Jonathan Hoffman 

It will come as no surprise to most of you that I fancy a good cup of tea now and then. Living in this great country of America, we are at a "tea" disadvantage. Ever since our ancestors treated the aquatic life of Boston harbor to the largest "tea party" ever known, tea drinking in America has slowly declined. But could there be an American renaissance to this amber brew? I think yes!

A cold day last winter, Beverly (my beautiful wife), and I were traveling down highway M-50 on our way to Monroe, Michigan. In the middle of the town of Tecumseh, we spotted a sign that read "Tea Garden Cafe." With self-restrained expectations we pulled over and parked. Our first impression upon entering was one of astonishment. The ambiance made us feel like we were in England. It was a "real" tea shop right in the heartland of America. A wide variety of tea accessories from China tea settings to Twinings loose teas can be found.

The menu is brimming with outstanding luncheon cuisine's like English Pork Pie, Cottage Pie, and Ploughman's Lunch, to mention but a few. There were several kinds of sandwiches, soups, and four different salads; plenty of choices for the meat lover and vegetarian alike. Choosing from the entrees on the menu proved delightfully difficult. The presentation and variety of greens on the house salad were exemplary. Was it the dried cherries or the toasted pine nuts that made the salad so special? The house raspberry dressing is second to none. The loose tea selection provides a modest but quality selection of black, green and flavored teas. Entree prices are under $5.00. Two scones with Devon Cream and preserves are only $2.50.

Need I say more? The Tea Garden Cafe will be a regular stop for Bev and me on all journeys near this southeastern Michigan town. Bon appetite!

Copyright © 2005 - British Tea Garden &  Roof Top Cafe - E-mail Us