Boone Tavern Kentucky Derby Inspired Tea

The Traveling Tea Friends consisting of a group of bloggers and friends gathered in Berea, KY for a fabulous adventure coordinated by Linda Jennings who writes the Friendship Tea blog. Our lodging for the week was at the stately Boone Tavern Hotel of Berea College, named after the Kentucky explorer Daniel Boone. Of note, Berea College is a working college where approx. 50% of the staff employed at the restaurant and hotel are students. Linda also shared that the beautiful solid wood furnishings in the guests rooms have been built by the students.



Melissa, Lynn, Phyllis, Lori, Angela

Our stay at the tavern included a Kentucky Derby inspired afternoon tea that was developed by Pastry Chef Liz under the expert guidance of Linda Jennings. For several months, Linda has been working diligently with the staff at historic Boone Tavern to introduce and create special tea themed events at the tavern and instruct them on the preparation and presentation of Afternoon Tea including the proper brewing techniques for loose leaf tea. They have successfully hosted a Holiday Tea, a Valentine's Day tea, and are preparing to present their Kentucky Derby tea later in April. We were fortunate to preview this delightful tea in the Skylight Room, a private dining area at the tavern.   

Maureen, Patty, Mary, (not shown: Linda, Nancy)

Our attentive hostess Rachel kept our tea cups full of hot tea. They proudly serve specialty tea sourced from local Kentucky tea business owner Bruce Richardson of Elmwood Inn Fine Teas. We were offered Earl Grey Black Tea with Lavender, the Mayor's Cup a full bodied blend of three single-estate teas from Darjeeling, Assam and the Sri Lankan highlands, or Cherry Rose Green Tea.

The first course began with a sampling of their famous Kentucky Spoonbread plated with a variety of field greens. As described by Rachel, it is similar to cornbread in taste, but is more soufflé-like.

A bowl of warm Kentucky Burgoo was served next. This very traditional hearty stew is made with chicken, pork, or whatever game you have on hand along with a good assortment of vegetables in a rich broth which makes a very tasty sampling of true Kentucky fare.

Our individual plate of Savories featured  Liz's Spicy Pimento Cheese Sandwich, Fancy Deviled Eggs, Mini Hot Browns, and a Tea Biscuit with Country Ham, Apricot Jam and Arugula. Each one very tasty!

The three tiered serving tray with Scones and Sweets was presented to a round of oohs and aahs! On the bottom tier: The "Lily" Scone with cranberry and orange zest with triple sec and a triangular Plain Scone.

Lily Scone and Plain Scones

More tea, anyone?

White Chocolate Covered Strawberries & Raspberries

The top tier included Chocolate Bourbon Tartlets, Mini Race Day Bites, and Mini Cupcakes with Mint julep Icing. Double yum!

And Decorated Horseshoe Sugar Cookies completed the Derby Day selection.

                   We thoroughly enjoyed our Afternoon Tea at Boone Tavern! Can't you tell!?

Angela of Tea With Friends shared her experience here.

Linda of Friendship Tea shared her photos and commentary here.

Maureen of Tea and Talk shares her photo collection here.

Phyllis of The Relevant Tea Leaf is blogging this week about her journey.