“No one comes to see Federal judges.”

So says the Honorable Vanessa D. Gilmore (USDJ Ret.), who in 1994 became the youngest sitting federal judge. But being a gregarious entertainer, she soon started offering afternoon tea in her chambers on Thursdays to lure company.

“People will visit state judges but not federal judges, I had to do something,” she says. The community came, including school children and boy scout troops who nicknamed her Judge V.

“Unfortunately, the last two years I was on the bench were during COVID and I couldn’t offer tea,” she explains. “Then I retired in 2022.”

Or more accurately, she changed jobs. She went from sitting on the bench for 17 years, to working at the law firm of Roberts Markland LLP, serving on numerous nonprofit boards, and writing four books. And she found a way to keep serving tea.

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Sean Roberts, of Roberts Markland LLP, also owned a bed and breakfast in the historic Riverside Terrace in the Third Ward. A beautiful old mansion across the street from the law offices, he took Judge Gilmore on a tour there one day and when she saw the parlor they both knew right away that that was her new tearoom. But not long after she started, Roberts needed to remodel the building, and what was supposed to be a months-long shut down, turned into a year. But the good news is that the elegant little tearoom on the first floor of the Hotel King David is ready to reopen February 15. And it will be better than ever.

“The hotel will have four guest suits and a spa,” the judge says. “And Tea with Judge V is on the first floor along with a restaurant.” That restaurant will be Augustine’s, helmed by chef Dominick “Dom” Lee, well-known for working at Houston restaurants like the now-closed Poitin. Augustine’s will feature Lee’s “progressive Creole” blending the flavors of New Orleans with modern touches and local produce. He’s even planted a garden behind the hotel for his kitchen use. And he’ll be in charge of the kitchen for the Saturday tea service.

“We’ll have a traditional high tea,” Judge Gilmore says. “A savory course of sandwiches and soups, a sweet course with scones and house-made clotted cream, and a course of mini desserts.”

The judge and chef recently visited Caffe Florian in Venice, a coffee and tearoom opened in 1720 where they sampled teas. Gilmore says she is excited to work with a “real chef,” taking what was once a hobby to a new level. The Tea with Judge V tearoom will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every Saturday. There are two seatings and reservations are required. Judge Gilmore will be there and if you bring in one of her books, she’ll gladly sign it for you.

“Having tea just fits my personality,” she says. “Let us host your birthday party celebrations, bridal showers, baby showers, book club events, or just a wonderful tea experience with friends. I love to entertain!”

by Marene Gustin

photo credits: Tea with Judge V