Behind the Times

Tea anyone?

Posted on April 12, 2007 by kraus2686
Filed Under Clinton, Downtown, Noah's posts |

Mary Martin-Somers arranges the coffees

at the Colonial Tea House.

Well, I finally did it. I set foot into the Colonial Tea House on Church Street. It’s been about five years since the owners of the Clinton Cafe sold their business and the Colonial Tea House took its place. My reluctance to step into the Tea House was primarily due to my not wanting to accept the fact that my favorite breakfast spot was gone. A former resident of the upper end of Church Street, I used to walk down every Sunday morning for stuffed French toast at the Clinton Cafe… mmmm, remember those? (Sob) And the eggs Irish? Breakfast for two was usually about $14. Ah well, bygones.

But with the Basket Beanery now closed from the corner of Church and Main Street, the options for a pastry and a cup of coffee, juice or hot chocolate just got a lot smaller. It was time to cross the threshold. With all the talk of the Tea House now serving coffee, it’s still very much a tea house. And, why should it be anything else? I grabbed a cup of Blue Mist tea and a raspberry scone ($5 total). I’m not a coffee drinker and although I like tea, I rarely order it anywhere unless it’s coming from my kitchen cabinet. On this cold and rainy day, however, (wait, is it snowing now?) it hit the spot. The ladies at the tea house were super friendly. And, yes, there was a genuine bonafide tea party going on when I was there — ladies sitting around a table sipping from fine cups and acting very well mannered.

I’m actually surprised it took me as long to get around to getting to the Tea House as it did. With an office on High Street, I try to move my business around to as many of my neighbors as I can. It is a little upscale, as I would expect from a Tea House. The quiches and other assortment of dishes looked fabulous. Expect to pay upwards of $7 for them, though. Along with the Salad Place, it seems there is room for a few higher-class shops in the downtown. Not sure they fit my budget for daily trips, but worth a stop.

A tip I picked up while at the Tea House — order ahead if you want takeout. The tea actually has to steep for a few minutes. I didn’t mind the wait, but if you want to grab and go, call in what you want and they’ll have it ready for you.

Has anyone else tried the Tea House? What are your thoughts?

Comments