Cozy Tea, in 5 Points area
1029 Park Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204-3907
(904) 329-3964
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.
No website
I've been to Shakespeare's Tea Room in Palm Coast and always wanted something like that in Jax, beautiful china cups, dainty tea sandwiches, and of course, variety of properly brewed tea served and labeled with what you ordered with raw sugar crystals and cream or milk as options with your tea. I got what I wanted!! And then some...first, atmosphere, I'm a sucker to want to go back to the 1800's and have tea with Jane Austen, wear long skirts with curls in my hair while scarfing (in a ladylike fashion) tea sandwiches and scones with clotted cream. (I KNOW I am not the only one who wants to do this). The flowery tablecloths, chandeliers, and mixed match tea cups makes me feel pretty close to that experience (sans Jane Austen but a girl can dream).
Second, I didn't count but it seemed close to over 40 teas to choose from plus it's a gift shop selling items from loose teas, teabags, to chocolate truffles - genius. A place with chocolate, tea, and good food is always welcome in my book.
Third, the food itself; I ordered the afternoon tea for $17.95 but it's a lot of food so I ended up taking some home for my hubby to try (not sure he'd be caught dead eating at a place with that much flower decor but the food may entice him in).
It comes with a pot of tea (unlimited, free refills), scone, quiche, tea sandwiches, soup, salad, and dessert.
For the price and quality, I thought it was a great deal. The white truffle tea was so fragrant and subtle, it hit all my senses and was relaxing. I drank so much, it was good we were seated near the restrooms. The buttery scone was served next, warm with orange and apple slices, one melon slice, clotted cream, and jam - the scone was so fresh and decadent, I almost got completely full savoring every bite. When I was in England, I don't remember the scones being THAT good.
Then the tea sandwiches, salad, and quiche came, perfect portions, not too much, not too little. Then dessert, looked like a blueberry cake and a small banana poundcake muffin?? I had to dash out for an appointment but I will savor that after dinner later tonight.
I also read that they also serve a full Indian dinner once a month - that's next! I will DEFINITELY come back to this place as they also have some hot items, salads that come with desserts, and other items on the menu that is worth a try. And I missed the chocolate! Make sure to set aside at least 2 hours for this place because this food and tea is meant to be enjoyed in a leisurely fashion. Perhaps I need to get that Victorian age dress on after all.....
2nd visit on 2/3/2010: Okay, so two dear friends of mine, Lucia and Mitch, joined me for their first visit today. I worried that the male would run out as the flower decor and dainty teacups may leave him feeling somewhat emasculated BUT he stayed, and more importantly, he definitely enjoyed his meal! At my suggestion, he tried the light afternoon tea deal that includes a pot of tea (free refills but forgot what tea he got), 1 scone with some cut up fruit, small green salad, and 6 tea sandwiches (cucumber, chicken curry, and egg salad) all for $14.95.
I thought he'd complain of not being full, but he was fully satisfied and thoroughly enjoyed his tea. Lucia decided on the slightly spiced yet creamy butternut squash soup and chicken curry sandwich, and she loved her meal as well. She ordered a pot of blueberry tea; I got the chocolate mint tea and the light afternoon tea deal. I chose the apricot mango scone and split it with Lucia so she could try it; she said it was the best scone she's ever had and she's had some tasty ones (she's from one of my fave foodie places, NY, so I know she knows what she is talking about). We stayed longer than expected (you pay up front now when you're done) but tea and sandwiches just encourages fun and friendly conversation, doesn't it?
Will I be back? Oh yeah. I had no room for dessert but believe me, Lucia and I are coming back with my daughters for dessert and tea girls day out!
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