Hsv gal
User's reviews
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Cafe Olivia at Across the Pond
Cafe Olivia began offering a true, British afternoon tea within just the past 6 months, thanks to the owners being British. The setting is within the grounds of Bennett Nursery, and the small dining area which seats 16 is appropriately furnished with wrought-iron chairs and lattice- or tile-topped tables. There is a pretty spray of flowers in a bud vase on each table, which is set with fine English bone china of an eclectic mix. Unlike the two other restaurants which serve Afternoon Tea in the Huntsville-Madison area, no advance reservations or required size of party is needed. Happily, one can drop in any day of the week at this lunchroom spot for a proper Afternoon Tea. One can order the complete Afternoon Tea for $14.95 which includes a pot of tea, a scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam, four tea sandwiches, and two bite-sized pastries. Or, for lighter appetites, one can order a la carte. The day I came, my two-tiered tray held a plain, unflavored scone; a refreshing mini-cup of watermelon soup; egg salad, cucumber with cream cheese, and ham with mustard sandwiches; and a final course of bite-sized bread pudding and chocolate cake. The food was good, and the server took good care of my needs, mainly for more hot water to replenish my teapot. As I sat there reading one of their This England magazines, I felt transported to a village tearoom in the U.K. A most welcome addition to the Huntsville area!
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TownHouse Tea Shoppe
Without a doubt, this is the finest tearoom in the state. I come here every chance that I can, despite their being over 100 miles from my home. The food, tea, service, and decor are all top-notch. Owners Rebekah and Darlene are so warm & friendly that it feels as if you're visiting friends. They set a beautiful tea table with Royal Albert China, distinctive table linens, and 3-tiered tea trays in an elegant space in the charming village of Mt. Laurel, just outside Birmingham. They have an extensive selection of teas, along with the knowledge of proper brewing of the different types of tea. And, oh my, the food....it is DELICIOUS! The scones are among the best in flavor and texture of those I have sampled in the 80+ tea rooms I have visited throughout the U.S. and Canada....not to mention wonderful tea sandwiches & melt-in-your-mouth fabulous desserts. If you love a fine Afternoon Tea, you will love the TownHouse Tea Shoppe!
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Tea With Thee by Victoria
Owner Vickie Barlowe's dream of operating a tea room is exquisitely realized in this brand new addition to the Huntsville area. Located in nearby Madison AL, Tea With Thee transports its patrons to a place of graciousness, hospitality, and beauty. The setting is superb: past a well-stocked gift boutique is a large, airy room with several linen-covered tables amongst red mahogany cabinets & breakfronts displaying an eclectic mix of fine china and crystal. The elegantly appointed space is illuminated by three chandeliers which showcase architecturally-interesting crown-molding atop walls painted a muted, neutral shade of purple. I had the three-tier service, which is obtained by 24-hour advance reservations. It contained four savory tea sandwiches of chicken salad, pimento cheese, chicken bruschetta and cucumber with cream cheese, along with a selection of five mini-desserts. Preceding this tiered-tray, I enjoyed a flavorful blueberry scone with clotted cream and lemon curd, as well as a velvety-smooth cream of chicken soup. My choice of tea was Victoria's Special Tea, created by master tea blender Bruce Richardson of Elmwood Inn Fine Teas. Kudos to Vickie and her staff for providing her patrons such a delightful place to partake of lunch, Afternoon or Cream Tea, or just a 'cuppa.'
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Emma's Tea Room
Emma's Tea Room is located in a charming bungalow in the historic Five Points district. It always offers its patrons a wide selection of loose-leaf teas well-brewed in china teapots in a series of pretty rooms with finely appointed tea tables. Light lunches are served during regular hours, with afternoon tea served on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for groups of 4 or more with prior reservations. It also offers special event afternoon teas, one of which I just enjoyed this past weekend for an early Mother's Day Tea. If you ever have an opportunity to attend one of these special teas, I heartily recommend that you do so. For Mother's Day Tea, Emma's served a choice of 4 delectable teas ranging from Pomegranate Green Tea to Rooibos to regular and flavored-Darjeeling. Food courses began with a fresh-from-the-oven, melt-in-your-mouth lavender & green tea scone accompanied by a sinfully delicious lemon curd and cream. We were then treated to a cup of delicately-flavored and refreshing strawberry soup. Following this course was a trio of absolutely beautiful and artistic tea sandwiches that offered a variety of delicious taste sensations. We then partook of the lightest, most refreshing homemade watermelon sorbet. Magnificent! (And I don't even like watermelon.) Finally, we finished this 5-course meal with 4 delicious and dainty sweet treats. My favorite was the mocha-flavored mousse served on an ornate white chocolate shell. Sinfully delicious! Rebekah, thank your for offering your patrons such an exquisite afternoon tea!!