This was a delightful experience in a bucolic country setting. Ellen's Tea Room is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, socializing while enjoying organic teas of your choice, paired with homemade delicacies prepared by Kathleen. Anthony, her husband, was our hospitable and engaging host/server. My mother, youngest niece, and I were made to feel as if we were truly guests in their home.
The tea room itself is spacious, with several tables spread around the dining area. The bathroom is well appointed and very clean, and everything is nicely decorated throughout the entire place. Although there were other guests who arrived after we did, the ambiance was still warm, gracious, personal, and private. Anthony greets every guest individually, and he takes the time to explain each item on the loaded tiers of food.
Our first course was choice of soup or salad. We each had the piping hot, creamy and smooth roasted red pepper and tomato soup. It was just enough to whet the appetite for what was coming next. Anthony served each of us our own individually laden tiers of crustless tea sandwiches and desserts.
The savory tier of sandwiches for today were egg salad, chicken salad, ham and cheese with honey mustard, and delicious traditional cucumber. We chose the King's Tea, where each individual is given two of every one of the sandwiches mentioned ... for a total of 8 per person. In addition, there was a spanakopita and mini quiche, served hot, to go with the sandwiches. These would have been a filling meal on its own but there was also another tier of sweet delicacies to sample.
The mini desserts were varied, plentiful, and delicious - a madeleine, mini eclair, mini cream puff, mini cinnamon cheesecake bite, a venetian rainbow cookie, a mini lemon cake, a mini brownie, and a muffin sized scone served with generous individual servings of lemon curd and clotted cream. On top of all of this, each of us were also given a large hand dipped, sweetly ripened chocolate covered strawberry.
Let's not forget to mention the tea. My mom chose a Moroccan Mint green tea, and my niece also had a green tea blend, Strawberry Smile. They chose to have theirs served hot, and both teas were strongly flavored, pleasantly fragrant, and so delicious that they bought some to take home. For myself, I had Earl Gray with Lavender, served cold as an iced tea. It was perfect, if you like the taste of lavender in edibles, for a hot summer day.
I must note how accommodating they are for dietary needs and last minute changes. You must call to make a reservation for tea, which I did about a week prior. Two days before our date, I called to add my niece to the reservation. She has a nut allergy; Anthony assured me that it was not a problem to adapt the menu. My niece happily enjoyed everything, with no problems whatsoever.
To say that we were full from this king's repast is an understatement. Anthony even gave us take out containers and bags, and thoughtfully provided to go cups so that we could take home the last of our teas.
Although they've been open for just under two years, I was surprised to see that nobody has yet to write a Google review about this well run, hidden gem of a place. I am glad to let anyone reading this know that Anthony and Kathleen deserve high marks for their excellent service, carefully prepared and delicious food, and the available organic tea blends that they offer, as well.
Call and make a reservation, and enjoy the ride out to the countryside. I've been to several local tea rooms in our region - all had their own character and quality, but Ellen's Tea Room is the best, by far. They also have a bed and breakfast, and their teas, all organic, are available through their online store.
We're already talking about our next visit here, and plan on returning soon. Thank you, Anthony and Kathleen, for the wonderful food and...
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