Downton Abbey Tea - Stegmaier Mansion

Table settings in the various dining rooms at the Frederick Stegmaier Mansion in Wilkes-Barre, PA were dripping in regal elegance. A Downton Abbey themed tea to a sold out crowd was hosted in this opulent mansion on a Sunday afternoon in January. Held mid-afternoon, there was plenty of time to return home to settle in with another pot of tea and watch an episode of the final season of this popular show.

We were seated in the Library (photo, left). The little boxes located at each end of the table held an eclectic assortment of tea bags including an abundance of herbal blends. Pots of hot water were brought to each table to pour your own tea. More hot water was added to the pot upon request.

We were seated with several women that were from the Jim Thorpe/Frackville area of PA. They were familiar with Rosemary Remembrances II, our sister's gift shop and guest lodging located in Jim Thorpe. As they also enjoy visiting various tea rooms, we were happy to discuss tea room adventures with them.

The first course included florette shaped Lemon Poppyseed Scones served with a dollop of Devon cream, lemon curd, and a large cup of whipped cream. In addition a petite cranberry muffin rounded out the plate.

Fresh green salad topped with olives, tomatoes, feta cheese and a house vinaigrette was served next.

The hearty entree included an egg salad sandwich on a croissant, cucumber with watercress on pumpernickel bread, turkey and gherkin sandwich, and a beef sirloin shepard's pie.

The vegetarian option included a butternut squash and carrot bisque, egg salad on the croissant and two cucumber sandwiches on pumpernickel.

The final course featured a raspberry, peach, and ice cream compote, chocolate eclair, miniature Madeleine and a Lemon cake topped with a Daisy or Rose embellishment.

And special kudos to our apprentice driver for getting us safely to our destination and back home again. Four hours of expressway driving under her belt in one day.