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What
a delightful find, tucked away in this little Passaic County town
where you'd never think to look. I met two friends here recently for
tea, and arrived well before our time to find our table set with
cream-coloured napkins rolled into colour-matched floral napkin rings;
mix-and-match, yet elegant, teacups, saucers and plates; and two
six-cup teapots nestled into festively coloured, thick bachelor tea
cozies. The room is small but remarkably roomy, with tables
well-spaced and out of the line of shoppers popping in to browse the
tea and gift area, to grab a take-out tea, or to pick up a few scones
or pastries.
 I
asked for a pot of tea to sip while waiting for my friends, and
enquired about the Darjeeling on the tea menu. In answer to my
question I was told that this was a good tea, but they had just gotten
in a new Darjeeling and would I like to try it? When I learned it was
the same tea served at Prince Charles' recent wedding it was
impossible to resist :-). Tea arrives in one of the teapots and cozies
previously described; it is fully -- and properly -- steeped, with
leaves removed from the pot.
While
the tea was being prepared I had time to look through the shop's
retail offerings. These included teas, teapots of all descriptions,
cups, preparation and serving devices, tea-themed gifts and jewelry,
tabletop linens, and sugars, curds, and sweets. A nice selection and
reasonable prices. (I went home with an unusual folding tabletop
serving stand.) 
Since
I follow a diet that includes no foods of animal origin, and it was
during Passover, my choices were rather limited, but they
unhesitatingly made up a plate of dressed vegetable salad and a fruit
salad for me. My two friends shared an afternoon tea served on a
three-tiered curate stand, which included scones with clotted cream,
curd, and a jelly made from one of the infusions on their menu; a
selection of sandwiches on assorted breads; and a variety of small
pastries. Fresh fruit adorned the service plates. It seemed to be
enough for a light meal for both of my friends. We were all sharing
each pot of tea; our second choice was Ti Kuan Yin oolong, and the
third was the tea room's signature tea, a lovely caramel blend and
perfect dessert tea. All three teas were properly prepared and just
the right temperature.
We
had the opportunity to chat with the two owners, one of whom is the
chef/pastry chef, and the other manages service and prepares the tea.
At
Belamari the welcome is warm, the room is appealing, and although
largely decorated in floral motifs it is not too frilly; the gentleman
in our party was perfectly at ease. As a guest in this tea room you
get the feeling that the owners and staff are happy to see you and
would like you to be comfortable, well-fed, and pleased with your tea.
(We were.) Although we lingered for quite some time, at no point did
we feel that we had overstayed our welcome; it was like being in a
friend's living room.
These
ladies seem to be doing everything right. No detail is overlooked.
Teapots are fitted with paper drip-catchers. Teas are properly stored
in large tins away from light and heat. The shopping area offers a
variety of items but does not intrude on the dining area. Colours are
profuse but not overwhelming. Service is efficient and caring yet
unobtrusive. The smiles on the faces of the owners and staff are
genuine.
If
I were forced to find fault with Belamari Tea Room it would be that
the menu doesn't include much for non-traditional diets. Oh, but the
chef is busy working on recipes for vegan scones and even wheat-free
scones. Hmm -- so much for my only complaint!
This
is the kind of place you can go back to again and again and never be
disappointed. I wish the Belamari ladies much success -- not that they
need my wishes, because they really have the right stuff to do well
with their tea room.
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