Breads, muffins and scones. photo by Alison Fechtel
Raspberry tea. photo by Alison Fechtel
Eden brings high tea back down to earth. Dining at the quaint abode on Lovers Lane feels somehow familiar, like stopping by a neighbor’s house for lunch. The door squeaks open to reveal just that. Chef Karen Kahn’s eclectic taste and treasured possessions abound. The walls display her husband’s horseshoe-throwing trophies — he’s a state champion — along with their wedding photos, antiques and other knick-knacks. “To me, it’s comforting,” Kahn says. “It’s very quiet, very inviting.” In addition to its regular menu items like hen with plum sauce, Eden offers high tea with a reservation 24 hours in advance. High tea features three courses. The first is a savory tea with elegantly prepared sandwiches, including smoked salmon, cucumber, pimento cheese and egg salad with tomatoes. The second is a more robust tea paired with scones and homemade breads. The third is a sweeter tea accompanied by chocolate mousse, chocolate-dipped fruit and lemon bars. Khan is the only cook in the kitchen, and she makes everything from scratch. “It’s what I like to call ‘honest.’ ” The coziness of the tiny restaurant spurs conversation among strangers. And when the weather’s nice, Kahn opens up the dog-friendly patio in back. Eden is BYOB with a $5 cork fee. At the end of each meal, each guest receives a large strawberry dipped in fine Belgian chocolate. Yes, sometimes, it’s the little things.
Eden Restaurant & Pastries
Lovers & Elsby
972.267.3336
Three more neighborhood tearooms
1 Maudee’s Café & Tea Room
Not far from Eden is Maudee’s, another cozy retreat offering 3-5 p.m. afternoon tea with about 20 different flavors on the menu. If you’re stopping by for lunch, try one of the daily specials.
Lovers & Douglas
214.526.9750
2 Garden Tea Room
Take a break from antiquing at this quaint café, tucked away inside the Forestwood Antique Mall, which offers an array of soups, salads and sandwiches.
Forest & the Tollway
972.392.3911
3 Champagne’s Luxe
For a more lavish, upscale experience, this high-end home décor store near Inwood Village offers high tea 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and “ladies lunch” on weekdays.
Lovers & Inwood
214.352.7777
