HOULTON, Maine — For years, Houlton’s Melissa Nataluk dreamed of carrying out a plan she shared with her grandmother of opening a tearoom.
Now Nataluk has accomplished that goal with the opening of the Treasures of the Heart tea room at 88 Smyrna St. in Houlton, bringing a touch of sophistication to the Shiretown. Her 97-year-old grandmother, Catherine Cellamare of Wells, was able to attend the grand opening on Sept. 26 and a photo of her hangs proudly in the establishment.
“My hope is that this tearoom will be a place where people can make new friends or rekindle old friendships in a peaceful environment,” Nataluk said. “I want people to feel refreshed when they leave here.”
Melissa Nataluk checks on a pan of cookies at the Treasures of the Heart tearoom in Houlton Saturday, Nov. 16.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
The tearoom is not necessarily a coffeehouse, although she does serve the beverage. Younger patrons tend to come in with a book and soak up the atmosphere, while older customers typically come with a companion or meet someone there.
Carla Stewart of Houlton has become one of the regular customers at Treasures of the Heart and was in the tearoom Saturday, Nov. 16.
“I love it,” she said. “It brings a touch of class to Houlton. This is so elegant. I love the ambiance here.”
Treasures of the Heart has a wide variety of teas available, including the traditional favorites of Earl Gray, Lady Gray and hot cinnamon spice. There are also seasonal varieties available such as pumpkin spice, gingerbread, cinnamon toast and peppermint bark to name a few.
In addition to teas, food items like scones, quiche, soup of the day, salads, fruit cups and sandwiches are available. Nataluk’s husband, Frank, is the head of the Houlton Salvation Army, but also has a new role as the breadmaker.
A wall of teacups adds an elegant touch to the Treasures of the Heart tearoom. All of the cups are available for purchase at the store.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
“Our speciality is the three-tiered high tea,” Nataluk added. “Each plate has a food item of savories [sandwiches], scones and sweets. Our soup and chicken salad sandwiches have proven to be very popular. People are coming in just for Frank’s oatmeal bread.”
A small corner of the business has a display of gifts for purchase, including essential oils, tea cups and more.
The building has served many purposes over the years, including apartments and small shops, but it is probably best known as the former G&L Market to longtime residents of the area. The Nataluks purchased the building with the assistance of the Northern Maine Development Commission.
Nataluk admits the business is a bit of a gamble in the Houlton area, given the specific clientele it caters to. “There were some folks who said they didn’t know if it would go over well,” she said. “The bottom line for me was, this is what I love and is a place where I can relax. If I attract folks like me who are looking for the same thing, then I have found my niche.”
Treasures of the Heart is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Reservations may be made to host parties or events at different times by calling 207-318-9926 or emailing mnataluk@yahoo.com. For information, visit the business’ Facebook page.
The Treasures of the Heart tearoom also features a corner of gifts available for purchase.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
