette lecturer and consultant, certified by the prestigious Protocol School of Washington. Her expertise extends to porcelain art, adding another layer to her refined sensibilities. After a decade of operations, St. James Tearoom found its idyllic location, a hidden gem tucked away off Osuna Road.
“We stumbled upon a vacant lot adjoining the most enchanting hidden garden in Albuquerque,” Mary Alice recounts. The vision was clear: guests would enter through this garden, allowing them to “be enveloped by beauty and unwind” before indulging in the tea experience. This thoughtful approach sets the tone for what awaits inside St. James Tearoom.
Stepping into St. James Tearoom Albuquerque New Mexico is like entering a different era. The elegant yet inviting restaurant and gift shop beckon visitors of all ages to pause and savor the moment, much like appreciating the fragrance of roses or a perfectly brewed cup of tea. The gift shop is a haven for tea aficionados, boasting a curated selection of black, green, white, herbal, oolong, and pouchong teas. Alongside, you’ll find a captivating array of teapots, cups, and saucers – everything needed to recreate the St. James Tearoom experience at home. The staff, impeccably dressed in Victorian attire, adds to the immersive 19th-century ambiance, guiding guests with grace and knowledge.
Beyond the shop, guests are led to one of the 17 uniquely themed tearooms. These intimate, curtained spaces are furnished with comfortable couches, chairs, and tea tables, setting the stage for tiered platters laden with delectable treats. During a visit, you might witness young girls in their finest dresses, being introduced to the timeless tradition of afternoon tea, a testament to St. James Tearoom‘s appeal across generations.
To delve deeper into the art of tea, an email conversation with Mary Alice unveiled some of the tearoom’s secrets and her infectious enthusiasm. She generously shared insights and a couple of her cherished recipes.
Celebrating a Quarter Century of Tea Tradition
As St. James Tearoom Albuquerque New Mexico approaches its 25th anniversary, reflections on its journey are inevitable. When asked about special celebrations, Mary Alice reminisced about their grand 20th-anniversary plans, which were unfortunately derailed by the pandemic. However, anticipation is building for a significant 25th-anniversary event in 2024, promising a memorable occasion for loyal patrons and staff alike.
Despite initial skepticism from some who suggested Albuquerque wasn’t the right location for a tearoom, Mary Alice’s conviction proved them wrong. St. James Tearoom was embraced by the Albuquerque community, necessitating expansions three times within its first decade. This success story underscores the unique appeal and demand for the refined experience offered at St. James Tearoom.
A Menu That Evolves, Yet Stays True to Tradition
The menu at St. James Tearoom has gracefully evolved over the years while maintaining its core structure. It remains a delightful three-course affair: savories, breads, and sweets. The specific items change monthly, inspired by captivating themes ranging from “Dublin’s Fare” to “Around the World in 80 Days,” and even a “Jane Austen” theme, “Tea with Mr. Darcy.” This creative approach keeps the experience fresh and exciting, a testament to the “incredibly creative and gifted kitchen team” Mary Alice proudly acknowledges.
When questioned about incorporating local New Mexico ingredients, Mary Alice firmly emphasizes the tearoom’s British identity. While she and Daniel are “tried-and-true New Mexicans” with a love for chile, St. James Tearoom is intentionally designed as a British haven. The aim is to transport guests “to another place and time,” offering an authentic afternoon tea experience far removed from the local culinary scene.
The Charm of Themed Tearooms
Each of the 17 tearooms at St. James Tearoom Albuquerque New Mexico possesses its unique charm. Mary Alice reveals her fondness for “The 18 Duke Street room,” a space so beloved by some guests that they jokingly claim ownership. To add personality, each room is associated with a notable British figure. “18 Duke Street” is linked to Isambard Kingdom Brunel, while other rooms honor names like Gertrude Jekyll, C.S. Lewis, and Winston Churchill. This thoughtful detail enhances the immersive experience, allowing guests to connect with British culture on a more personal level within St. James Tearoom.
The Art of Brewing the Perfect Cup
For Mary Alice, tea is more than just a beverage; it’s an experience deeply intertwined with mood and moment. Her tea preferences vary: China Keemun on a winter morning, Island Garden Pouchong on a spring afternoon, Amaretto Rose with friends, and Genmaicha for an upset stomach. She even mentions James Bond’s favorite, Yin Hao jasmine, for moments of feeling “revved up and well put-together.” This personal connection to tea underscores the philosophy at St. James Tearoom Albuquerque New Mexico: tea is a “mood drink.”
Brewing the perfect cup at St. James Tearoom is a meticulous process. Each tea package includes specific steeping times. Mary Alice advises using a tasting cup to monitor the brewing process and remove leaves at the precise moment the tea reaches optimal flavor. She cautions against tea balls, recommending disposable paper tea sacs or reusable cotton tea socks to allow tea leaves room to expand and release their full flavor. Her most emphatic advice: “never dishonor your beautiful tea leaves by using tap water.” Purified water, she insists, makes a world of difference.
Afternoon Tea, Not High Tea: A Matter of Distinction
Mary Alice clarifies a common misconception: St. James Tearoom serves afternoon tea, not high tea. High tea, she explains, is a later, more substantial meal for laborers, served at a “high table.” Afternoon tea, in contrast, is a lighter, more refined tradition served at a “low tea table” with an entirely different purpose. At St. James Tearoom, the focus is on creating a “beautiful afternoon tea meal in a beautiful space,” an experience that is “simply lovely” rather than pretentious.
Scones and Rotating Menu Delights
When asked about menu favorites, Mary Alice immediately points to the scones, made from her original recipe from a British cookbook she acquired at 19. The clotted cream and curds are equally praised, with the rose-pomegranate curd being a personal favorite. The ever-changing monthly menus at St. James Tearoom consistently evoke enthusiasm, with everyone declaring each new menu their “favorite.”
Slowing Down to Savor Life
Mary Alice’s philosophy of slowing down and enjoying life is deeply reflected in St. James Tearoom Albuquerque New Mexico. Her porcelain art, a practice of mindful creation, mirrors the tearoom’s ethos. Life, she believes, should be savored, not rushed. St. James Tearoom embodies this sentiment, offering a space to pause, appreciate beauty, and connect over a cup of tea.
Delightful lemon-dill cucumber tea sandwiches from St. James Tearoom recipe.
LEMON-DILL CUCUMBER TEA SANDWICHES RECIPE
These Lemon-Dill Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are a testament to the simple elegance of St. James Tearoom cuisine. Mary Alice describes them as a “perfect combination of the classic dill tea sandwich with a fresh lemon twist.” Perfect with St. James’s Margaret’s Hope Darjeeling or Charleston Green tea.
Delicious gluten-free blueberry-almond scones with lemon glaze recipe from St. James Tearoom.
GLUTEN-FREE BLUEBERRY-ALMOND SCONES WITH LEMON GLAZE RECIPE
St. James Tearoom caters to all guests, including those seeking gluten-free options. These Gluten-Free Blueberry-Almond Scones with Lemon Glaze are bursting with flavor and texture. Mary Alice suggests pairing them with Morning in Giverny, Blueberry Festival, or Lemon Soufflé teas from St. James Tearoom.
Book Your Tranquil Escape
Given its enduring popularity and devoted clientele, planning ahead is essential for experiencing St. James Tearoom Albuquerque New Mexico. The tearoom’s website extends the experience beyond its walls, offering carry-out tea sets, loose-leaf teas, and monthly menus for hosting your own tea party.
St. James Tearoom: 320 Osuna Road NE, Building D, Albuquerque; 505-242-3752, stjamestearoom.com
