Elegant Afternoon Tea with Terri

The British have long valued delicate scones, tea sandwiches, mini cakes, breads, and desserts served among smart to casual dressers with elaborate millinery statements. Readers might remember Russian Jewish immigrants who brought their kettles for “a glazel tea” with a sugar cube.

Local chef, Terri Hitzig, who has been featured in the Atlanta Jewish Times multiple times for her expertise in homemade comfort food, collage art, and desserts, has launched A Resplendent Tea Experience as a unique catering business. She describes her culinary journey as a blend of creativity and resilience, and said, “I’ve always been a baker, and artist, and a collector of antiques. Many people know me for my chopped liver and Jewish comfort food. After honing my skills as a pastry chef in Chattanooga, I returned to Atlanta marking a pivotal moment in my career as I decided to focus on my small bite desserts.”

This decision paved the way for the establishment for afternoon tea where her love of baking, antiques, and art all elegantly converge.

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Terri’s format is presentation in three tiers.

Hitzig’s small bite recipes were a natural fit for an English afternoon tea business. Her use of antique dishes collected over the years adds charm to settings, creating an ambiance to transport guests to a bygone era. Collaborating with friends Leana Kart and Hilary Eiseman, they explored various tea rooms allowing Hitzig to refine her vision and elevate her niche business model in terms of taste and presentation.

Hitzig went through the steps and educational process to establish a firm foundation. She was guided by a mentor at the UGA Small Business Development Center in Gwinnett to gain insights from the “Tea Room Business” class at IAP Career College, serving as crucial steppingstones in shaping her business. Her decision to carry general liability insurance reflects a commitment to professionalism and customer satisfaction. She also pursued a Management Serv Safe certification, further underscoring her dedication to ensuring the highest standards in food safety.

Hitzig explains, “My Resplendent Tea Experience business is a mobile delight, bringing the elegance of English tradition to various events like bridal showers, birthdays, baby showers, Galantines, and book clubs. The personalized touch extends to the creation of flavored syrups, sugar rose cubes, and homemade mayonnaise. My willingness to collaborate and tailor menus to suit each occasion showcases my versatility and customer-centric approach.”

A sample of A Resplendent Tea Experience setting with antique china.

Her events last an hour-and-a-half, aligning with the tradition of afternoon tea, offering a perfect respite for socializing and relaxation. The pricing model has a minimum of four at $75 per person. She requests advance payment and a signed contract to ensure a smooth execution of events.

The afternoon tea concept originated in 1840, initiated by the Duchess of Bedford to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. It highlights the timeless and social nature of this culinary tradition which encourages guests to dress up and embrace elegance to enhance the overall experience. Examples of Terri’s attention to detail extend to the tea service, with each guest having his/her choice of tea and a personal teapot. The edible glitter-filled sugar cubes and flavored syrups further elevate the tea-drinking experience. The inclusion of a printed menu, featuring a collage she creates, also adds a touch of artistry.

Perhaps a Galentine’s tea event with red theme including Hibiscus syrup.

Terri uses a three-tiered tray presentation, featuring three different finger sandwiches, scones with lemon curd, strawberry jam, and clotted cream, and a delightful array of three bite-sized desserts that “reflects her thoughtful curation of flavors and textures. It’s evident that I strive not only to meet, but exceed the expectations of my guests,” claimed Terri.

Finding meaning in her personal journey, Terri wants to share her strength in overcoming challenges. She stated, “(Coming from) a particularly abusive relationship, and finding support through Shalom Bayit, I’m committed to donate a portion of my net profit to Shalom Bayit at JF&CS. My afternoon tea business is not just about catering culinary experiences, it’s a reflection of my resilience, creativity, and a deep connection to both the culinary and personal aspects of life. My story is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of a meaningful purpose.”

Future aspirations for Hitzig include a brick-and-mortar store, and the addition of products, like flavored syrups and creamers. For more information, contact Terri at Terristablellc@gmail.com.