Calico Rose Cafe

This place must have been designed with me in mind. The colorful buildings, including the purple consignment barn out back, were enticing. As I entered the Calico Rose Cafe, I was greeted with a kiss of cool air and heartily welcomed by the elderly Miss Pittypat (the house feline).

There are two floors of assorted tchotchkes and numerous country paintings for sale. My friend and I browsed for over twenty minutes and every space, shelf and wall was abundantly filled with salable items--surprisingly few were tea related. The store reminded me of country comfort; what some others might call country clutter - certainly a place after my own heart.

The tea room is spacious and free of the baubles that command the store. It is also imbibed with what I would describe as Victorian... (more) French country charm. The creamy white bean soup I ordered was served in a large ramekin and was delicious. I also ordered the cherry green tea. Since it was a green tea, I did instruct them to use water that was a few minutes off of boiling so that it would not be bitter. I like my green tea brewed between 175 and 185 degrees. The tea was delicious. The cherry was clearly detectable in the brew, which is not always the case with flavored teas. I wish I had asked them what brand it was because it was really good. Had they boiled the water, however, it would have been bitter.

I also ordered the tea sampler which consisted of four tiers of dessert-plate size. The first tier came with a salad, the second with four very tiny tea sandwiches, and then two plates of desserts. There were a bit too many sweets to my liking but everything was very, very good. Next time I will order a pot of tea, soup and sandwich. I am definitely going to come back. Soon they will open the purple barn out back that contains the consignment items, so that I’ll be able to browse that too.

Not only is the Calico Rose Café a tea place with Victorian French country charm but the food is good, the proprietor and waitress very personable, and Miss Pittypat so welcoming that I felt I could stay all day. It seemed like home to me and since we were the only customers in the building at opening time, I soaked up all the feline attention Miss Pittypat dished out.

You will take step back in time a little into a lovely Victorian setting. I would define the atmosphere as “shabby chic.” My tea was served nice and hot and all my food selections were delicious. I enjoyed the wide array of gifts available for purchase in the adjourning rooms nicely displayed. I did pick up a few items for myself. Plan to go back for more visits.

Not that great. Typical Sussex Co. fare. Offers no vegan dishes or desserts. I won't go back.

I enjoy going for a nice relaxing lunch or tea. The service is wonderful and the food is always good. I have been going to the Calico Rose every 6 weeks or so for years and have always enjoyed it. Thanks Leslie and Kim