Downtown Waukesha to have elegant tea house
By DANIEL KURT
Freeman Staff
(Daniel Kurt can be reached at dkurt@conleynet.com)
WAUKESHA – For three years, Kerry and Terry Mackay have been serving America’s favorite dark-roasted drink at their Waukesha coffee shop, The Steaming Cup. Now, they plan to bring a touch of European living to downtown, as well.
The couple said they’re soon opening a tea room in a separate, 350-square-foot area of the building that faces Clinton Street.
In pure English style, they said the appointment-only establishment will be a place where people can relax, enjoy some light refreshments and share lively conversation in an intimate setting.
While The Steaming Cup will continue to serve tea as well, Kerry Mackay said the atmosphere will be much more laid back at the new place.
“When you come for tea, you’re here for two hours,” he said.
The yet-unnamed tea room, which they hope to open around Christmas, is based in large part on a favorite haunt of theirs in East Hardwick, Vt.
As with that establishment, the couple plan to serve up an eclectic mix of teas and light foods, all on elegant dishware.
Mackay said “presentation teas,” in particular, have been growing in popularity and will make it into the mix. One such drink is chrysanthemum tea, in which the flower opens when immersed in hot water, he said.
Among the light dishes served will be biscuits with jelly and whipped cream, cucumber salad and curry egg salad.
“There are so many opportunities with tea,” Mackay said. “It just takes imagination and a little sense of adventure in your dining experience.”
With a luxurious Clare Hotel and Black Trumpet Restaurant being developed on the same block, Mackay said he feels the demand for such upscale services is growing in downtown Waukesha.
“There’s an incredible amount of people who want to be catered to,” he said.
Currently, the couple is working to renovate the L-shaped room in the rear of the coffee shop, which has experienced little use since the Mackays bought it in 2004.
The proprietor said the strength of the business district is one of the reasons he and his wife wanted to move forward with the idea. Mackay said he was heartened that their shop served more customers this year than last.
“We want to send the message that downtown is thriving ... otherwise we wouldn’t be doing this,” he said.