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.”