Tea in Maine

One of the things that I've enjoyed most in my tea education is visiting tea shops. Whether they be small retail shops, cafes that know how to do tea well, or dedicated tea rooms, I learn from each experience. Like many of you, I'm sure, I play the "If this was MY shop..." game. The first thing I always consider is the tea itself. I've had fantastic tea in small hole-in-the-wall shops and been inspired by the visit. I've had miserable tea in places that were supposed to be "the best." The latter trips have actually made me angry...angry that these shops are capitalizing off a name or reputation and fooling people into giving up their money for an experience that was inferior. As tea lovers we need to help others see what is so wonderful about the tea experience. I fear that many leave these tea rooms thinking that they just don't like tea.

After tea I consider the space: the comfort, the furniture, and the less tangible "feel" of a room. The staff are the next important consideration. As I have mentioned in other posts, an outstanding staff can help you forgive small problems while a bad staff can completely ruin your visit. Other things I always notice are the teaware, the other customers, and the food. (I'm definitely a foodie at heart so food is pretty critical for me. I adore restaurants and trying new cuisines. Food at a tea room is definitely a consideration but I've found that I am willing to "settle" a bit if the tea, space, and staff are great.

Because of my love of tea spaces, I thought it would be interesting to revisit some of the places I've discovered in my tea travels. Rather than looking at them one at a time, I wanted to organize by state (or city.) I'll talk a bit about where I've been, what I've seen, and some other places that are on my list.

I thought it apropos to start with my home state of Maine. (Why is it that I've lived nearly half of my life in another state, yet Maine will always be home? While I'm on this topic, let me clear a couple of things up. Please don't call me a Mainiac or any of the other ridiculous names. I'm a Mainer. I don't talk like anyone who was on "Murder, She Wrote" and neither do MOST of the people I know back home. I do, however, hail from a town in which most of the adult men were nicknamed "Red." I can't explain it; they just were. I also laugh when I travel around the country and see Maine lobster on the menu of upscale restaurants when I picture eating it sitting in our rustic lakeside cabin (a "camp," please) in a room lit by bare light bulbs on the ceiling...and a chandelier my dad found on the side of the road once. Now back to our regularly scheduled program...)

Over the past three years I've visited a formal tea room, three coffee/tea shops, and discovered three sellers based in the state. I've also identified three other formal tea rooms that will require a visit in the next year or so.

First, the formal tea room: The Clipper Merchant Tea House in Limerick, ME. Yes, I know. You're tired of hearing about it. I won't expound any further here. Just know that it is worth the trip.

The coffee/tea shops were very different from one another. One was Java Joe's in downtown Bangor. This is a small lunch counter kind of place attached to a bookstore. Quite honestly, it probably isn't a place I would have noted particularly except for the fact that they serve Tealuxe tea. If you're looking for a quick cup on the go while you're visiting this nice little downtown, it's worth a stop. (It's a short walk from one of the best children's museums I have EVER visited.)

The second cafe was Zoot Coffee in spectacular Camden, Maine. Camden is an unforgettable destination. It is nestled among mountains that touch the ocean. To be able to hike a mountain and sit and watch the boats bob on the deep blue sea is as close to heaven as I can imagine. PLUS they have a fantastic cafe that definitely knows their tea. I had a truly wonderful Ti Quan Yin. OK, I had it twice...and an iced Genmaicha. It was research. I had to make sure it wasn't a fluke, right?

The third tea shop was Homegrown Herb & Tea in Portland. Again, I know this place was mentioned in my end of year post. I received a very nice e-mail from a reader as well. He raved about the owner's commitment to herbal tisanes and ayuverdic healing. She has spent a great deal of time studying the properties of herbs and is happy to develop blends for people to help address difficulties they're having. Whether you are seeking this or simply a really excellent cup of tea in a funky, warm setting, I definitely recommend this spot.

As I mentioned, I have also found three tea sellers that are based in the state. You may remember previous posts where I talked about Baxter Tea Company. In addition to blending/ selling great tea, they are committed to supporting Maine's residents. They donate a percentage of their profits to support Baxter State Park (for which they are named.) They also help schools and non-profits with fundraising activities that have been very successful.

The second seller is one I came upon in a small natural foods store. The company is called Carpe Diem Coffee. I definitely saw their coffee in a number of cafes. Their tea line was dubbed Carpe Tiem and they sell organic teas with great names like Hoity Toitea, Namastea, and Hippocrateas. And, I should add, that the tea is good. A name can only take you so far, and luckily they have the product to back it up.

The last seller is one I have not yet tried: Bar Harbor Tea Company. This family business offers an interesting mix of teas and accessories. I will have to make it a point to sample their products this year.

My wish list - There are three tea rooms located in Maine that I have on my must-visit list:
* Jordan Pond House Restaurant - This spot, located within Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, has been serving afternoon tea since the late 1800s. From May through October they offer lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea service. Tea is served outside by the pond and the restaurant's popovers have become legendary. I absolutely must visit this spot this summer.
* Jacqueline's Tea Room - Located in Freeport, Jacqueline's offers a two hour, set menu, tea experience. You are served a four course menu and have your choice of more than 70 teas. Reservations are required and a minimum of two people is required.
* McNabs Tea Room - Sited in midcoast Maine in the town of Boothbay, McNabs has become well-loved. Offering lunch, Royal Tea, High Tea, Afternoon Tea, and Tea Tastings, you will surely find something that suits your needs. I hope to make my way up in 2010.

That's my story of tea in Maine. I'd love to hear of other places you know and would recommend.