High tea, anyone? This cheerful establishment is an outpost of civility in the village of Newtown, Pa.
By: Judith Norkin
|
Garden Tea |
The people at Garden Tea in the Village of Newtown shopping center know what is meant by a proper tea. A proper tea does not mean popping a little paper bag in a water-filled mug and microwaving. It means cups and saucers. Lace doilies and pretty tablecloths. And pink. Lots of pink.
We went to Garden Tea one sunny May afternoon, when the daffodils, tulips and trees blooming outside neatly echoed the flowery décor inside. Our group included a grandmother, a mother, a daughter and a friend, all of whom were delighted immediately with the charming, feminine atmosphere.
But there’s more than ambiance at this cheerful establishment, opened by owner Maryanne Staubach last December. It seems that the people at Garden Tea are not only interested in surrounding customers with all the props and frills of a fancy tea party; they are also trying to educate us about the world of tea. The server who came to our table didn’t want to just take our order, she wanted to explain the differences between all the teas offered on the menu. We enjoyed this and also liked reading the tea menu, which was as long as a wine list, and described the characteristics of various teas in elaborate detail.
Of course, tea was the first thing we ordered. We tasted and critiqued our selections. The China green was grassy and fresh, the Russian country smoky and rich, and the spiced chai creamy and filling.
But our group agreed the mango chai was our favorite; fruity and full of complicated layers of flavor.
We felt extremely civilized as we sipped and talked. Because we each received our own little porcelain pot ($3 each, unlimited refills) sharing was easy. Teas are available either hot or iced.
But woman does not live on tea alone, so there is an à la carte menu at Garden Tea. Traditional luncheon foods like soups, salads and sandwiches are offered. We tried the curried turkey salad ($7.50), a prettily mounded scoop of turkey salad served atop mixed greens, along with a mild-flavored purple slaw. It was very good. This particular day, the quiche ($7.50) was broccoli and cheese. Flavors vary daily. We all agreed that it was also good and particularly liked that it wasn’t the usual wedge, but an individual mini-quiche with a gracefully fluted crust and a fluffy, well-seasoned interior.
However, the roast beef sandwich ($7.50), served on ordinary whole wheat bread with a few slices of roast beef and a thin layer of horseradish, was disappointing. Despite the horseradish, it tasted plain and might have been served in some way other than two halves, cut diagonally. Manager Tom Volpe later noted the sandwich has since been removed from the menu. The highlight of the meal was the scones ($2.50). We each had a different flavor, and again, flavors vary daily. Each was served with a bowl of jam, delicious lemon curd a lemon-flavored custard and real Devon cream, produced by Devon cows and imported from England.
We felt gluttonous, piling these delights upon the already rich, buttery scones.
For real tea-party style, we also chose one of Garden Tea’s pre-composed selections, served on three-tiered stands that bring grand ambiance to the table and make every girl, young or old, feel like a princess. Garden Tea excels in these pre-selected combinations of dainty sandwiches with elaborate fillings, teensy little cookies and cakes, lemon curd and whipped cream.
The afternoon tea ($15.50) was a nice sampling of all these classic elements. And though these pre-composed selections might seem a little pricey, the fact is that making these individual, doll-sized goodies is time consuming.
Overall, Garden Tea did a fine job of making us feel perfectly civilized. We enjoyed the various props and frills, and the food and tea were generally quite good. But if you go, do call and make a reservation. Garden Tea is a fine spot not only for tea, but for wedding showers, baby showers and other gatherings. There is a tea bar for drop-in guests, but if you plan on a special conversation or a special celebration, a table is nicer. Our reservation was made two weeks in advance, and even then only one table remained available.
Worth noting, too, is that Garden Tea has a gift shop filled with tea and tea-related items. It also offers special tea-related events, such as tea-tastings and dinners. Call the restaurant for more information, or to be included on its mailing list for special events.
For directions to Garden Tea, click here.

