A Russian Tea Luncheon at the Royal Eagle

Several months ago my beautician told me about a monastery about ten miles from my home that serves tea two to three times a week [depending on the season] Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a $20 donation.

I asked my girlfriend, Lori, if she'd be interested in going and reservations were made.  You'd  have to know the monastery was there to find it, because it's not in a highly visible location.  As a matter-of-fact, it's nestled in a residential area removed from busy traffic.   It's one of the City of Harper Wood's best kept secrets!

View of St. Sabbas Orthodox Monastery from the curb of Old Homestead Street.  There is no parking lot - just public street parking.

  

This is the beautiful landscape that awaited us on the other side of the fence.

Russian style buildings with onion domes.  It was like stepping into another world.

The Royal Eagle Restaurant is a non-profit operation of the monastery  where the Russian Tea Luncheon is served.   They have a thriving business, so reservations are required.

Have you ever seen so many beautiful samovars under one roof?

Another view of the dining room.

Lori and I were seated in our own little private alcove.  The dining room was bustling with lunch business.   Our server told us they volunteer their time.

They have an impressive tea menu of over 40 loose-leaf black, green, white and herbal teas.  We each got a teapot filled our own tea selection.  Aren't the Russian tea glasses lovely?

Our tea meal began with Ukrainian Borscht.

When we finished our soup we went to a buffet table for tea sandwiches, which were unlimited.



I got one of each [from 12:00 o'clock clockwise] Roast Beef, English Style Cucumber, Smoked Salmon Lox with Dill, and Shrimp - all open faced except for the cucumber sandwich, and all very good.

Dessert Sampler.

Lori at the check-out Counter.

Outdoor dining is sometimes an option.

They also have a gift shop, but I didn't get any photographs of it.  Its hours correspond with the hours of the restaurant.

Bell Tower

The Russian Tea Luncheon was lovely and I am ready to return for another visit!