English Charm with Southern Hospitality at Inspirations Tea Room in Edmond, OK

Following is my review of the Inspirations Tea Room in Edmond, Oklahoma, which appeared in the September 2013 issue of Grandma Rae's Cracked Teacup Gazette, a quarterly online newsletter for tea lovers.....

 

 

If you happen to find yourself traveling down I-35 north of Oklahoma City, take the Edmond exit and treat yourself to a lovely lunch or afternoon tea at Inspirations Tea Room, which truly lives up to its claim of  “English charm with Southern hospitality.” 
                                                                       
                                                          
                                                              

                                              

                          (Photo courtesy of Inspirations Tea Room)                        

                                                
In early June, my friend Mary Lou and I were on our way from Central Wisconsin to Blooming Grove, Texas, to host my family’s 3^rd Annual Moore Ladies Afternoon Tea. We had heard about the Teaoli Inspirations Tea Room from one of my cousins who lives in Oklahoma City, so Mary Lou and I decided to take the short detour off the interstate to have lunch in Edmond.

The elegant décor in the Inspiration Tea Room features massive gold framed mirrors, deep bold colors, and rich fabrics, with black and white as the primary color scheme at each of the small tables.   Crisp tablecloths and napkins as well as fresh flowers on each table complete the lovely setting.

 

                                                                                  

                                                       (Photo courtesy of Inspirations Tea Room)

 

We discovered that each of the entrees on the extensive lunch menu offers fresh ingredients, large portions, and a scone baked fresh each day served with homemade lemon curd.  Just a few of the delicious sounding lunch items include Chicken Salad on Mixed Greens or Fresh Croissant, Veggie Quesa-tea-a, Lemon Blackberry Salad, Orange Turkey Club, and Queen’s Quiche. The prices are quite reasonable, with lunch items priced from $10 to $14 and bottomless pots of the tea of your choice for $2.95 per person.  To download a copy of the menu, go to:   http://inspirationstearoom.com/?page_id=1112

 

Both Mary Lou and I and I decided on the Walnut Apple Berry Salad, and next it was time for us to select our teas from over 100 varieties, including Inspiration’s own special blends as well as Harney, Adagio, and Tea Forte.  It was tempting to try Blue Sapphire, French Caramel Crème Brulee, Loves Kiss, or Lemon Souffle.  However, after being on the road for a day and a half, we were both in need of chocolate therapy, so we ordered a blend of chocolate and hazelnut tea called Florence. These turned out to be most excellent choices!

 

                                                                                    

 

 

                                            (Thanks to our server for taking our picture after lunch.)

 

It’s a good thing that we had called ahead and made a reservation because the tea room was very busy that Friday.  In fact, the parking lot was full, and we had to park at a little strip mall next door. The service was understandably slow, but the wait staff was friendly, courteous, and congenial. The lunch experience was just the respite from the road we needed that day. The food was superb (and the salad was indeed a generous portion!), the tea was yummy, and we were pleasantly surprised that a Bible scripture on a small strip of paper accompanied our check.   

 

Before hitting the road again, we spent half an hour or so wandering through the Gift Store, where we found all manner of tea cups, teapots, tea-themed décor and gift items, and of course, all of the varieties of fine teas offered in the tea room.  In addition, a full line off Teaoli Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars is available.

 

Because Inspirations is a very popular spot with the locals for bridal showers, mother-daughter teas, and other special occasions, reservations are strongly recommended, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.

 

With a 24-hour advance reservation, you can enjoy “The Ultimate Tea Party Experience” for $19.95 per person.  A three-tiered tray features savories and sandwiches on the first tier, fresh fruit, scones, and lemon curd on the second tier, and delectable desserts on the third tier. These are served with soup or salad and your choice of tea.

                                                               

                                                       (Photo courtesy of Inspirations Tea Room)

 

Inspirations Tea Room and Store is located at 2118 West Edmond Road in Edmond, OK. The Gift Store hours are 10 AM – 4 PM on Mondays through Fridys and 10 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays.  Inspirations Tea Room seating is 11 AM – 3 PM on Mondays through Fridays and 11AM – 4 PM on Saturdays.

 

Adjoining Inspirations Tea Room and Gift Store is a lovely bed and breakfast called Two Hearts Inn, featuring five luxurious suites. There are also two other Teaoli Stores:  a second store in Edmond, OK at Spring Creek Village on East 15^th Street, and a third one at Brookhaven Village on West Robinson in Norman, OK.

 

For more information, you can visit www.inspirationstearoom.com or their Inspirations Tea Room Facebook page, or better yet, call and make a reservation at (405) 715-2525 and treat yourself and a girlfriend to lunch or afternoon tea at Inspirations the next time you’re in the Oklahoma City area.  As their menu states, “Tea time is the coming together to enjoy sweet fellowship face to face and heart to heart.”

 

 

 

Afternoon Tea at Fort Worth's Ashton Hotel - Elegant and Sumptuous

Following is my review of afternoon tea at the Ashton Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, which appeared in the March 2012 issue of Grandma Rae's Cracked Teapot Gazette, a quarterly online newsletter for tea lovers.....

 

 

On the first Thursday in October 2011, my friend Kay and I experienced Chef Ismael’s sumptuous 3-course gourmet afternoon tea at the Ashton Hotel, an elegant boutique hotel in downtown Fort Worth that has been fully renovated from two buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historical Places.    A lovely tea service is offered Thursday through Saturday, from 2:00 till 4:00 PM.  Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance, and the cost is $29.00 per person.  A “Teddy Bear Tea” with a special menu for children is available for $16.00 per person, and for many fans of afternoon tea, the Holiday Tea in December is an annual tradition.  Free valet parking is provided.                                                                               

                                                                                     

The setting for the afternoon tea is the Ashton’s intimate dining room, the Six Ten Grille, where the modern Euro-style decor is both elegant and comfortable.   When Kay and I were seated at a table by the big picture window overlooking the hustle and bustle of downtown Fort Worth, our waiter brought us warmed lavender-scented towels and presented us with a menu of an assorted selection of teas from which to choose.  Kay decided on Passion Fruit with Flowers, and I chose Vanilla with Pieces.  Next, our waiter brought us each a complimentary flute of champagne and a small cup of Sweet Potato Soup, followed by Garden Vegetable Crudites,  with a goat Cheese & Lemon Dip, and Florentine Stuffed Mushroom.  We delighted in our pots of tea and continued to feast.  Assorted tea sandwiches came next; all were delicious, but our favorites were the Curried Chicken Salad on Sourdough and the Pear & Blue Cheese on Foccacia.  Fresh-from-the-oven  Apricot Scones were served with Devonshire Cream, Lemon Curd, and Lingonberry Preserves.  And, finally, we were treated to decadent Mini Chocolate Tarts and Mini Fruit Tartlets.

 

                                                                                

Kay and I found the tea fare to be delightful and the service to be excellent!  The Ashton is located at 610 Main Street, and you can make reservations for afternoon tea by calling 817-332-0100.

                                                                                 

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