MATBA Summer Seminar at Oxford Hall Cafe, New Cumberland

Members of the Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association recently gathered at the Oxford Hall Celtic Shop and Cafe in New Cumberland, PA for their summer seminar. This specialty shop offers afternoon tea by advance reservation, but you may stop in and visit the cafe during business hours and order from the menu. They have a large selection of loose-leaf tea and a fabulous food case filled with Irish goodies.

Since our members travel from various states, including PA, NJ, MD, and WV the host location typically has a welcoming reception where members can nibble on something, visit the gift shop, and catch up with fellow tea business entrepreneurs. Fresh fruit and a moist muffin were set up near the seating area.

Owner Cindy Washburn, and newly elected MATBA vice president, welcomed us before we enjoyed afternoon tea. Members selected their tea for the day, and it was served in 2 cup or 4 cup pots. MATBA secretary Monika Mraz of Doehrn Tea Co ordered a pot of Golden Monkey. A flavorful Tomato Basil Soup was the first course. 

Our new president, Melissa Fitch-Ciccotelli of Tea You There is shown seated on the left. Both Melissa and Monika have their businesses located in MD. A Chopped Salad with Honey Vinaigrette was the next course. This was very fresh and tasty. Owner Cindy has a roof top garden where she harvests fresh herbs and tomatoes during the growing season.

The three tiered tray was presented to each table, laden with a variety of sandwiches, scones, and desserts.

The sandwiches included their signature Tomato Pesto Tart, Chicken Salad on a petite roll or hummus 'tuna' salad for the vegetarian option, and Egg Salad with Watercress. The watercress is also grown in abundance on the roof top garden.

The Scone was served with Devon Cream, Lemon Curd and a petite jar of Strawberry Preserves. Our program for the day was presented by Cecille Steele from Harrowgate Fine Foods, the source for the lemon curd. Cecille shared their history of their growing business and presented a small jar of curd to each attendee as a favor. 

dessert tier rounded out the tea and included a Welsh Griddle Cake, Macaron, Shortbread, and Apple Strudel. It was a tasty array of assorted goodies. Special thanks to Cindy for an enjoyable event.

MATBA members will gather again in October at Tea by Two in Bel Air, MD.