Hodgepodge & Palette Cafe' and Tearoom

As a transplant from Wales, I was, at best, skeptical about finding a decent British tea here in the states. While it's definitely an American-inspired version, I was quite impressed with this little place. The room was lovely, the service was pleasant and we thoroughly enjoyed all the food. Teas are offered in a variety of flavours. I was at first surprised by Americans serving my tea piping hot, until I learned that the owner spent a number of years living in England. A nice twist on traditional tea sandwiches and desserts. As for the scones, they weren't traditionally British either. They weren't at all dry or bland and were, in fact, delicious. Overall, I'm pleased to have found this little spot. When tea is through, we can spend the afternoon shopping for gifts or admiring the artwork in the adjacent gallery. A lovely way to spend the day.

When I visited my sister last week I was treated to a High Tea at the Palette Cafe's Tea Room. It was a surprise to find a cute gift shop, the HodgePodge, adjoining it. While we waited to be seated, we browsed the shop and found some very nice items to take home. Upon entering the tea room we were greeted by low classical music to set the mood. The beautiful art works on the walls and the ambient lighting added to the pleasant surroundings. Finally, the two owners, Penny and Kay, directed us to our seats and promptly served a large English china teapot of hot water and a large assortment of teas to choose from. My choice was blueberry flavored and my sister's was a classic English breakfast. We loved our first course of the best scones made by chef and baker Collette, served with jel... (more)ly and whipped cream. Next we had 4 different tea sandwiches presented on beautiful china, my favorite being the date and cream cheese on cinnamon bread with a touch of orange. By now we were very full but still had to sample the assortment of desserts which included chocolate, lemon, pecan and more. Needless to say we had lots to take home to our husbands.
After all this, we visited the Art Gallery connected to the shop for a little culture. Everyone couldn't have been nicer for a truly wonderful day. I'll be coming back again and again.

I was very disappointed in Hodgepodge. I received a glowing recommendation to try it and the tea selection was in a box of bagged tea that can be bought at any grocery store. The sandwiches were average. The scones and other sweets were less than personal and not very fresh. I was sad to have this experience after having such high hopes.