Victorian Grace, a tearoom on Parsons Avenue, pours on the charm with frilly curtains, dainty china and antiques.
By MEAGHAN FORBES
Published October 15, 2004
Looking for a great escape where friends can enjoy one another's company, undisturbed, over a pot of hot tea?
Four Kenly Elementary teachers have found a quaint spot. On a recent Tuesday, the friends gathered at Victorian Grace, Brandon's lone tearoom.
Over cranberry orange scones and dainty cups filled with cranberry autumn tea, the four exchanged opinions on current events and discussed a friend's wedding. They relished the relaxed ambience and Victorian setting, characterized by frilly curtains, Queen Anne-style chairs, dim lights and the sound of two finches chirping nearby.
The tearoom is an unusual escape from their usual hectic schedules, according to the group.
When they think of tea, most Floridians imagine a tall glass filled with lots of ice. But some Floridians are enjoying tea British style - hot varieties with lemon, cream and delicious finger foods - served in fine china.
Sisters Lisa Ferrell and Grace Cox own Victorian Grace. They opened the tearoom last year in a house on Parsons Avenue that was formerly an antique shop.
"We realized there was a need for a tearoom in Brandon and so we decided to open one," Ferrell said.
Instead of ridding the place of the old antiques, they decided to keep and sell the aged items to give the tearoom a Victorian feel. Independent vendors provide the antiques, which include furniture, china, flatware and, of course, teacups from the 1920s and 30s.
Besides teachers, guests of the tearoom include stay-at-home moms, retirees, brides-to-be and members of women's groups - mostly hailing from the Brandon area. Not only do they visit individually, but they host parties and bring all their friends.
Sipping tea among friends seems to be a relaxing time.
"Tea is an event, a social gathering," Ferrell said.
Mary Dupuis of Brandon agreed.
"It's a wonderful bonding experience," she said.
On any given day, guests are greeted by a blackboard that lists the tea and scone of the day. The tea of the day is usually a blend that complements the chosen scone, which varies. Choices include strawberry, mixed berries, pumpkin, golden raisin with cinnamon chips, cranberry orange, and chocolate chip.
Guests are seated in the dining room, then served four sandwiches, one freshly made scone with Devonshire cream, three desserts and unlimited tea of choice. The cost per person is $12.95.
The tearoom also boasts a gift shop and a boutique room full of colorful hats, jewelry, cigar purses and shoes perfect for personal use or gift-giving.
"The food and atmosphere is wonderful," said 72-year-old Frances Zaleski, who frequents Victorian Grace.
"It's a little bit of luxury in our day," added Juanita Reynolds, 78, of Brandon, who's also a regular guest.
The tea served is made by Harney & Sons, a company in Connecticut. Selections include more than 30 varieties of black, herbal, green and white tea, with special blends being served at Christmas, Valentine's and Mother's Day.
Soups and salads, though not a regular part of the menu, are available daily by request and a limited lunch menu is offered between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Normal operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with tea sittings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The sisters make everything fresh daily and provide takeout catering.
"We've had a positive response so far," said Cox of the year they've been in business. "People are glad we brought something to the community that was lacking."
