The Gift Box & Tea Room — Restaurant in Lexington

It is beautiful inside, many little gifts to choose from. Several of us went there, and all of us who had the salad with roasted chicken on top became ill during night or next morning. Vomiting and or "bad bowels." and light headed.

When I ate mine, I pulled out "6" bad leaves, either black or slimy in bottom of salad, and set aside on plate. It was $10.00 for greens, couple slices of red onions, cheese sprinkled on top and oranges around the plate "for looks."

Another lady had sampler plate, she actually made a face when she ate chicken salad, and said "here taste this", very bland, no flavor, named off several things that could go in there to liven it up. She is a Chef in Florida and teaches culinary arts. The quiche same thing, had me taste it, no flavor. Our home made quiches are so delicious, and FULL of flavor.

She did not get ill, but she had something different than the rest of us. The greens were getting old, and most likely not washed, but a bagged salad put on plate, not a fresh made salad, or the chicken was not kept at proper temp. One of the ladies who became ill, is elderly and the assisted living area called and said they were "keeping an eye on her", may have to go to hospital to be rehydrated. I explained several of us had the same as she did and became ill also.

She has not been sick in any way shape or form in over 5 yrs, not even a bad cold in winter, takes one prescription medication for thyroid, we go to have lunch and several of us become ill after eating at Gift Box.

If your going to buy a gift, fine, but I won't eat there again. This was our first and last time, and most of all, don't take an elderly loved one, their system can't handle it, if...

I called to ask if reservations were required for tea (assuming they probably were). Sadly, "Problematic Polly" answered the phone today. When I asked if reservations were required for tea, she replied "well we're busy..... when did you want to come?". I said "today" (hoping for a time after 2:00 & realizing there may not be any spots left), & told her it would be for 2 people. She said, in a very discouraged voice, "oh.... well we don't have a thing until 1:00" (insert cricket silence now)... & then she began rambling about how busy they are & that they wouldn't have any time until 1:00 or 1:30 & that their tables get full.... I asked once again, if reservations were required, & to my surprise she actually heard my question this time & answered, once again, with the one reply she had rehearsed & knew quite well- "well we're busy this time of year". She then offered to put us down for the 1:00 spot, to which I replied that we couldn't come until after 2:00. She, again, started rambling & I couldn't tell you what she said, although she clearly seemed to not care one way or the other if she booked a reservation or not. Obviously, I had no desire to visit a place where theres an atmosphere of Sally Sad-sacks, & was no longer interested in making a reservation. Bless this woman, she apparently has worked a few too many hours or days & needs a break. I hope Santa brings her some good cheer- she...

The tea room has a wide and varied menu of creative salads and sandwiches. We were a group of Seven. We returned for a second visit because we enjoyed the first so much. Two of us had the formal tea sandwich platter which included a brownie for dessert and a full pot of a hot tea of your choice. We took some time to browse through the items for sale that included some holiday items that were discounted. They also have a wide selection of clothing and jewelry. The table settings are also fun and inspirational. It's a hidden...