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  • ร—
    Urban Bliss Life ยป Blog ยป [CLOSED] Headwaters Extends Russian Tea Experience in Portland, Oregon

    Published: February 9, 2017 / Updated: July 22, 2022 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland ยท This post may contain affiliate links.

    [CLOSED] Headwaters Extends Russian Tea Experience in Portland, Oregon

    1 shares

    This restaurant is unfortunately now closed. If you are interested in more Portland restaurants, please visit our
    Portland, Oregon Restaurant Guide. 

    Headwaters restaurant extends the Russian Tea Experience at The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon to a year-round service.

    Russian Tea Service at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Russian food is quickly rising to the forefront (and not for political reasons, mind you, although the timing is interesting). In Portland, we are lucky to have the fabulous Kachka to educate this foodie town in the deliciousness of full Russian cuisine. And now, Headwaters, the new restaurant revival in Portland's historic Heathman Hotel, has extended its holiday Russian Tea Experience to every Saturday.

    I had the opportunity to enjoy the Russian Tea experience with some fellow writers and bloggers during the holidays - hence, the holiday decorations in these photos. Here's a look at what you can expect from this unique dining tradition.

    A Heathman Hotel Tradition

    Russian Tea Service at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Before we dive into the service, I believe it's necessary to have some understanding of the history of the space.

    For decades, The Heathman Hotel's namesake restaurant offered a classic English High Tea service during the holidays that became an annual friends and family tradition for many Oregonians. When the Heathman restaurant decided to part ways with the hotel, it was soon after taken up and revived by the renowned Portland Restaurateur team of Chef Vitaly Paley and his wife/business partner Kimberly Paley (of Paley's Place, Portland Penny Diner, and Imperial). With Executive Chef Ken Norris at the helm, the talented team has transformed the former Heathman restaurant space into Headwaters restaurant.

    I'll save my overall review of Headwaters for a separate post. For now, here's a look at the Russian Tea Experience.

    Russian Tea Experience

    Russian Tea Service at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Originally offered as a holiday tea service, Headwaters now offers the Russian Tea Experience every Saturday with two seatings: 12:00 noon and 2:30pm. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, and must be made over the phone - not online.

    The service is held in one of the Heathman Hotel's lounge areas, adjacent to the main Headwaters restaurant space. Its' high ceilings and artful decorations truly make you feel as though you are enjoying a special dining experience.

    Chef Paley draws from his own Russian roots for the inspiration of the Russian Tea Service at Headwaters. In fact, many of the serving pieces and decorations you'll see in the tea service room are his own family's heirlooms.

    Russian Tea Service at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon on UrbanBlissLife.com
    Russian Tea Service at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon on UrbanBlissLife.com

    The Tea

    Russian Tea Service at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon on UrbanBlissLife.com

    There are eight main tea selections for Headwater's Russian Tea Experience:

    Bai Mu Dan - a white peony tea

    Georgian Caravan - a salute to the classic teas of Russiam and served with a mix of housemade jam, as is the tradition.

    Bungalow - a Darjeeling tea that's light and aromatic

    Lord Bergamot - similar to the traditional Earl Grey (and my personal favorite Smith Teamaker tea)

    Sencha - a deep jade colored, earthy tea

    Meadow - a soothing chamomile tea

    Peppermint Leaves - made with the best peppermint from the Pacific Northwest

    A seasonal tea. When we were here, the offering was a Chocolate Pepperming Pu'erh with peppermint leaves and cocoa nibs.

    Russian Tea Service at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Tea is prepared and served upon ordering so that your tea is wonderfully hot and the flavors are fresh. I would recommend the Georgian Caravan, because if you're going to have Russian Tea service, you should go for the full Russian experience, right?

    (For the record, I was boring and went with my traditional Lord Bergamot because it was so cold out and I wanted something known and comforting. Next time: Georgian Caravan all the way!)

    Food Bliss

    So let's get down to the Russian delicacies you may enjoy during Headwater's Russian Tea Experience.

    Russian Tea Service at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Each table receives a full three-tiered stand of sweet and savory treats. Some highlights included the Buterbrodi (open face rye bread sandwiches with various toppings), Stuffed Eggs, and Khachapouri (georgian cheese bread and local honey). You may also get traditional perogis, smoked fish, and more.

    Russian Tea Service at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Dessert Bliss

    Russian Tea Service at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon on UrbanBlissLife.com

    The upper tray consists of several delightful dessert bites. One of my favorites was the Bird's Milk Cake: shortbread cookie, marshmallow, with chocolate glaze. It's sort of like an easier-to-eat and more delicious s'more! The kitchen also makes different fruit gelées, know as Kulaga Berlorusskaya. The Tort po kievski (Kiev torte) was also delicious, and consisted of hazelnut meringue coffee buttercream with chocolate ganache.

    Final Thoughts & Dining Tips

    Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance, and for the Russian Tea Experience only, you must call (503) 790-7752 to make your reservation; online reservations are only available for regular dining times. Because there are only two seatings each Saturday, and this is a popular service, I highly recommend making your reservations in as far advance as possible.

    What to wear: many diners are already making this a family or friends tradition and it's fun to see groups of families and women friends all dressed up to the nines. That said, it's Portland, so nice jeans are a-okay too.

    Visit Headwaters

    1001 SW Broadway
    Portland, Oregon
    503-790-7752
    Make reservations via Open Table for regular dining times; call at least 48 hours in advance for Russian Tea Experience reservations.

    HOURS 
    Monday  - Thursday
    Breakfast 6:30am to 11am; Lunch 11am to 2pm; Happy hour 2pm to 6pm (bar only); Dinner 5pm to 10pm
    Late Night Happy Hour 10pm to 11pm (bar only)
    Friday
    Breakfast 6:30am to 11am; Lunch 11am to 2pm; Happy Hour 2pm to 6pm -bar menu-; Dinner 5pm to 11pm
    Late Night Happy Hour 11pm to 12am  (bar only)
    Saturday
    Brunch 8am to 3pm; Happy Hour 3pm to 6pm (bar only); Dinner 5pm to 11pm; Late Night Happy Hour 11pm to 12am (bar only)
    Sunday
    Brunch 8am to 3pm ; Happy Hour 3pm to 6pm (bar only); Dinner menu 5pm to 10pm; Late Night Happy Hour 10pm to 11pm (bar only)

    Have you ever experienced Russian Tea Service or would you like to? 


    If you're looking for a unique high tea experience (with cocktails!) in Portland, Oregon, be sure to check out my review of Gracie's afternoon tea service in Hotel deLuxe!


    Many thanks to Headwaters for hosting our Russian Tea. As always, all opinions and photos are my own. 

    More Portland Oregon Restaurants

    • Toro Bravo restaurant
    • Verdigris restaurant
    • Kachka restaurant
    • Red Star Tavern
    • Afternoon Tea at Hotel deLuxe
    « TRAVEL BLISS: Day Trip to Cascade Locks, Oregon
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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Peter Korchnak says

        February 15, 2017 at 12:29 pm

        Very interesting, I had no idea this existed in Portland. And what a great (and much needed these days) reminder that not all things Russian are bad...

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          February 16, 2017 at 7:14 pm

          Yes, it is great to have this reminder :) They just started the Russian Tea Experience last fall so it's pretty new, but now you can try it out all year long!

      2. Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama says

        February 10, 2017 at 5:07 pm

        I read about their High Tea in Sunset (I think) and I've been wanting to go ever since! I love tea, I love little bites, and I love elevating something everyday to an exquisite experience. Thanks for sharing, Marlynn!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          February 11, 2017 at 3:06 pm

          You're welcome! And, lots of moms and dads take their kids all dressed up here for special family tea traditions too. It's so cute! Thought you'd maybe be interested in that with your little ones!

      3. Shruti says

        February 10, 2017 at 3:11 am

        I have never heard of Russian tea but looking af the pictures, it really does make me want to try it.
        Very English high-tea like!

        Reply
      4. Ali says

        February 09, 2017 at 10:52 pm

        Wow - this looks like a fun experience! I definitely need to get into Portland some weekend to do this - the food looks fantastic!

        Reply
      5. Maxene says

        February 09, 2017 at 6:55 pm

        I just moved my sister out here to nanny for us and I think this would be an excellent birthday treat for her this spring! thank you for sharing, I would have never thought to do something fun like this! plus I love trying new cuisines.

        Reply
      6. Christina says

        February 09, 2017 at 6:46 pm

        This sounds amazing! I'm definitely adding this as a stop on my next visit to Portland!

        Reply
      7. Anj says

        February 09, 2017 at 6:40 pm

        Wow! Fantastic post! I've never heard of Russian Tea. I'm based in the UK so we have English High Tea - I can see the similarities! Def would love to try!! Xx

        Reply
      8. Waz says

        February 09, 2017 at 6:31 pm

        This is definitely going on my to do list. I'm sure I will have a tough time picking from the selection of teas. Love that people even get dressed up for this tea experience. How fun!

        Reply

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      Hi! If you're looking for easy, fast, delicious family-friendly recipes, wine pairings, and travel tips, you've come to the right place! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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