FAST FIVE: Tea time with Pam and Emily
Meet Pam Kyes and Emily Nuss, a mother-daughter duo embarking on a journey to bring memories to life through tea parties! Emily has nine years of fine dining and hospitality experience and is a University of Idaho graduate. She was born and raised in this community and has always seen herself building her place here in the North Idaho community. Pam was raised in Rathdrum and has always taken an active interest in her community over the years. Pam has an extensive background in hospitality and retail management. Together they put their skills and creativity into the dream of La Tea Da. Upcoming events include the Holiday High Tea by reservation through Dec. 29: A five-course holiday menu completed with dress up, commemorative photo, history and etiquette of high tea while dining in one of our themed Christmas tea rooms! We put up seven Christmas Trees! Also coming up: Once Upon a Time on Jan. 6 — Princess tea party with all of the Disney princesses and performances you could dream while enjoying your tea party!
1) What is La Tea Da and how did you follow your dream to make it a reality?
From the time that Emily was a small child her favorite thing to do was to have tea parties. Her obsession was carried throughout her life. She married in 2020 where her bridal shower was a Kensington Gardens high tea party. During college she traveled to Europe and would enjoy a high tea experience anywhere she could! When Pam was presented with the opportunity to go into business at La Tea Da and purchase the business with her daughter it was truly the perfect opportunity to work alongside one another and build something so special to each of us.
2) What exactly is "high tea" and why might people be interested to participate?
La Tea Da is a high tea dining experience. We are committed to making this a special time to enjoy the finer things in life and the beauty of elegance. The tea party experience begins with the selection of hats, gloves and plenty of tea photos. They are then seated in one of our themed dining rooms where we discuss a fine dining table setting and the history of tea. We then pour from the finest selections of loose leaf teas and shortly after comes the main attraction, a three-tier service that includes tea sandwiches, scones and decadent homemade desserts.
We also have a gift boutique, fresh pastries and teas. The venue is a beautiful setting for birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers and company parties. We have several party packages and we take pride in working with our guests to make sure that their party vision is a reality. We also have a full event calendar each month with themed parties that guests can attend and be swept away.
3) What are a few of your favorite aspects about providing these unique experiences for people?
Our motto here at La Tea Da — a Tea Room is, “It’s what friends do.” Change up your setting and join us for high tea with an experience, a memory to cherish. We are committed to not being a cafe, but giving you escape for the reality and hustle of everyday life right here in Post Falls, Idaho. We want you to feel you are in a magical place, just enjoying company and the lost art of fine dining, even if it's just for an afternoon. Also, the people who visit us! We have been so blessed by this community and we are quickly becoming like family to so many of our patrons. Not to mention working side by side with one another doing what we love and seeing a smile on so many faces everyday is a dream, pinch me!
4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
We come from a big Greek family and we emulate that into our business every day! We love to surround you and your loved ones with a good meal, where you never leave hungry, and once you join us you are a part of our family forever! OPA!
5) What are some of your favorite recipes and flavors, and which are the fan favorites?
It is hard to pinpoint just one item or one recipe that we love the most because truly each and every item works so flawlessly together to give you the perfect afternoon English tea experience! Our signature tea blend has sure become quite the staple, Bourbon Street Vanilla! Warm vanilla and almond notes to make even non-tea drinkers finish their pot! Our custom cakes and cupcakes are the perfect showstopper for any celebration at our tea house!
