Tea shop aims to be SK’s destination for relaxation

It’s tea for two.

Actually, make that a full-blown party.

That’s what Rachelle Bourbou-lis, 40, hopes to provide guests at You, Me & Tea, which opened Feb. 5 at 170 Harrison Avenue.

For as little as $4.30 a person, “I’m going to give them a full-blown tea party,” she promises.

And based on her descriptions, she makes good on her vow: A morning tea featuring muffins or mini-quiche ... a light lunch tea with assorted finger sandwiches ... a traditional cream tea with scones, Devonshire cream and raspberry jam, which she says is the most popular.

“I think they like the Devonshire because it’s a heavy whipping cream and all the tastes blend together,” she explained.

The parties, which are designed to serve two to four people, each include a pot of tea, and come with such offerings as a fruit cup with granola (Morning Tea; $5.40 per person) and assorted baked treats (Sweet Tea; $4.30 per person)

She also bakes several types of cookies to go with the teas. The baked goods, including mini quiche ($2.15), three mini muffins ($2.15) -- or a pot ($3.25) or cup of tea ($1.10) are also offered à la carte.

As for the tea, 15 loose-leaf varieties are offered -- including English Breakfast, Indian Chai, Jasmine Rose, Raspberry Rhubarb and Chamomile Blossom -- and she hopes to add more in time. She also plans to sell the tea in bulk in two-, four- or eight-ounce packages.

When Bourboulis attended her first tea party about six years ago, she took note of the tea, the scones – and the relaxation factor.

“The ladies were able to spend quality time together,” she said. “We don’t always have time to sit down and relax, and hopefully, we’re able to do that.”

And even though she’s busy running her business, Bourboulis makes sure to practice what she preaches -- You, Me & Tea, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, is closed Sunday and Mondays so she can spend time with her husband and three children.

However, she will open the side room for events during non-business hours. It is available for such gatherings as bible studies, bridal showers, wedding receptions, birthdays and meetings.

These larger tea parties, at $14 a person, are for six to 12 people, and include finger sandwiches, scones, baked treats, fruit cups, truffles and up to three tea choices.

“I felt my mission was to encourage and inspire people,” the former Curves manager said. “I wanted to get into women’s ministry and hopefully attract more bible studies and prayer groups.”

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