Crowning Glory Tea Room
16733 E. Palisades Boulevard • Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
480-868-4832 • crowningglorytearoom.com
For Sherry Boas, opening a tearoom wasn’t about starting a new small business or putting a hobby to good use. She says it was a divine calling—an epiphany that she should unite her love of the saints with her admiration of tea. In the summer of 2017, a dream was born in the form of Crowning Glory Tea Room, possibly the only Catholic tea venue in the world.
“St. James Tea Room in Albuquerque, New Mexico, inspired me to open the business,” Sherry notes. Recalling the magic of that tearoom, Sherry felt destined to create her own version of teatime bliss back home in Arizona. Her parents generously offered their commercial building for her to utilize, and she quickly began acquiring all the essentials needed for a fantastic afternoon tea, including antique furniture, fine china, and a marvelous staff. The frilly and feminine décor of the establishment in Fountain Hills, Arizona, is designed to set the mood for thoughtful conversation among cherished company enjoyed over heavenly treats and rejuvenating cups of tea. The tearoom consists of individual tea parlors that each pay tribute to various saints and countries, perfect for enjoying with a loved one, or two, and a charming gift shop that curates items focused on literature, faith, art, and nature. Every decision Sherry makes, no matter how small, is intended to fashion a serene atmosphere that feels like a refreshing escape from reality.
A visit to Crowning Glory Tea Room is nothing short of a true treat. For $51 (includes tax and gratuity) per person, the Full Afternoon Tea Service is available, complete with four classic tea sandwiches; two toothsome scones (including a cherry one soaked in black tea and brandy) served with Devonshire cream and jam; and six petite desserts, with sugared grapes complemented by a luscious French cream being one of the most popular sweets.
To accompany the sumptuous fare, consider choosing a pot of “St. Rose’s Wreath,” a black tea flavored by an array of fruits; “Angel’s Chorus,” a light white tea infused with ginger, apricot, and hibiscus; or “Mary’s Crown,” the tearoom’s signature blend that is marvelously flavored with rose petals. “Each person chooses their own teapot and teacup to have endless tea from our award-winning organic tea collection,” Sherry explains. “That’s one of the highlights for people because we have such a variety of beautiful teapots to choose from.”
During the holidays, the typical tea service is elevated to match the cheerfulness and excitement of the season. Sherry enjoys changing the menu every year and offering her guests unexpected treats.
Crowning Glory Tea Room is undeniably one of a kind, and one would be remiss to skip this Arizona tea treasure. Whether you’re a longtime patron or are encountering the beauty and kindness of the venue for the very first time, you will undoubtedly leave the experience with your thirst quenched, your sweet (and savory) tooth satisfied, and your soul refreshed.
The Crowning Glory Tea Room’s afternoon tea service is available by reservation on Saturdays, with seatings as early as 11:00 a.m. and as late as 2:00 p.m. The adjoining gift shop/beverage café, Crowning Glory Market, is open Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., serving tea, coffee, and pastries. Walk-ins are welcome at the market.
