Serious tea drinkers believe that tea is more than a beverage; it’s a way to unwind and cleanse the spirit. The new business owned by Karen Helbling and Joan Meucci in South Strabane is a testament to that belief.
Karen and Joan, friends for more than two decades, opened La Tea Da in November. Both gave up other careers to pursue their dream of opening a tea house, where people can escape from the rush of daily life to a peaceful haven in the form of a house dating back more than 150 years.
“The tradition of afternoon tea has not fully caught on in Pittsburgh yet,” Karen says. “It’s much more popular in the South.”
Located on Country Club Road, La Tea Da’s sense of tranquility is inspired by the exterior and interior décor, carefully chosen to reinforce the atmosphere of peacefulness. We see the effect in the hunter green and maroon exterior, the garland drapes over the banisters and the rich mauves coating the walls. Beamed ceilings, low windows and exquisite hard wood floors attest to the building’s age. Red wallpaper accented with tan roses decorates the main dining room, with soft lighting brightening the room from covered sconces. Instrumental music carries over the air, which is sugary sweet with the scent of freshly baked scones.
Matching white linens cover each table in the main dining area, which seats 30, and folded napkins secured with rose-adorned rings await the guests. Each table is set for traditional tea service and every dainty porcelain teacup is unique (most of them came from Karen’s personal collection).
Upstairs are three more cozy rooms. The first is ideal for little ones, as it’s decorated with dress-up clothes and Disney princesses on the walls. The next is the popular yellow room, where bright sunlight complements the daffodil-hued tablecloths. The third, favored by bridal and baby shower groups, is filled with striking white- and blue-striped lines. Outside, a small veranda lends itself to garden teas.
During traditional tea services, a three-tiered tower is placed in the center of each table, providing diners with an array of scones, tea sandwiches and desserts.
And of course, there’s tea. La Tea Da carries about 10 varieties, with popular choices ranging from traditional English Breakfast and Earl Grey, to more modern options like ginger peach and raspberry pomegranate. Daily lunch menus include a quiche choice, wraps, salads or soups. Each item comes from Karen and Joan’s personal stash of recipes handed down from family and friends. The two do all the baking and serving themselves.
The front room serves as a gift shop, where ornate jewelry, patterned handbags and unique decorations are offered for sale. In time, the owners will include potpourri and candy in the collection, in addition to all the tea, both bagged and loose, that is available for purchase.
“Most people say it’s just as good to use a tea bag, but there are still diehards who like it loose,” Karen says.
In addition to relaxing at La Tea Da, many mothers employ the teahouse to teach their daughters to practice behaving like little ladies. Birthday parties include an etiquette lesson, which teaches girls everything from proper tea sipping style to how to handle a napkin.
Women aren’t alone in enjoying the tranquility of La Tea Da. Karen and Joan say some of their regular customers are men, who appreciate the freshly baked goods and varied lunch selections. “Everyone who comes in always tells us how cozy and comfortable the atmosphere is,” Joan says. “And that’s what we’re trying to accomplish.”
La Tea Da serves lunch Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Traditional tea service, which requires a reservation, is offered in two seatings, Wednesday through Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The teahouse can be reached at 724-228-8050.
