Destination Tea Notes: When a mother-daughter team with years of catering experience opens a tea parlor, you know you are in for a treat. Newly opened this fall, Jessa’s Tea Parlor is becoming a popular lunch spot with ladies and gentlemen alike, which hostess Jessa James attributes to the parlor’s hearty Southern fare. To afternoon tea-goers: come hungry and pace yourself, because you will want to taste everything from start to delicious finish. Jessa and mom Carolyn Lyle whip up a plentiful afternoon tea repast that is homemade from the citrus curd to the salad dressings (which they sell by the gallon). For those who appreciate the creative touches, you’ll spot evidence of Jessa’s artistic side everywhere you look, from refurbished antiques to her handmade decorative cloth napkins, steampunk earrings and tea cups turned pin cushions.
Tables in soft and holiday colorsOur brightly lit table, teapot warmers at the ready
Tea Service
Love the creative touches like the condiment spoon with tiny teapot handle, golden utensils and Jessa’s handmade cloth napkin.Jessa welcomes us with a lightly sweetened iced blend of two house favorites: Bourbon Street Vanilla (rooibos) and Earl Grey Cream (black).Each guest chooses a pot of tea and may later ask to try another, but we were well satisfied with our first choices: Orange Blossom Estate (oolong), Bourbon Street Vanilla (rooibos) and Earl Grey Cream (black). Thumbs up on the fun flavors in this tea menu.Jessa brings a tea strainer to the table with the pots, so guests may ensure that no stray tea leaves make it into their cups.
Scones & Spreads, Savories and Sweets
In addition to the traditional three-tier tray, Jessa’s high tea options include a first course selection that is a meal in and of itself. We chose two from the following: salad with homemade ranch, balsamic or citrus vinaigrette; chicken salad on croissant; soup (creamy vegetable or tomato basil). Each was served with a rosemary cheddar biscuit – mmmm!These were some of my favorite scones yet, moist and served with homemade clotted cream and citrus curd, in three flavors: apple spice, maple pecan and cranberry white chocolate. Mom Carolyn believes a scone should not be a tough dense thing and she certainly won my backing for her stance on scones.Between us we ordered two Southern Charm menus and one Classy Miss Sassy. The Southern Charm savories included Momma’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Pimento Cheese (yum), BBQ Pork Slider (yes!), Citrus Chicken Salad on Croissant and Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie over Cheese and Rosemary Biscuit.Classy Miss Sassy savories included Salmon Cucumber, Chicken Caprese, Bacon Bloom with Avocado and Goat Cheese and Turkey with Cranberry.Desserts included a Red Velvet Cheesecake, Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake (very good), Espresso Brownie and Macaron (my favorite).Jessa’s creations for saleGifts for your tea-loving family and friends
My daughters and I had a charming tea lunch at Jessa’s quaint tea parlor when it first opened. Jessa was so welcoming and the food and atmosphere were awesome..and have returned already and spread the word to our friends!
Thanks Jessa for opening in Woodstock! Come check out this Tea Parlor!
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My daughters and I had a charming tea lunch at Jessa’s quaint tea parlor when it first opened. Jessa was so welcoming and the food and atmosphere were awesome..and have returned already and spread the word to our friends!
Thanks Jessa for opening in Woodstock! Come check out this Tea Parlor!
Doris, thank you for sharing your experience here! Like you, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Jessa’s as well.