Robin
User's reviews
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Tea Room at Port Gamble
I first came across the Port Gamble tea room almost 3 years ago. I was with my husband and didn't have time to stay, but decided right then that it would be the place to plan my daughter's special 16th bday party. I did, we came and it was PERFECT! We reserved the back room and filled it with Great Grandma, Grandmas, and aunts. What a special time of blessing her. The tea variety was wonderful. We especially liked the Snow Monkey Plum and Northwest Berry Blend. The High Tea was absolutely delicious and best of all was the chocolate fruit fondue! We each received a delicious chocolate of our choice. The ambiance was lovely. The service was wonderful. I cannot recommend this tea room highly enough. That birthday visit was 2 1/2 years ago now. We have returned several times since and the ladies are always wonderful--the food and tea delightful! This place gives us a fresh memory each time we stop in!
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I have visited The Secret Garden Tea Room several times over the past couple of years and each visit has been wonderful! I held a small baby shower there, have had one on one visits with friends, I have taken my 2 youngest daughters (ages 4 and 6) dressed up in their pretty princess gowns and just this past week I took those 2 littlest girls with their 18 y.o. sister for a special Victorian Christmas High Tea on New Year's Eve. The food has always been delicious. From tea sandwiches, to soups, to salads, to savories, to sweets...everything has been delicious. Even with the items that I personally didn't prefer, I appreciated the variety. Such variety is offered in the tea service sets! The service has always been friendly and gracious when we tend to linger. The gift shop stocked full of goodies--except, it seems, the tea I am always wanting to purchase to take home with me is out. So many delicious choices of tea. I have several bags in my cupboard right now from there! White Ambosia, Carmel Toffee, Blueberry Bliss, Summer Orchard, & Apple Pie. I do wish that you kept the Christmas teas available for purchase into January. The atmosphere cannot be beat in this beautiful, old home. The only thing that I really wish they would change is the prep of the tea. I know that this service varies from tea room to tea room. But at SG when our tea has been brought to us we have been told to allow it to steep longer before pouring. How long? How long has it been steeping? Did I order white, green or black tea this time! All vary in steeping times. What did my daughters order? Also, after sitting, visiting and sipping over a period of time the tea remains soaking in the tea leaves. Most teas become quite strong or bitter by the time I get to the bottom third of the pot. My younger daughters LOVE tea, but they don't drink it down fast. I feel wasteful asking for a fresh pot when there is a lot left, but I don't want to suffer through drinking bitter tea just to get a fresh pot. I prefer tea rooms that steep the tea in the back room the desired length of time and remove the tea leaves before bringing the pot to the table. Again, this is the only service lacking in my opinion from this lovely establishment. Perhaps this would not be an issue for some, but I felt that it was important for serious tea sippers to know. We are looking forward to many frequent returns to our favorite stop in Sumner! Our New Year's Eve visit, we decided, MUST become an ongoing tradition!
Tearoom response:
We would be happy to deliver your tea in a 'teasac' so that you can steep it to your own liking. We have found that most people enjoy the ritual of pouring the tea through a strainer, but we do have other methods available. Just let us know how you would like it served. We also replace the leaves after the 2nd steeping, so please don't hesitate to ask for a fresh pot. I'm glad you enjoy our establishment!