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In Sutter Creek: How Sweet It Was

By Antoinette May Herndon

A spoonful of sugar helped the medicine go down but the last Sunday tea at TeaEra was still a damp hanky event.

Over the past nine years the Sutter Creek bistro has triggered a Mother Lode of memories. Pausing from my own reflections, I eavesdropped on a dozen reminisces: “Aunt Grace’s last outing” . . . “Lisa’s graduation” . . . “Sue’s Princess Tea.”

The weekend of July 8 and 9 saw more than 150 people (mostly female) ranging in age from three to 99 pour into the tearoom. No, that’s not a pun, it was a happening.

Now the last napkin has been folded, the final teacup put away—or sold. A giant closeout sale began the next day. By day two, the place was beginning to look like Mother Hubbard’s cupboard. Soon every cup, every saucer, every sconce or candelabra, was gone.

Fran Perry and Kristi Winter, hope they’ve all found good homes. The former owners no longer need TeaEra’s former treasures. The two women are moving on.

Fran and Kristi connected some ten years ago. Both were stay-at- home moms, who met through their children. It wasn’t long before they discovered a shared love of fine china, whimsy; and, of course, tea.

Why not open a tearoom, someone suggested and the rest is history. Besides serving lunch and high tea, Fran and Kristi catered and put on special

events like princess teas for little birthday girls and candlelit dinners for romantic adults.

As most of you know, TeaEra was a “darling” place. Yes, darling is an overworked word; but in this case, its appropriate. Imagine having tea at your auntie’s. Not your real aunt, but some wonderful, fantasy person who lived at least a hundred years ago, maybe in England. Imagine exquisitely painted china, lacy tablecloths, and tiny rose bouquets.

Well, good goodbye to all that; hello to the present day economy. TeaEra is just one more casualty.

Closing the doors of their tearoom was hard on both women. “We’ll miss the people who came to TeaEra the most,” Fran says. “We were part of so many traditions and transitions—bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, graduation and anniversary parties.

“I shall never forget putting on a princess tea for a little girl who was terminally ill with cancer. She laughed and giggled the whole afternoon. It was a wonderful to have been able to make that happen. For a few hours, at least, she was just a little girl having fun.”

TeaEra was far more than a business for Kristi and Fran. Walking away from such a major part of themselves was tough.

Fran describes going through all the classic grief stages. “First shock—how could this be happening? Then anger—we had worked so hard! Next depression—I was stuck in that for a long time. But finally—at last!—I’m feeling optimism and confidence about

the future. Change can be tough but it invariably brings new opportunities.”

Kristi agrees. “We opened TeaEra when our children were young. They kind of grew up in the restaurant, but now they’re young adults, out on their own. I’m looking forward to getting to know my husband.”

* * *

VITALS: Having working 24/7 for nine years both women are delighted by the prospect of normal business hours. Kristi is now the office manager at Gold Country Auto Restoration in Jackson. Fran is pouring wine and planning events at Cooper’s Vineyard in the Shenandoah Valley.

BUT the dynamic duo, who once catered for the governor, will still be presiding at private social events. They’ve catered two great ones at my house, a glorious garden wedding and a lavish birthday bash for a friend’s big 8-oh! Talk about life’s transitions! Fran and Kristi are the greatest. Call them at 304-1852 or 304-9472 for details.

PHOTOS BY KATHY FELLURE

Thanks for the memories: the Royal Tier at TeaEra.

Marjie, left, and Jennifer Timmons of Fiddletown bid a last farewell to TeaEra where Jennifer once worked as a hostess.

Where the action was—Kristi Winter, right, with a well wishing friend, Sarah Pistiam in the kitchen at TeaEra.

Fran Perry with one of two bouquets sent by Kristi’s new boss at Gold Country Auto Restoration in Jackson.

Teacups ruled at TeaEra in Sutter Creek.