Garden Gate Tea House

Each summer my neighbor/good friend Tina and I get together for lunch since my teaching schedule is loose and I have more free time.  Since retirement was looming and other events were getting in the way (like her trip to visit son Grant in Denver), we decided to wait until her return and visit the tea room in Delphi.

I had suggested the tea room to Megan and Hilary as a possible site to celebrate their birthdays with Tessa since Tess might really enjoy a grown-up tea party.  The girls dashed my hopes for an afternoon tea by wrinkling their noses and shaking their heads and telling me I should go with someone else, like Tina, who would really enjoy such an adventure.  I must have had a disappointed look on my face because Hilary wrote a note in my birthday card in early May that SHE would take me to the tea room as part of my birthday present (and I think she has forgotten this, by the way).  Anyway they were overjoyed when I told them that Tina and I were making a trip to Delphi for tea today.  

If you look at the website (link here on the page), you will find a complete list of teas offered.  My peach green tea was served in a china teapot with individual warmer.  The delicate china teacup was exquisite and held the perfect amount of hot tea to sip during our conversation and afternoon tea.  

The first course was soup.  Tina selected the 'soup d'jour' which was a cheesy celery and I enjoyed a cup of Velvet Chicken.  This was followed by appetizers, scones, and desserts served on a three tiered dish.  One of the treats was the lemon curd which accompanied the scones.  In fact I had to be sure I had added my half of the little cup to my scones since this is one of Tina's favorites!

Since Tina and I were the only customers for the afternoon tea, the proprietor checked on us regularly but was not intrusive to our conversation.  The atmosphere was inviting and relaxing.  If we had had more time, it would have been interesting to survey the decor a little more closely.  Many tea cups and tea pots decorated the small restaurant.

Upon looking at the website, I noticed that a lunch menu is available also.  Some of the salads and sandwiches sound very inviting, and if I return, this will be my focus for the next lunch.  Even though I really enjoy today's offerings, the other items look interesting also.

An enjoyable venture to Delphi?  Absolutely!  Time with a dear friend is always very precious.  Being able to catch up on family and other news in a relaxed amiable atmosphere was perfect.

Gary asked if I would return to the tea room at some point.  Answer?  With him?  No.  I am reminded of the time Mom forced him to go with us to the Pine Tree Barn outside of Wooster and he did NOT enjoy it at all.  He would feel the same about the tea room.  If we are eating in Delphi, he would select Stone House or The Sandwich Shop instead.  But sometime I would like to return with Megan and Hilary for lunch or tea, just for fun.  I think Tessa would really enjoy it when she is a little older.  And if Tina ever wants to go again, I will be ready to hop in the car, stop by her house, and off we will go down 39 to Delphi for another adventure!

http://www.gardengateteahouse.com/