What could be better than sitting and sipping tea with your mom for Mother's Day? It's one of the most popular times for generations of family members to gather at tea rooms in the region. Civilized, soothing and nostalgic, tea rooms offer a respite from the hustle-bustle.
"It's a comfort kind of drink and it's a quiet time to spend together and to share stories; it's a catch-up time," says Gail Chiovari, owner of Vintage Rose Tea Room in Millville. "It's not a fast food. I always tell people to allow an hour and a half to two hours for a full tea, and we don't ever rush anyone out."
Chiovari will serve Honeybush Lemon Souffle tea with her homemade currant, nutmeg, apricot and cherry-vanilla scones – and, of course, traditional accompaniments lemon curd and clotted cream - at a special event ahead of Mother's Day on Saturday, May 9.
Also on the three-tier cake stand placed on each elegantly set table will be an assortment of tea sandwiches and desserts. Sandwiches include chicken salad on a mini croissant; egg salad on pumpernickel; English cucumber with mint cream cheese on white bread; smoked-salmon mousse on white bread; and crab dip in a phyllo cup. Desserts include orange cheesecake with apricot glaze and fresh fruit; a chocolate rose-shaped cake; and a teapot-shaped cookie.
Each table gets a pretty, cozied pot of tea and Chiovari always pours the first cup, through a shiny strainer.
"We're very big on customer service here," says Chiovari, noting that servers are glad to help guests choose from among the wide selection of loose-leaf teas - black, green, white, rooibos (also called red) and herbals.
Chiovari says she always wanted to have a business - "something to do with pretty things and nice people."
The tea room, where she was able to use her collection of tea ware and share her baking skills, seemed like the perfect fit.
This will be the third summer since Chiovari opened the cozy Vintage Rose in a storefront in Millville's Glasstown Arts District, next door to the under-renovation Levoy Theatre.
"I chose Millville because there are shops and a book store and galleries nearby," Chiovari says.
"There are things for people to do if they want to spend a whole day."
When the theater reopens as a performing-arts center, Chiovari says she looks forward to changing her hours and expanding her clientele.
She added lunch about a year into the venture, with offerings such as a ham sandwich on multigrain bread topped with homemade apple-butter sauce and a slice of brie cheese, garnished with Granny Smith apple slices.
Rest assured, Vintage Rose Tea Room will remain the comfortable place it is today, sort of like grandma's house.
Sure, there are crystal chandeliers and floral, linen tablecloths, and the china tends to put people on their best behavior. But, mostly, guests should feel at home.
"I wanted it to be elegant and not too doily/lacy," Chiovari says. "There's no dress code.
As long as you've got a shirt and shoes on, you're good."
Vintage Rose Tea Room
WHERE: 132 N. High Street, Millville
WHEN: Lunch and afternoon tea, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; last seating 2:30 p.m.
HOW MUCH: Afternoon tea $18.95; ultimate tea $23.95; children's tea for ages 4 to 10 $11.95; sweet tea $9.95; cream tea $8.95; lunch $5.95 to 14.95; soups and salads $3.50 to $6.95; four-cup pot of tea $4.95.
SERVICES: Major credit cards accepted. Reservations suggested. Loose-leaf teas for sale. Gift shop, gift certificates and custom- and pre-made gift baskets. Takeout.
MORE INFO: 856-293-0500; www.vintagerosetearoom.com
BETWEEN YOU AND ME: Vintage Rose Tea Room welcomes young guests. At 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, youngsters are encouraged to bring their favorite doll or teddy bear to visit with Mrs. Potts. Each child receives a book from Bogart's Book Store. Cost is $15. Grownups won't want to miss the first-ever Titanic Tea on Friday, June 19. Dress in period costume (not required) and enjoy an evening hosted by Captain Edward John Smith, with a visit by Mae Kent, author of "Titanic: The Untold Story." Cost is $40.