February 25, 2011 – Likes it

I attended a beautiful birthday tea at First Ladies’ Tea Parlor today. The ambiance was soothing and lovely. The service was attentive without being intrusive and the meal was scrumptious. We started with several types of teas to taste. They were served in whimsical and beautiful pots. We nibbled on trays of fresh fruit before moving on to the scones. WONDERFUL and served with Clotted Cream, Lemon Curd, Marmalade and Jams. We were treated to a crisp mixed salad, with a choice of delicious dressings and a cup of soup, again our choice of two offerings The Tomato Basis was great. Tea sandwiches arrived next. Pimento Cheese, Chicken, Ham, Egg and Tuna Salad Tea Sandwiches cut into fanciful shapes. We finished with a choice of three different dessert offerings. The Chocolate Cake was decadent. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon with close friends and luscious food!!! I can’t wait to return.

- Beabea, Urbanspoon

 

Apr 13, 2011

Tasty discovery: Lady Bird, a chicken salad sandwich with cranberries and roasted almonds

Price: $8.99

Location: First Ladies Tea Parlor, 2170 William Styron Square, Newport News. 223-5800.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday

The First Ladies Tea Parlor is exactly what its name implies. Delicate, flowery china and linens embellish the tables, fresh flowers decorate appetizer dishes and tea selections such as strawberry apple are plentiful. And, although the dining room is small, lunching ladies speak softly to avoid interrupting the other guests.

The menu is primarily made up of sandwich and salad selections like the Lady Bird, a delicate dish featuring light ingredients such as chicken salad, cranberries and roasted almonds. Everyone gets a side of fruit and a small mixed green salad. It’s just enough for a lady.

But it is the atmosphere that makes this Port Warwick restaurant worth the trip. The dining area is lavishly decorated with crystal, gold and pastel colors, punctuated by the airy sounds of a tinkling piano over a sound system. The parlor encourages guests to enjoy a leisurely afternoon, and ladies shouldn’t expect their meals to appear with fast food readiness.

During a visit, you might see a group of red hat ladies or a mother and daughter pair dressed in their best. It certainly encouraged me to sit up a bit straighter in my linen covered seat.

- Nicole Paitsel, Daily Press