Elden Street Tea Shop, Herndon, VA

  In mid-January we journeyed south with the destination being the Elden Street Tea Shop (on Pine Street) in Herndon, VA for the quarterly seminar of the Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association. This pre-Civil war era town offers a sense of community with its small town charm coupled with the opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC, a mere 22 miles away. 

Members of the Association gathered at this new tea shop operated by enthusiastic entrepreneur Rachel Eisenfeld. Having just completed her first year in business, Rachel was pleased to welcome fellow tea business owners from MD-NJ-and-PA, Following a welcoming reception with tea and mini-quiche, the morning session included a presentation on Social Networking by Danielle Daily. 

After the program, afternoon tea was provided. The menu for the day was tucked under the colorful napkin, water was offered in mason jars, and assorted teacups and plates completed the casual place setting at both high and low tables.

Owner, Rachel Eisenfeld

The bottom tier of the tiered tray included Chicken Salad on a Biscuit, Cucumber Cream Cheese Tarragon Bites,Traditional Egg Salad Sandwich on whole wheat, Beet chip with Garlic Hummus and Olive Tapenade. The middle tier held Black Currant Scones with little jars of clotted cream and raspberry jam while the top tier featured the desserts including assorted Macarons, Traditional Butterfly Cupcakes, Russian Tea Cookies and Creme Brulee Panna Cotta.

Blood Orange herbal tea and Black Currant teas were offered during tea time. Rachel noted that these are teas from fellow WV member Larkin Tea Company.

Hanging in the main dining area, this funky hand crafted 'chandelier' captured our attention.
And yes, of course we picked up one of these 'specially designed for Elden Street Tea Shop' t-shirts offered for sale.