Tea with The Willow

I stepped back in time this afternoon.

Dressed in a soft black dress, I sat in the foyer of the Silver Fountain Inn, about to sit down to tea. The Downton Abbey theme song played softly in the background, and I was instantly transported to a time and place so different from our current world. As I waited for my best friend to join me, I soaked in the sunlight streaming through the windows and breathed.

Within moments, she arrived decked out in silver and purple and sparkles. If you know her, you’d say she always sparkles, no matter her outfit.

You’d be right.

Let’s call her Willow.

The Llama and The Willow! Oh, that has a nice ring to it!

Now, where was I? Ah, yes, Willow had just arrived. It was a blustery day, so we dared not don hats until we were well inside the charming Victorian tea house. Thanks to my mother, who loves hats, we had a small assortment of fascinators to choose from.

Yes, for all intents and purposes, we dressed up for a tea party. It was as lovely as I’d hoped, too!

Our culinary adventure began with a quick perusal of their tea selection. Trust me, it was only quick because I looked up the menu online a few times first. I had their “Sweet Sin” tea (South African Rooibos with raspberry, rose, vanilla, and cocoa), and Willow had “Mango Strawberry” (South African Rooibos with lemongrass, mango, strawberry, and marigold). On the table was a nifty little timer with three different sets of sand in it. Each vial was for a specific amount of time. Ours was the white vial, so the tea would steep for five minutes.

We also had a pitcher of water with strawberries that we enjoyed with our first course: a tea cup filled with creamy sweet potato soup (sweet potato, ginger, coconut milk, and candied bacon) with a little heart drawn on the top (I think that was yogurt, but don’t quote me). The rest of our “Duchess” level tea (there are three levels, we indulged, don’t judge me!) included a turkey croissant with bacon apple jam and caramelized onions, a strawberry and cream cheese sandwich, a beet and goat cheese napoleon, a raspberry and white chocolate scone accompanied by berry jam and Devonshire cream. The presentation was topped with a petit four, an apricot linzer cookie, strawberry gelato, and a chocolate Madeleine.

That’s one of those delectable delights for each of us!

Are you drooling yet?

Of course, we started with the nice warm scones, fresh from the oven. The Devonshire cream was heavenly! I decided to try the beets next (because the Llama isn’t a beet fan, but I’ll try almost anything twice). As expected, it wasn’t my favorite, so I happily dug into the gelato.

Yes, I had part of the dessert early. I wasn’t about to let it melt!

The food was exceptional, as was the company. The Willow and I have known each other for more years than I dare admit (decades would be more appropriate!). Our friendship is one of those that brings comfort and rest from the craziness of the day-to-day world. We chat about our challenges, share our triumphs, and sometimes just appreciate the quiet as we sip our beverages or nosh on tasty treats.

We are already plotting new adventures to museums and other wonderful places. I promise to share more adventures of The Llama and The Willow.

In the meantime, go call, text, instant message, or visit your best friend. I know you need it, and so do you.

Llivin’ La Vida Llama!

The Silver Fountain Inn is located at:

103 Siver Street

Dover, NH 03820

(603) 750-4200