Tea Time

“We’re always doing something.”

Tonya Beers is talking. She’s referring to her Caffe Crema specialty coffee shop and its almost grotto-like meeting spot on East Main Street in downtown Atlanta.

She’s telling of an unusual happening that’s coming Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. Cafe Cream is putting on an Afternoon Tea for the public.

The capital letters in the name of this event are right. An Afternoon Tea is a 200 year tradition going back to British society and royalty. An Afternoon Tea is a light savory and social pastime to quench hunger and thirst between lunch and supper. Usually this will be sandwiches, scones, dessert and pots of loose leaf tea.

It’s all served at once but enjoyed in the order of savory to sweet.

This special time with tea continues to be a modern day entertainment and courtesy. If succeeds here it will be a first as far as anyone can remember.

“Afternoon Tea will be something you may want to bring your best friend, relative or sweetheart to,” Tonya says. “Everyone dresses for the occasion and is prepared to socialize.”

But it’s not High Tea. (Capital letters are appropriate. This is a tradition, too. High Tea is the same as Afternoon Tea, just more formal and with a more filling meal of meat, starch and vegetable.)

Now at High Tea one might present one’s self in flouncy hat and gloves. But for Afternoon Tea, a cocktail dress or elegant pant suit is fine. The point is to be a bit formal and cool. That’s the ticket for the lady. The man? Perhaps a tux at High Tea, but for Afternoon Tea one might arrive in linen pants with an untucked shirt. No jeans or sneakers.

Afternoon Tea is served year round. Cafe Crema hopes to make that happen here in Atlanta. Tonya is looking toward a tea room at the deeper end of her business building. She’s especially calling this first event “Galentine’s Tea.” Close to Valentine’s Day, don’t you see?

Required reservations will specify four 45 minute time periods starting at the hours 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.

Tonya and staff are having a good time at the moment trying to find enough old and fashionable cups, saucers, vases and materials.

Cafe Crema has in the past found numerous ways to invite the public to participate in having a good or even beneficial time. In past months, they’ve sponsored a dinner theater, art exhibitions, trail bike rides, creative design contests, joined parades and helped sponsor other community involvements. Yes, indeed, they’re always doing something.

Afternoon Tea is Cafe Crema ’s latest happening. It will be like going out to drinks or happy hour. Tonya says she wants people to drink, eat, chat and interact with friend, family and peers.

“Let it be our version of a good time,” she said. “Fit the event into your local vision of a good time. The cost for Afternoon Tea is $26.95 per person.”

Maybe, if everyone is social enough, there will be High Tea one day.