FOOD: Inspirations Tea Room

Forget the stuffy tea rooms of
the past with an overdose of forced “charm”and one-too-many dusty antiques.
Modern tea rooms, like coffeehouses and wine bars, have evolved into upbeat,
sophisticated gathering spots, attracting a whole new breed of beverage and
food enthusiasts.

Even if you don’t know a good
Oolong from a proper Chai (or even how to spell them), you’ll love discovering
the superb lunch fare that complements these wonderful teas at Inspirations.
But don’t be surprised if that refreshing sip of vanilla iced tea or hot French
Caramel Crème Brulee tea becomes a delicious repeat indulgence, with or without
the lunch.

In name and in mission,
Inspirations strives to celebrate the time-honored tradition of bringing family
and friends together in a relaxed and stylish setting. Opened in 2005 by Larry
and Tamara Rhoads in tribute to Tamara’s kind and cheerful sister April who
passed away in a tragic accident in 1995, Inspirations is dedicated to encouraging
togetherness. One look at the packed parking lot and busy event rooms and
restaurant tells all: mission accomplished.

Graciously tucked in a lush
enclave, the chic venue welcomes you with an irresistible gift shop of candles
and goodies galore. Beautifully appointed dining areas throughout the shop
offer tasty ambiance at every turn. The main dining room is set like a regal
English manor and two private dining rooms are fancifully dressed in fine
linens and china with the detail of a storybook setting. A favorite of many
guests is the glass garden room and patio with a backdrop of greenery that
transports you to a countryside getaway.

The menu is equally grand—far
beyond the dainty snack you might expect at a tea room. Generous portions
featuring fresh, creative ingredients make each entrée a stand-alone showpiece.
The popular chicken salad, roast beef or turkey croissants or the Queen’s
Quiche are accompanied by soup, house salad, scone with lemon curd, dessert and
tea. The soft, biscuit-like scones with lemon curd are absolutely dreamy. And
that’s not even the dessert! You also get to choose one of their divine
desserts like cobbler, coconut cake or chocolate cake. Sweets-lovers know, it
doesn’t get any better than this!

The homemade dressings blended
with Inspirations’ signature Teaoli olive oils and vinegars are another menu
highlight. Exciting flavors like the Teaoli Creamy Garlic or Red Apple Teaoli
Vinaigrette will make that bottled dressing in your fridge forever obsolete.
Not to worry—you can take home the perfectly flavored oils to whip up your own
gourmet concoction.

The masterpiece of this
exceptional destination—the Teaoli collection of fine tea, olive oil and
balsamic vinegars—is the only store of its kind in Oklahoma and an attraction
all its own. Plan extra time to shop the vast assortment of teas and global
selection of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars imported to the shop
and bottled on the spot. Here, and at the Teaoli store at Spring Creek Village
in Edmond, sample all the fruity, spicy and sweet varieties of this healthy
indulgence captivating the world. These intensely flavorful oils are renowned
for their numerous preven-tative and curative properties. What fun, a place
where you can have your cake and eat healthy, too.

Visit Inspirations at 2118 W.
Edmond Rd.in Edmond for lunch Mon.-Fri. 11am-3pm and Sat. 11am-4pm. Call
405-715-2525 for large parties or event rooms and planning. See
inspirationstearoom.com for details.