Friday, May 11, 2012

Homeward Bound

May 4
Our last breakfast at Pinecrest B & B was "Raspberry Bliss"  [a baked, stuffed raspberry croissant], sausage patties, pumpkin bread, a strawberry yogurt parfait, orange juice and hot tea.



Even though I purchased their cookbook, it will be oatmeal for breakfast when I get back home!  ;-)

We departed for Kentucky right after breakfast and arrived at Linda's house by mid-afternoon. 

In 2003 the Berea Arts Council organized the "Show of Hands" - an exhibit of twelve 6-foot tall hand sculptures decorated by twelve artists, and positioned throughout the city.  One of the hands was near the restaurant where we had dinner, so Linda took a picture of Sandy and me standing beside it.  This hand was titled, "Gone Fishing."  


Once again, Linda graciously offered us her lovely tea-themed guest room for the night.   I'm forever grateful not only for her warm hospitality, but  for her expertise in coordinating the entire Asheville trip.   Everything was wonderful, without a single glitch.  Lasting memories were made.   Thank you, Linda!

May 5
We departed shortly after 9:00 a.m. destined for Basically British Tea Room in Dayton, Ohio.   It had been on my bucket list to visit after hearing so many good reviews about it, and I wasn't disappointed.  Our reservations were for 1:00 p.m., and we arrived a few minutes early.


Terry [co-owner], warmly greeted us with his wonderful British accent and seated us at our table inside their charming dining area.

[Photo Courtesy of Basically British Website] 

He went over their extensive Tea List and I chose Amaretto Cream. It was delightful.  Isn't that a beautiful blue English transferware plate?  It's so appropriate for the tea room.


The tea was decanted before being brought to our table and kept warm with tea cozies.


Look at this scrumptious tier tray of scones, savories and desserts.   It was one of the best I've ever had - and I've had many!   Their menu changes every month.


There was a traditional scone and a lavender scone served with jam and real clotted cream.  Both were delicious!  


The savories were a Greek lemon chicken sandwich with sesame seed edges; a Mediterranean orzo salad; a Raspberry/chipotle cheese-topped toast; and an Artichoke/chili-stuffed tomato.  I loved the unique variety.


Desserts were Coconut lemon squares; Baklava bites; and Black Forest minis.  The price of Afternoon Tea at Basically British is $24.95 per person plus tax and gratuity.


I missed my other tea friends gathered 'round the table with Sandy and me, but I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this tea room.   I highly recommend it if you are traveling anywhere near the Dayton area.


Below are the owners, Terry and Vickie.  Unfortunately this tearoom is closing the end of August, 2012.   I'm sure glad we were able to visit the tea room before it closes.


This concludes my May 2012 Tea Travels series. 


4 comments:

  1. Hi Phyllis,

    I have so enjoyed hearing about all of your tea adventures and so glad that you experienced tea at the Biltmore. Ashville certainly has so much to offer for any traveler and the tea experience there is one to remember.

    So happy that you could share it with other tea friends on your journey and also on your blog.

    Mary Jane

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  2. I am so glad you were able to have tea at Basically British on the way home. I loved traveling with you on this trip, in "real life" and through your posts and photos. I am glad I kept encouraging you to blog. As you know, I am a great fan of your writing. It is obvious from this series your thorough research contributes to the quality of your informational and fun posts!

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  3. Tagging along on your trip via your blog has been delightful. Terry and Vicki have a lovely tea room. I am so glad to hear they are renewing their contract! Thank you for sharing your trip. I would love to see some photos of Linda's tea themed guest room. Perhaps she will feature it in her blog one of these days.
    Sips and Smiles,
    Teresa

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  4. What a great variety at this tea room -- I can soooo see why you enjoyed it! And now I'm really sorry I couldn't stay at the B&B one more night, because that raspberry stuffed croissant would have been right up my alley!

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