VICTORENE'S TEA
Chris Cole and her husband, Ken, didn't just open a teahouse—they created a new life for Ken's grandmother's 1870s Monongahela home. They restored the home in 2002 and opened Victorene's Tea in 2004. Chris turned a favorite pastime of preparing formal tea for family and friends into a business and gathering place for local women. "Tea is about togetherness for women," she says. "It's about taking time for yourself."

The house is an old Victorian farmhouse and also the Coles' residence. In fact, it wasn't until they had lived there several years that they decided to open it as a teahouse.

Chris selects a loose tea to go with the season and her menu. The meal is designed to be light. It includes finger sandwiches - such as chicken and apricot tea croissants - bite-size cookies, a salad and fresh fruit, and is served in one of three places: the formal dining room, the English parlor or the Victorian wraparound porch during warm weather. No details are missed in the presentation, from the antique china, name cards for each guest, a printed menu at each place setting and a program that includes games, trivia and inspirational quotes.

Victorene was Ken's grandmother's name, and the pair agreed it was the perfect name for the teahouse. Chris hosts special events and groups but also plans monthly theme teas, which can include up to 20 guests. "Most women come to enjoy the afternoon with a friend," she says.

Tea is served several Saturdays a month by reservation only. $20/person for theme teas. 500 Mound St., Monongahela; 724/258-7199

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