Lara McHenry and Sylvia Erickson
city we have numerous coffee roasting companies – from boutique to sophisticated business models. Just when it seems like everyone has a capped cup in hand, and is carrying a tray filled with triple soy mochas, tall drip coffees and grande Americanos with two Splendas, something new has come along to challenge the coffee culture in Spokane: tea. Sylvia Erickson and her daughter Lara McHenry opened Silver Spoon Tea House in June, and they are bringing tea back into fashion in Spokane, one pot and one cup at a time. “I used to drive by here all the time, clueless to the fact that one day I’d spend more time here than at my own house,” says McHenry of the Victorian home on Spokane’s lower South Hill, which houses Silver Spoon Tea. Erickson and her husband purchased the home in October 2012. McHenry is a realtor, and when she saw the property emerge on the market with the commercial zoning in place and the remodel already finalized, she says, “We saw it as a fortuitous opportunity to expedite the business opening sooner rather than later. We merely added frosting, so to speak—paint, decorations, window treatments and etc. We were blessed to have purchased a property that was essentially business ready.” Stepping off of the wrap-around porch into the entryway of the Tea House truly feels like you are entering a home. A built in bench nestles against a staircase rising to the second floor of the house. Chances are you won’t be upstairs unless you are part of a larger private party, but when the rooms aren’t occupied you are always encouraged to roam about and check out all of the rooms in the home. Immediately to the right of the doorway is the living room of the original home, which now serves as the French Patisserie. A professional pastry case showcases delectable items available for purchase for those dropping by and not participating in an Afternoon Tea. Pots of tea for one ($3) or two ($5) are available here.
Award Winning Hand-crafted Northwest Ports and Wines Keep the Summer going with our Sangria and Summertime Ports!
Visit our website at Knipprath-Cellars.com 5634 East Commerce Avenue Tasting Room Open Wednesday - Sunday 12pm-5pm
Like us at facebook.com/knipprathcellars Spokane CDA • September • 2013
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