Tracy Stern has a passion for tea.
For her, it’s more than just a satisfying drink; it’s a lifestyle that involves food, beauty, parties, recipes, friendship, and small rituals that can make one’s life more enjoyable. Tracy Stern SalonTeaTM is the culmination of a lifelong love of that beverage and its seemingly endless possible uses.
Tracy’s introduction to the tea lifestyle began, as it did for many of us, taking afternoon tea with her grandmother. Using a tea service she brought from Russia, Tracy’s grandmother would make an occasion out of this time together. Tracy accompanied her parents to Europe on antique-buying trips, where they encouraged her interest in collecting tea cups. Combining a love of parties and a rich imagination, Tracy invented variations on the tea party theme that continue to this day. Twenty of these are reflected in her book, Tea Party, featuring tea-infused recipes and suggestions for invitations, decorating and music.
Catering for groups as varied as little girls’ birthdays-complete with tiaras-and Fashion Week, adds a unique element to her shops. She’s planning a “Mad Hatter’s” theme in her New York salon to celebrate Tim Burton’s new Alice in Wonderland movie.
Tracy’s salons developed from her study of art and art history, as well as the rich salon tradition of 17th century Europe. Her personally blended teas reflect the participants in those events, including Society Hostess, Artist, Lover (a delicious chocolate and vanilla chai), Musician, Writer, and the Fashionable Dandy. The beauty teas feature an assortment of botanicals. And one special is the ChariTea: 10 percent of the proceeds from each cup is donated to charity, currently to Haitian relief.
Tracy’s New York Salon Tea is a cozy space decorated in her signature rich orange and brown. Tea is served in tall china mugs, accompanied on a silver-toned tray by amber sugar crystals, a small bowl in which to place the bag holding your loose tea selection, and a sand-filled tea timer that ensures your perfect brew. Sweets and savories include a delicious assortment of macaroons (try the Earl Grey), madeleines, quiches, and, of course, scones with clotted cream and preserves. The first of three SalonTeas opened in Tampa, Florida, thirteen years ago. Her latest opened just last week in the new Bloomingdale’s store in the Dubai Mall.
Tracy also creates tea-infused beauty products: bath salts, soap, lip balm, and even “eye teas,” in specially-cut bags for when your eyes are in need of de-puffing. Add to your bath-time ritual with tea-scented incense.While sipping the Green Tea Martinis found in her book, you can enjoy Tea Party Music, a CD with artists as varied as Ella Fitzgerald and DJ Cam. As you can see, Tracy believes in surrounding yourself with tea! Any of her products would make lovely gifts, especially as a treat for you.
Tracy sees her salon as a great place to meet-it’s especially popular with mothers from nearby schools. In these recessionary times it provides a private oasis where friendships are made, business meetings conducted, and everyone can relax. Her philosophy is summed up in the motto: Enjoy Life. Drink Tea. Celebrate Often. TM After my visit, I dusted off my own collection of tea cups. Cheers!
Tracy Stern SalonTea
501 East 75th Street, between York Avenue and the East River
