our over the top menu for the tea room/garden

[cali]

god we're having fun. I run a tea room/garden with a friend in her beautiful display gardens- and on a patio and in the greenhouse. This year we've expanded the menu and we're just being as outrageous as we wish.

Here's what's on the menu this year:

Full English Cream Tea with scones, cuke sandwiches, heavy whipped cream (stand in for clotted cream) homemade strawberry jam and your choice of tea or other beverage. The English Cream Tea comes in 3 variations.

Savory plates: Mushroom and toasted pecan pate, Blue cheese with port and artichoke pesto. All are served with crudites and french bread.

Savory tarts: Tomato, caramelized onion and gruyere, caramelized onion and blue cheese, artichoke, roasted red pepper and olives with parmesan. Served with a lentil salad vinaigrette.

Cakes and tarts: Fresh fruit tarts, strawberry shortcake, chocolate grand marnier cake, victoria cream cake, nut tart, flourless chocolate cake, lemon glazed poppy seed cake, lavender shortbread.

Ice cream sundaes: Knickerbocker Glory (fresh fruit, raspberry sauce, vanilla and peach ice creams, blueberry sauce), old fashioned banana split, butterscotch on dulce de leche ice cream with fresh peaches and pecan praline.

The economy sucks where I live, but people do come here to vacation and locals seem willing to indulge in a small luxury such as having a treat in a gorgeous setting. We're doing really well. We've got croquet set up on one of the lawns, and then there are the gardens to wander through.

[hippywife]

1. Sounds like a wonderful venture.

And that menu sounds truly wonderful. :9

[grasswire]

2. sounds glorious

the only thing I would add if it were my gig would be a strolling accordionist or violinist on occasion. And iced jasmine green tea and iced coffee.

Best of wishes!!

[cali]

6. We have jasmine green tea iced and iced coffee

and raspberry mint lemonade, and cassis and lots of other iced drinks. And we've been thinking of getting someone to come in and play the harp on the lawn.

thanks!

[Tab]

3. Sounds great

I'm not a dessert maker / pastry person, so I don't know what's involved with half that stuff but if you make it all there, it sounds like a fair amount of work, but fun! Glad it's working out well for you!

[cali]

7. We make it all.

all the cakes and sauces- and sometimes even ice cream. It is chaotic but really fun- and it only lasts for 3 1/2 months.

[Warpy]

4. Good, recognizable food

prepared simply (meaning no liquid nitrogen or other exotic gear is needed).

It sounds like a winner no matter what the setting is. People will pay for good food even when they're cutting back on takeout stodge.

[livetohike]

5. Sounds like a really great idea!

I love the menu too :hi:.

[sandnsea]

8. butterscotch, peaches and praline

Oh. My. God. I don't know what, but I'm going to figure out some variation on that for dessert tomorrow.

Where are you located? Sounds wonderful. I think people really do like an extra touch of elegance when times are bad.

[cali]

10. Located in northern Vermont. Here's the website with all pertinent

info

http://www.perennialpleasures.net/index.html

[housewolf]

9. I want one of EVERYTHING!!!!!

Sounds heavenly! I'll bet you are having a WONDERFUL time! Where are you located? If I know of anyone headed your way I'll send 'em on over.