This March, we are excited to present Isaac as our Employee of the Month! Isaac has been with The St. James Tearoom as an Expeditor Dishwasher since October of 2018. In his short time here, Isaac has made a huge impact on his team and the Tearoom as a whole. One word to describe Isaac […]
Brand-new magnetic games are perfect for long car rides or bringing to the pub and sharing a friendly game over a pint. As we journey to Ireland, The St. James Market found a few new items to make our travels a little easier—and maybe a bit classier! Our new leather-bound shaving kits have a sleek […]
The Search for God & Guinness, a biography by Stephen Mansfield, details the life of Arthur Guinness as he changed his city of Dublin for the better. Through living out of abundance, Guinness used the vehicle of beer to create jobs, sanitation, safe drinking alternatives, housing, and much more for the people of Dublin. He is […]
Featured China Pattern: Glamis Thistle. This beautiful set is bone porcelain china made in England. In Celtic culture, the thistle represents strength, devotion, durability, and bravery. The thistle seems quite fitting as we celebrate a man who exhibits these qualities as he strived to heal his broken city of Dublin. Refusing to make his fame […]
Often associated with Irish-American cuisine, corned beef makes for a slightly different, yet quite delicious, variation of a traditional tea sandwich. We paired our recipe with a simple garnish of shredded cabbage for a little crunch and the creaminess of Muenster cheese for some added richness. We recommend pairing these sandwiches with a strong cup […]
Love Stories We must admit, in spite of the cynicism of our age, human hearts are continually captivated by stories of love and devotion; they are susceptible and tender when it comes to real loving relationships. We cheer for love to succeed; we are disappointed and sad when it does not. We find that, in […]
We are excited to honor Maggie as our Employee of the Month for February. Maggie has been a wonderful part of the Tearoom as a Server since November 2017. Her guests have called her charming, delightful, and incredible. Her coworkers describe her as gracious, humble, kind, reliable, and selfless. She inspires her team with her […]
Poires Belle Hélène was created in the mid-1860s by famed French chef and restaurateur Auguste Escoffier and named after the operetta La belle Hélène by Jacques Offenbach. The French have invented countless delectable desserts, and these pears, poached in a homemade syrup and enrobed in a decadent chocolate sauce flavored with pear liqueur, are a […]
A Little Mary Poppins Chaos (Can Be a Good Thing) Mr. Banks’ life was turned topsy-turvy with the arrival of Mary Poppins. “My world was calm, well ordered, exemplary Then came this person, with chaos in her wake And now my life’s ambitions go with one fell blow It’s quite a bitter pill to take” […]
We are excited to honor Beka as January’s Employee of the Month! Beka has been part of The St. James Family since November of 2016 as part of our kitchen team. Beka is an incredibly hard worker. She is consistent and thorough with her tasks. This past Christmas season, she, along with her fellow kitchen […]
In honor of the 107th anniversary of New Mexico’s statehood (January 6th, 1912), we decided to share a tender, flaky, green chile and cheese scone recipe—the perfect marriage of traditional teatime fare and New Mexico’s most beloved ingredient. Other treats at a “birthday” teatime for New Mexico could include: piñon cookies; turkey, avocado, and cucumber […]
We are excited to honor Sarah as December’s Employee of the Month! Sarah has been part of The St. James Family since August of 2016 as first an Expeditor / Dishwasher before becoming a Server. Sarah is a wonderful example of the St. James Aspirations of Grace, Civility, Beauty, Gentility, and Excellence. She strives to […]
Many people find respite within the walls of The St. James Tearoom, but for Cindy Hargett, it offers something more. “It is a haven from the modern world,” Cindy says. “The ambiance feels like you’ve stepped back in time to a more genteel place.” Cindy recently spent an afternoon at St. James with her sister, […]
Nutcracker dolls are an undeniable symbol of Christmas. Though carved nutcrackers have taken many shapes since their earliest days in the 13th or 14th century, the soldier and king nutcracker dolls we know today originated in Germany in the early 1800s. Inspired by these German origins, we decided to bring you a Christmas Stollen Scone […]
We are overjoyed to honor Denise as November’s Employee of the Month! Denise has been part of the St. James family as a Server since September 2013. After five years, you might call Denise a St. James staple. Her experience and passion for the Tearoom brings stability to her team. Along with leading and teaching […]
If you’re a fan of The Chronicles of Narnia, you’ve probably noticed that C.S. Lewis describes food quite often. Though the most well-known book in the series is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the other six books in the series also describe numerous meals in the land of Narnia. This baked apple recipe […]
Lauren Stenzel first visited The St. James Tearoom in 2003 after relocating from Santa Fe, New Mexico. At the time she didn’t know anything about the Tearoom. “It was at this time that an acquaintance took me to the St. James. It changed my life. I was immediately enchanted with the environment and grace that […]
We are so pleased to present Marisa as October’s Employee of the Month! Marisa has been with the St. James family since May of this year as an Expeditor / Dishwasher. We are so honored to have Marisa’s hard work and Servant’s Heart here at the Tearoom. While she is a great example of all […]
Just in time for the crisp weather of autumn, we bring you a delightfully simple pumpkin spice tea latte recipe. Made with Incan Chocolate Puerh tea, warm frothed milk, and pumpkin spice syrup, this creamy concoction is sure to get any day started off on the right note! Pair with a warm scone for the […]
Spitfires and Hurricanes were the legendary fighters of the British RAF during WWII. They were agile and very effective. The Hurricane fighter, however had a disastrous design flaw: the fuel lines ran right along both sides of the cockpit at face height as they led to the engine. In any direct hit, these would burst […]
This month, we are honoring Isaac as September’s Employee of the Month! Isaac has been with the St. James family since June of 2017 as an Expeditor Dishwasher. During his time here, Isaac has grown and flourished as a leader in the dish station. Though washing dishes is not always seen as the most glamorous […]
Throughout the Harry Potter book series, Hagrid serves his favorite students numerous homemade “treats,” including a traditional British drop scone commonly called a rock cake (for its rocky shape). For these Wizarding World-inspired scones, we imagine Hagrid making them with whatever he has on hand, so you can play with the additions to make them […]
For August, we are pleased to honor Erin as Employee of the Month! Erin has been with The St. James since November of 2017 as both a Server and a Reservationist. Erin is a true example of a Servant’s Heart. She is recognized as one who is constantly striving to help others in all that […]
In the 18th century, syllabubs were a common feature of the dessert course, often served alongside puddings and jellies. Syllabubs evolved throughout the century from a sweetened wine-based drink into a more solid whipped dessert, similar to mousse, and then were eventually replaced by ice cream as a cold refreshing treat to end a meal. […]
We are pleased to introduce Danae as July’s Employee of the Month! Danae has been with The St. James since May of 2016 as one of our wonderful servers. Danae is one of the most cheerful and joyful people we know. She has a great attitude that is always uplifting, encouraging, and brings a smile […]
Our latest teatime theme invites you to fly away with us to a land of pixies, pirates, and the lost boys… As we fly into Neverland, we invite you to sample “Second Star to the Right,” a black tea blend with pixie dust, marshmallow bits, and light from the Second Star! It sure to inspire […]
Celebrate the 4th with a little teatime flair! Fun and elegant, creamy and delicious, these festive little cups make for an easy Independence Day dessert sure to please the eye and the taste buds. No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Cups Makes about 10 servings. Ingredients: Graham Cracker Crumbs 1 1 ⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 1 […]
These delightful shortbread cookies were inspired by the directions to Neverland — two star cookies stacked with a clear, golden, candy center. We recommend enjoying these cookies with either our house-blended English Breakfast tea or the malty black tea Sir Philip Sidney. Neverland Star Cookies Makes about 20 cookies. Ingredients: 8 oz. butter at room […]
We are overjoyed to honor Stephanie as June’s Employee of the Month! Stephanie has been with The St. James since November of 2017 as one of our lovely Market Attendants. Stephanie is a wonderful example of all our St. James Aspirations. Through Grace, she constantly gives of herself to others, always choosing kindness and love. […]
Just in time for strawberry season, we bring you this strawberry mousse recipe that couldn’t be easier. In just 10-15 minutes you can have this light, refreshing dessert ready for your next summer tea party. We think it pairs quite well with our popular Lemon Soufflé tea, especially if you ice the tea! This recipe […]
We are excited to honor Sarah as May’s Employee of the Month! Sarah has been part of The St. James family since August of 2016 as both a Dishwasher/Expeditor and a Server, and we obviously love having her as this is her second nomination for Employee of the Month! Sarah is a beautiful example of […]
Combining real Champagne, fresh berries, and sweet white grape juice, our Berry Champagne Gelées are a refreshing accompaniment to any celebration, particularly in the warmer months of the year. They make for a sophisticated and light dessert following any meal, sure to add a splash of color to your menu. And if you want an […]
We are excited to honor Chasya as our Employee of the Month for April. She has been part of the St. James family since August of 2015, making delicious goodies in our kitchen! Chasya is a great steward of our St. James Aspirations of Grace, Civility, and Excellence. She works hard to create beautiful food […]
We have the greatest pleasure in announcing that we made the list of FoodNetwork.com’s 20 recommended places to eat in Albuquerque! Click through to find us at the thirteenth image. Food Network Article For those who wish to Find Sanctuary from the hectic pace of life, we have been a haven and a […]
“…I don’t really know if I’m doing right–it may make you more addlepated than ever–but you can ask Diana to come over and spend the afternoon with you and have tea here.” “Oh, Marilla!” Anne clasped her hands. “How perfectly lovely! You are able to imagine things after all or else you’d never have understood how I’ve […]
Enjoy a Guinness Stout at your teatime! Paired perfectly with our Guinness World Record Irish Soda Bread, this malty, caramely, and bittersweet stout is available only through March 31, 2018, as a special tribute to our St. James Great Arthur Guinness. Ask your server to order. About Guinness St. James’s Gate is the largest Guinness […]
We are excited to honor Victoria as our Employee of the Month for March. Victoria can be found as one of our beloved Servers here at The St. James Tearoom. We are also so honored to have her as part of the St. James family for six years now! Victoria (or Tori, as she is […]
Irish Tea Bread, also known as Tea Brack, is somewhere between a quick bread and a fruit cake. With brown sugar, whole wheat flour, and tea-soaked dried fruit, it is delightfully dense and sweet and is best spread with salted butter and served with a strong cup of tea. Enjoy our take on this Irish […]
As we travel to Paris with our menu served February 6th – March 4th, 2018, we are eager to share some of our favorite French-inspired menu with you! This is how we make our heart scones in the kitchen of our tearoom in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The scones pair wonderfully with our French Kiss Puerh […]
Introducing a New Parisian Cocktail for “La Vie en Rose” Inspired by Paris and our “La Vie en Rose” menu, we have created “Délice à la Fraise” (strawberry delight), a house-made cocktail for you to enjoy. Fresh strawberry, Vermouth, and Lillet Blanc have been lovingly blended together in this refreshing drink that is sure to […]
We are excited to honor Lee as our Employee of the Month for February. Lee has been a part of our Market Staff since July of 2016, and this is not the first time she has shown an exceptional heart for guests and her team, as she was Employee of the Month for December 2016. […]
You asked, and we listened! Our three featured teas for our “La Vie en Rose” menu are now included in our Signature Line of Teas. Lavender Provence French Kiss Puerh Mother of Pearl These delightful teas will be available for purchase throughout the year and to request at any of your teatimes. We hope you […]
Yields about 20 cookies For the Dacquoise (meringue cookie): 2/3 cup (3 ½ ounces) sliced almonds 1 cup powdered sugar 1/8 tsp. salt 3 egg whites ¼ cup granulated sugar For the Buttercream: 6 ounces of your favorite milk chocolate chips (we recommend Guittard brand if you don’t have a favorite) 2 sticks (8 ounces) […]
Journey with us over the misty mountains as we take tea in The Shire of Middle Earth. Based on the classic novels by J.R.R. Tolkien, we have created a teatime menu that is inspired by the characters and the world he created. Served January 9 – February 4, 2018, this is a teatime sure to […]
We are so excited to share the special tea shot we will be serving in January! Does it look like there might be some Middle-earth Elvish magic involved? Your eyes do not deceive you. Our “Lothlórien Nectar” sparkles like the light of Eärendil! Just like Sam in The Lord of the Rings, we dream of […]
Christina truly excels as a member of our Market Team. She loves greeting and interacting with guests that come to have tea or shop, often welcoming them by name. Her gentle spirit and gracious manner of speech put people at ease, enhancing the feeling of sanctuary The St. James Tearoom offers. A hard worker, quick […]
Yields about 4 dozen mini tea cakes For the Cake: 1 1/2 cups brown rice flour 1/2 cup potato starch 1/4 cup white rice flour 1/4 cup tapioca flour 2 Tbsp. matcha green tea powder** 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 1/3 cups sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup […]
This holiday season, join The St. James Tearoom as we celebrate 18 years of teatime in Albuquerque, New Mexico! Follow a reservation as it becomes afternoon tea in this glimpse behind the scenes of our menu “A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens,” served November 28, 2017 – January 7, 2018.
Mary loves being employed at The St. James Tearoom; she has been serving guests here since March 2016 and hopes to be a part of the Tearoom family for the rest of her life! Mary was a semi-regular guest when she saw an advertisement for servers and knew she had to apply. Mary is studying […]
Sir Chauncy and “Fortune’s Favor” It is a warm summer afternoon, and our story opens on the sleeping form of a brave knight on his way home from travels in the Far East. He has seen many wonders, has this knight, Sir Chauncy: great statues and a stone wall, tall thin hills and slender bamboo. […]
“Each piece of Turkish Delight was sweet and light to the very center and Edmund had never tasted anything more delicious.” ~The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Turkish legend has it that Sultan Abdul Hamid I “summoned all his confectionery experts and ordered them to produce a unique dessert.” What caught that royal’s fancy […]
Our guests are largely responsible for China being our November Employee of the Month; their surveys continually praise her by name. Her gentle and observant manner truly shines with guests and coworkers alike. China is one of our most consistent Servers, and her reliability and communication skills make her a wonderful addition to her team. […]
This year’s Annual Masquerade Ball was a beautiful evening filled with music, dancing, elegance, and laughter. Thank you to our honored guests! You all looked fabulous. You can download your photos at full quality by following the links below! Photo Booth Portraits Event Album
We would love your feedback! In order to continue to provide you with excellent service and beautiful products relevant to you, our St. James Market invites you to take a short survey. Let us know what is important to you in your shopping experience and the products you love! Take the Short Survey Thank you […]
If you have perused our tea collection lately, you may have seen a new addition appear! It is an honor to introduce our brand new tea “Duchess of Bedford.” This velvety traditional black tea is enhanced with raspberries and a subtle hint of rose. It is made most luxurious by a touch of brown sugar, […]
Shannon, recognized as one of our September Superheroes, was chosen Employee of the Month for October 2017. In her dual role as a Server and Reservationist, she excelled in keeping a fabulous attitude during the greatest September our Tearoom has had in seventeen years. “Recipes from the Wizarding World,” an employee-driven menu theme, brought a […]
Matthew, our September 2017 Employee of the Month, is relatively new to our Tearoom family, so being chosen by his peers to represent them underscores how well he fits in here. As a Server, Matthew has a spirit of excellence that has revealed itself in his attention to detail and efficiency. He excels at vacuuming, […]
Something delicious this way comes! For several years, The St. James Tearoom has created one-of-a-kind, non-alcoholic tea shots for special events, blending concentrated tea with flavored syrups for a small, yet thrilling treat. In honor of our menu “Recipes from the Wizarding World,” we have concocted a special brew to transport you to that magical […]
Our featured china set this month is so fun. It’s called Victorian Cream Ramble Rose, and each piece has adorable little feet! Find it this month in our Market!
We are extremely excited to officially announce our brand-new menu and theme for September!! “Recipes from the Wizarding World” will be served Tuesday, September 5 – Sunday, October 1, 2017. See the full menu.
Introducing “The St. James Regency Punch,” the featured aperitif for our August Jane Austen menu! Our own take on a historic beverage, with local sparkling wine and our own Garden Bouquet green tea, this unique punch will transport you to the Regency Era, when it was commonly served at parties and balls. Ask for a […]
August Employee of the Month, Chris, our gentleman in the Market, has such a relaxed demeanor you would never know just how hard he works except for the fact that he gets his tasks done before you know it. He is able and super willing to help out wherever he can: in the tea station […]
Last month we got to congratulate Rachel on her recent high school graduation. This month we get to congratulate her for being chosen as Employee of the Month! Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to be served by Rachel knows just how sweet and friendly she is in her quiet, attentive, and gentle ways; […]
We LOVE daddies! And we have more than our share of the very best ones! John and his youngest daughter Daniela have made St. James tea a tradition; it’s their special time together. When they come, they bring carefully selected poetry to read during tea. In the beginning, this father specifically sought out the Tearoom […]
Isaiah, our Employee of the Month for June 2017 has only been with The St. James Tearoom since November, but in that time, he has endeared himself to his coworkers with his jolly nature and large heart! Isaiah works in the dish station as an Expeditor; serving tea is a bustling business and our Expeditors […]
This inspirational story takes place at The St. James Tearoom in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We are honored to be named one of the Top Workplaces by the Albuquerque Journal! Veronica is one of the wonderful leaders who makes the Tearoom a great place to work. Excellence is achieved by doing one small task, one […]
We are proud to announce that we have won the Albuquerque Journal Top Work Place again this year for small businesses in Albuquerque! Thank you to our amazing staff—you all make the Tearoom such an amazing place to be! Would you like to become a part of our story? Learn more about employment at The […]
We love to celebrate and pamper our moms around here! With that in mind, we’ve decided to have an extra special Mother’s Day shopping event! Come into our Market next Wednesday, May 10th, 2017, from 4pm – 7pm and enjoy samples of our famous St. James Cream Scones and a cup of tea while you […]
Congratulations to our Employees of the Month of April! Anne of Green Gables proved to be such a great success that our staff was called upon to go above and beyond to serve the multitude of guests that came to partake of our April menu. The nominations for Employee of the Month were so compelling […]
Eric has been a wonderful blessing here at The St. James Tearoom for seven years now. He started working with us in the dishwashing station, and we have had the privilege of watching him grow into a member of our leadership team, managing the kitchen and serving as a chef who produces beautiful and yummy […]
Our new exclusive spring tea is here! Easter Basket is a strawberry cream herbal tea with hibiscus, orange, and a delightful surprise of jelly beans! It pairs perfectly with parties and pastries. Find it now in The St. James Market.
Our phones are ringing off the hook! Our Employee of Month Jeanine answers and calm prevails. Jeanine has worked at The St. James Tearoom for 12 years and knows many of our guests by their phone voice. She is the anchor in a sometimes stormy sea of reservations, a master juggler of numbers, placing our […]
We’re eager to share why we continue to do what we do and how we continue onward in the midst of the storms of this world. Words to encourage, uplift, and even challenge–this little magazine is brimming with the heart of The St. James Tearoom! Written by our owner and founder, Mary Alice Higbie, each article […]
Sarah has been chosen by her co-workers as our February Employee of the Month, which is very appropriate as she is obviously filled with LOVE. A love that she so winningly pours out upon those she works with in our Dish Station, a very important position that serves each and every one of us. Our […]
Teatime for all occasions… Follow the links from our Instagram images below:
We have the honor of directing you to a lovely article written about us by Getrude Matshe of The Huffington Post! Read the article here.
This month’s Employee of the Month is our lovely server, Mary! Mary has been working at the Tearoom for almost a year and has become such an important part of our service team and our Tearoom family. Those that nominated her for Employee of the Month described her as “kind hearted, others focused, the definition […]
The Lost Art of Correspondence is a thoughtful piece with a strong message from Mary Alice Higbie, owner of founder of The St. James Tearoom.
This month we are proud to announce our lovely market lady, Lee, as Employee of the Month! Lee has been working at the Tearoom for a couple of months now, and she has been part of an invaluable part of our team. She is so helpful in so many different areas of the Tearoom outside […]
For this month of November we are proud to announce the “Employee of the Month” is our lovely Market Attendant, Christina! Christina has been working at the Tearoom for a few months now and has been such a blessing to everyone she comes in contact with. She is such a diligent, hardworking young woman with […]
I have not heard much discussion about Beauty these days…. What is Beauty? Is it important, or is it merely superfluous, an extra that is nice if one can get it? Is beauty synonymous with pretty? Does our culture believe that Beauty is a nonessential? Is the concept even worth wrestling with? I am convinced […]
This month we are proud to announce our “Employee of the Month” is our beautiful server, Sevon! Sevon has been working for the Tearoom for a little bit under a year now. When she started working here, she caught on so fast and has completely surpassed every expectation we had for her. She learned everything […]
Everyone’s journey is unique and valuable, all journeys take persistence and courage. It is incredible when our paths cross and we get to share stories and learn so much about one another, especially when our lives can get so hectic. We love our guests and we were thrilled to put together this photo story. Each […]
With September we embark on our beautiful, New Mexico Autumn. A new school year has begun and things are beginning to chug along. But I know this is the calm before the storm. Soon the holidays will be upon me and time will be moving all too quickly. Now is my time for sanctuary, and […]
The St. James is proud to announce that our dishwasher, Michael, is the Employee of the Month for September! Michael has been working for the Tearoom for a little less than a year and has quickly become such a vital part of our team. Though his job title is dishwasher, he does so much more. […]
Preparing something with one’s own hands—it takes time, it takes effort, but how wonderful it is when you can make someone’s day extraordinary. Give Sanctuary.
Painting a Beautiful Picture for our World A beautiful painting arrests our attention, draws us in, causes us to stop and consider it. Beautiful art of any kind engages, challenges, and moves us. In the same way, the sight of courteous people living together in civil community is a beautiful thing to look upon, and […]
The St. James is proud to announce our employee of the month is our sweet server, Destiny! Destiny has been working with us for almost three years now, making her a Tearoom veteran who has been invaluable to our team. At The St. James Tearoom, our servers are always looking for a way to “Surprise […]
Love may always be known by its expenditures. The way I expend myself and extend myself for my fellows reveals my love. Is this love for others, or for myself? Arland D. Williams’ expenditure is well known. When Air Florida Flight 90 smashed into the frozen Potomac in the middle of a snowstorm, all but six […]
Join Mary Alice Higbie as we learn the story of Mia Prieskorn, who has a connection with our Tearoom corner that goes back long before we founded The St. James Tearoom in 1999.
For this month of July, we are proud to announce the Employee of the Month is Stephanie! Stephanie has been working at the Tearoom for almost 2 years now. She began as a server, but now fills the position as one of our reservationists. Though her job title is reservationist, she does so much more […]
Not long ago I was tossing and turning on a very hard bed in the middle of the night, trying to make myself comfortable on a wafer-thin pillow, struggling to get some sleep before a a big day. Growls and Grumbles were going through my mind: “They call this a Bed & Breakfast? I thought […]
The St. James is honored to present our Employee of the Month, Rebekah! Rebekah has been working at the Tearoom for almost two years now. Her positive attitude, sweet character, and servant’s heart are just some of her amazing attributes. One of our managers described her as being “consistently consistent.” She is always giving of her time even if it means […]
Daddies are their little girls’ Knight in Shining Armor. Every Daddy is a hero in his daughter’s eyes, and the good ones never lose that place in her heart, even after she grows up and finds her own Prince Charming. There are heroes abroad, and there are heroes at home. Here is a story […]
We are pleased to announce the EOM for May is Adrianna Salazar. Adrianna has been with us since December of last year and has grown so much over these past six months. She has mastered all of our teas and is on her way to becoming a tea master! She has shown a willingness to […]
The staff of The St. James Tearoom wishes our owner and founder, Mary Alice “Emmai” Higbie, a happy birthday!
The St. James is proud to announce Chantal as our Employee of the Month for April. Chantal has been working in The St. James Market for two years now, where she is a blessing to everyone who walks through our door. She is always going above and beyond what is asked of her, and she […]
WHO we are… WHY we do what we do… Learn the HEART and meet the Joyful Eccentrics behind it all!
The St. James is proud to present our Employee of the Month, Jon! Jon has been working at the Tearoom for a little over a year now. He started as a dishwasher and has slowly migrated to being a server. He is such a joy to work with because his positive and fun attitude makes […]
We are Proud to announce that our “Employee of the Month” is our beautiful market lady, Angelica! Angelica has been working at the Tearoom for almost a year now and she is such a joy to be around. She is kind, reliable, and is in constant pursuit of excellence, thus giving her the nickname around […]
For January, we are proud to announce our Employee of the Month is one of our kitchen team members, Rachel Lott! Rachel has been a core member of the Tearoom for three and a half years. She first started in the Market but migrated to working in the kitchen. Many of her fellow co-workers have […]
Fifteen years ago, a little girl stood peering into the windows of tiny, newly-minted St. James Tearoom while her grandmother finished her business in the dress shop next door. She asked if they could go in, and see what was happening within. Victoria, the grandmother, and little Nicole came in to see what it was […]
“A soul must search with blinded eyes For that which can’t be seen. It senses yearnings deep within, Yet knows not what they mean.” * We have a tendency to skim along the surface of life, never reflecting on its deeper meanings. Our culture is not in the habit of ‘mining the deeps’ and so […]
This guest blog is by New Mexico writer Patrice Greenwood, a long-time guest who has become a very special, personal friend. You will see her love of beauty here, and will understand afresh the joys of taking time to appreciate those ephemeral marvels that exist right alongside us, whether we notice and appreciate them or not. […]
Come Into My Courtyard; Meet Ginger Syllabub Morning is peeking over my garden gate. Come in; I’d like to introduce you to someone special. I have been nurturing Ginger Syllabub since she was a baby – five years! I planted her roots in good soil in the certain knowledge that she had a great struggle ahead […]
May is National Bicycle Month. And here is our gentle reminder for both bicyclists and motorists alike to practice Bicycle Etiquette. (And isn’t our little Victorian bicyclist a most proper and memorable representation of the concept?!) My husband James has commuted on his bicycle for over 35 years and has had some near misses, so […]
Wilfrid Koponen is a personal friend, and a friend of the Tearoom since the very beginning – 15 years! He has a longstanding interest and an in-depth knowledge of British monarchy, and a passion for their royal culture. In this Guest Blog he shares his view on the imminent royal birth, a subject Americans are […]
Our Irish theme for this month is dear to our heart, for Arthur Guinness is one of our own British Greats. If you have ever been seated in our St. James Gate, or if you have ever enjoyed a Guinness stout, you have had a brush with Arthur Guinness. His life exemplifies that which we […]
In our age of cynicism, should we consider stories of sacrificial love to inspire, motivate, guide and encourage us? We must admit, human hearts are continually captivated by stories of love and devotion; they are susceptible and tender when it comes to real loving relationship. We cheer for love to succeed; we are disappointed and […]
The 4th of December is our anniversary, the fifteenth anniversary of The St. James Tearoom. For fifteen years I have been continually amazed. The more of our guests I am privileged to become acquainted with, the more I am astonished – a delightful conundrum! Often when we ask ourselves “why” it is because of something […]
Rustling of Leaves Our wants can become so mighty, so insistent and demanding. Our desires to achieve or obtain have a way of growing and multiplying at a pace that far outstrips contentment. Frantic and Famished is no way to live. I tell myself, “Be still! Cease striving! Rest, and be content.” I say, “There […]
It seems a young woman was a guest for tea with Queen Elizabeth II in the Buckingham Palace gardens. She was actually sitting with the Queen, sipping tea and conversing with her when her cell phone started ringing. She looked at her purse in horror: yes, the sound was coming from her bag! The Queen leaned over and said […]
Sometimes it is the simple things that make the richest gifts. How blessed are those simple gifts – an unhurried conversation, an intimate look, a homemade meal eaten at leisurely pace, an unexpected touch. The ordinary arts we may practice every day at home are those that truly enrich. James, my husband of 42 years […]
Are you an MIF or an MIL? …and which one is Queen Elizabeth II? This is quite an important discussion item in many tea etiquette circles. Yes. ’Tis true. If you are a ‘MIL,’ you put your Milk in Last. You are easy to get along with. You love your tea, enjoy your life. […]
Our world is apt to canonize Push. It will sing the praises of the one who excels at Shove, will call him ‘successful’ as he elbows his way to the top of the heap. As he treads upon others and pushes them aside, he will graciously nod in response to the loud ‘huzzahs’ and toasts to his […]
Moments MAY become treasures, priceless jewels buried deep in the vault of our hearts. He was sitting right beside me. He in his car seat, I in the seat next to him, and his parents sat in the front. He was four. He said to me, “Baba, I want to talk to you. Don’t talk […]
In Jane Austen’s day, there was no email, and no texting, of course. People communicated in a slower, but much more genteel fashion – the letter. I believe that we are missing that gentility in our own day. In the beginnings of our ’email age’, we thought it was exciting – “You’ve got mail!” Oh boy!
WHO ME??? I must keep telling myself: “It is the RISE of the Roamin’ empire!” An empire is not conquered and contained in a day – or a month. Time is necessary! Patience is needed! Constancy, consistency, discipline, and love! The Lone Re-Arranger Has Struck Again! This time she struck as I slept…. the little […]
Our Theme for July is THE BOSTON TEA PARTY After refusing to be taxed without representation, dressing like Mohawk Indians, boarding the loaded ships in Boston Harbor, and throwing the taxed tea overboard, the colonists swore off imported tea from the British and began to drink what they called ‘Liberty Teas’, instead. It was a […]
Enchanting sites and merry scenes abound. But one must have eyes to see, time to look, and a heart unafraid to be doing so. Growing up can harden us to these things, but it does not HAVE to.
Roamin’ says, Ahoy, matey! This is the month fer pirates! I’m dressed as a pirate, and you can come to tea dressed as a pirate, too. The Irish pirate Grace O’Malley wasn’t exactly a lady, but you can see some real ladies living today who are part of a group called Sisters of the […]
‘Luv you!’ Roamin’ loves being loved! In the mornings when I sit outside in the swing, she politely lays her head on my knee and with her big, expressive, brown eyes asks, “May I come up and swing, too?” I won’t let her on the furniture inside, but I can’t resist those eyes when I […]
…Our homeless friend had gotten on the bus in Albuquerque. Would he stay on it all the way to Louisiana, where a good and helpful program awaited? …In the meantime, his sweet little dog Roamin’ was starting a new life with us…. Would she be able to stay? Matthew had explained to us how addictive […]
Jim and I have become captives in our own home. This is obviously a new chapter in our history… She entered gently, arrived like a whisper of wind, her demeanor timid and frightened; she cowered, but she conquered, nonetheless. We never knew what hit us. Her name is Roamin’. We got her from an intelligent […]
“A garden is a grand teacher.” Gertrude Jekyll For our April theme of Victory Garden, I would like to again share some of Gertrude Jekyll’s wisdom, and also give you a little peek at some behind-the-scenes workings at The St. James Tearoom meant as soil for growing in wisdom. Gertrude Jekyll, as most of you […]
“The lesson I have thoroughly learnt, and wish to pass on to others, is to know the enduring happiness that the love of a garden gives.” Gertrude Jekyll Gertrude Jekyll is one of our prized British Greats. If you have ever been seated in Munstead Wood, this is Gertrude’s area. And since our theme for […]
Victory Gardens After the Fact: Using Used Tea Leaves Tea is good for your health! But you knew that…. Did you realize tea is good for the health of your plants, as well? Our theme for April is Victory Garden, and we want you to have victory in your garden! Did you know that used […]
The St. James Tearoom’s theme for the month of April is “Victory Garden” – a look back at an effort that brought families, and communities together in the past, but also an effort that is actively being pursued even today to push our society forward. Most people think of World War II when they hear […]
We speak. We speak always and in many ways. Words are only one of the many methods we use to communicate. Mary Eliza Haweis, who wrote The Art of Beauty in 1878, concluded that “Dress bears the same relation to the body as speech does to the brain; and therefore dress may be called the […]
Let me tell you a true story. It was reported on Good Morning, America. It seems a young woman had been invited to have tea with Queen Elizabeth II in the Buckingham Palace gardens. She was actually sitting with the Queen enjoying her tea and their conversation when her cell phone started ringing. She looked […]
I feel just the slightest bit of cool as I sit in my swing, enjoying the early mornings in my little courtyard. Soon the temperature will drop to our friendly and pleasant New Mexico autumn weather, and we will hear leaves rustling and hot air balloons overhead. We are on the cusp of my favorite […]
Pursuing Beauty – Japanese Style #1 – Ikebana Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. I once hosted an ikebana class in my home with other artists, to my great delight. The principles of design in this art form are well established, and, just like the Japanese have their Tea Masters, they also […]
Civility is getting a lot of press these days, but sometimes it seems not a lot of practice. I am one of the lucky ones, as I live and work among those who practice it. Life is so much nicer this way! The word ‘civility’ itself comes from the Latin word, ‘civitas’, meaning […]
Last week I asked myself the question, “Why would you want to add to all the pain that is already in the world?” I decided to subtract my critical attitude and desire to lash out at the owners of the B & B who didn’t perform up to my exacting standards. In doing so, I […]
Not long ago I was tossing and turning on a very hard bed in the middle of the night, trying to make myself comfortable on a wafer-thin pillow, struggling to get some sleep before a a big day. Growls and Grumbles were going through my mind: “They call this a Bed & Breakfast? I thought […]
In the oh, so proper world of tea etiquette, there are six (yes, SIX) ways to properly eat your scone. The main thing to remember, however, is that the scone must be halved horizontally. Please don’t hurt my heart by cutting the scone in half with a knife! Scones are tender, delicate little treasures, and […]
I love English signs. The last time I was in England, I started taking photos of typical British signs: “Mind Your Head.” “Park Tidy.” “Way Out” (is this a description or a direction?) Probably the most famous is “Mind the Gap” reminding one to be careful not to step in the small space between the […]
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/opinion/sunday/the-joy-of-quiet.html This is an important article, and one I think our St. James customers will relate to and agree with. The importance of Quiet in this day and age is an idea we have been urging since the beginning, and now, here is a NY Times article that articulates the same concept well. Someone else […]
The St. James is preparing to open in our new location on March 30, 2010. We look forward to welcoming our guests in our new home! The new address is 320 Osuna NE (southwest corner Edith Blvd. & Osuna Rd), Albuquerque, New Mexico.