Whether you are still sheltering-in-place or venturing out with caution, there are several ways to take tea while protecting yourself and others from Covid-19:
We feel thankful that the summer season allows for outdoor seating, and are seeing many tearooms expanding their patio dining areas to allow for tables to be spaced 6 feet apart, like our “home” teahouse in Norcross, Georgia. We went to Ivy Tea House last week to experience their Seasonal Summer and Southern Brunch tea menus ($38 each), both of which are SO delicious! Servers wear masks, fans cool the outdoor dining area under a large canopy, and Ivy Tea House takes contactless payment online in advance.
Dining room tables bring elements of Ivy Tea House’s indoor design outside.
Tea Selection
Spied my favorite cup!
It is so good to see Tea-Master-in-Training Ari again! As usual, she expertly guides us to delicious iced tea choices: Orange Creamsicle, Green Garden, Lemon Meringue and Rose Petal.
We love the little touches that make teatime at Ivy Tea House feel like a treat, including their ice water flavored with fresh herbs and fruits. Iced teas are served in gigantic 32 oz. mason jars, and we are grateful for the generous servings because these teas are all so delicious! The Rose Petal tea’s perfume is perfectly aromatic without being cloying, and the Green Garden is a table favorite.
Scones & Spreads, Savories and Sweets
We are always happy to see owner Nicole’s sparkling eyes (her smile hidden behind her mask), especially when she arrives bearing gifts: the Seasonal Summer Afternoon Tea is DIVINE!
The Mediterranean Couscous-filled Endive and creamy, citrusy Shrimp and Grits magically disappear very quickly. To complete the course, there’s arugula and crostini topped with herb-and-citrus marinated goat cheese, tarragon shredded chicken, and marinated artichokes.
Matcha scones are paired with homemade jam and cream, and dessert is a moist Brown Butter Pineapple Upside Down Cake, with Orange Blossom Water Merengues that melt in your mouth. Naturally, our teen reviewers go straight for the shock blue ones.
The already fabulous Southern Brunch tea has been updated with ginger-rhubarb scones, and ratatouille puff pastries that burst with summer veggie freshness. We gladly welcome back some of our favorite items: deviled tea eggs with pepper jelly and jalapeno, chicken pimiento cheese sausage balls (which we order for dinner next week) and peach-pistachio squares.
Destination Tea Note: Please be sure to check social media or call your local tearoom during the pandemic to be sure of their latest hours and offerings.
We love comments! Destination Tea's comment policy shares a guiding principle with afternoon tea etiquette: please be gracious. We welcome honest comments that are not rude or scathing.
