Feature: Carefree's English Rose Tea Room a Divine Sensation

As a critic, I usually dash out of the house and arrive at the theatre with seconds to spare before the house lights go out and run home as soon as the curtain call is done. But when I recently reviewed the Desert Foothills Theater's production of Gypsy, I received from DFT a courtesy email, a few days before the show, that included a list of nearby restaurants. My friend Dee, who keeps me company when I go to most theatre these days, thought the Tea Room looked promising, so we made reservations for 12:30, ahead of the 2pm matinee.

We expected something quaint and maybe even charming, but nothing prepared us for the divine sensation that is the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree.

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The relationship between food, drink and entertainment is as ancient as performance itself. Feasts before, during and after shows are simply built in to the experience. Typically, theatres make half or more of their show income from concessions, and theatres are well-known economic engines for area restaurants and bars.

When I spoke with English Rose owner, Jo Gemmill, she admitted a great enthusiasm for theatre and has been intimately involved with the DFT and Valley Youth Theatre. She is a deeply respected part of her community, having been bestowed by the Mayor of Carefree with a special award in 2013 for her many contributions to the town of Carefree and the spectacular Foothills community.

Gemmill is gifted with a talent for the presentation of excellence - both with outer aesthetics and culinary master works.

While enjoying the sights, sounds, tastes and scents of the Tea Room on that Sunday before the matinee, I had the idea to write a series of features for Broadway World focusing on restaurant-theatre relationships in the Valley of the Sun. We had soup, quiche, sandwiches and scones. Dee and I were simply bowled over by the detail - every table is a work of art, with bits of Victorian life - postcards, pieces of sheet music, scraps of fine lace and so much more - and the food was amazing.

When I reached out to Gemmill about an interview and told her we would like to review her "Formal Afternoon Tea," she graciously agreed. Dee and I returned on a Thursday afternoon, expecting business to be slow, which it wasn't at all. The place was quite full, however the service was impeccable, as it had been the first time we were there. Gemmill treated us to Tea Sandwiches (chicken with nutmeg & tarragon, edged with walnuts, English hot-house cucumber with orange-mint butter and smoked salmon & cream cheese with lemon), Scones, dusted with powdered sugar, served with strawberry preserve and Devon Cream and a scrumptious selection of miniature cakes, pastries and petit fours. We each had our own pot of tea - the assortment on the menu is impressive, and all the teas are looseleaf and come with strainers, which makes for a much more authentic English tea experience.

The atmosphere at the English Rose Tea Room is unique - profoundly lovely and cozy, not a bit stiff or formal, but entirely Victorian in feel. There are tributes to the Queen and layers and layers of sumptuous decor that never feel over done or fussy.

Highly recommended any time - The English Rose Tea Room is open 7 days a week! - especially endorsed for pre-show meals. Reservations are a must, and, in order to enjoy the experience to the fullest, no later than two hours before a performance.

Reservations: 480.488.4812

Hours: Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm (last seating 4pm) Sun 11am to 4pm (last seating 3pm). Closed all National Holidays: New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day . All major credit cards accepted.

Get directions here.

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