Miller & Rhoads and Thalhimers shopping bags displayed on a hutch lend a gentle nod to the past, but Feathernesters Tea Room is not your grandmother's white-glove-and-pearl type of place. Think shabby chic with vintage-style furniture painted all white and pastel vignettes that make the eclectic selection of home-and-garden gifts that much more appealing.
On a recent lunch with a girlfriend, we sampled the tasty quiche du jour (ratatouille), as well as a classic egg-salad sandwich on wheat that was equally delicious. Accompaniments included hearty rice-and-bean stew; their signature rosette-shaped, spiced teacakes served with whipped butter; and a cup of ambrosia. Tracey and I took nostalgic delight in this absurdly successful combo of mandarin oranges, whipped topping and coconut.
In the interest of pure research, we shared a slice of their famous buttermilk pie for dessert — kissed with a dust of cinnamon and served with a dollop of cream. There was the right amount of tang, and the crust was short and flaky.
Afternoon tea, complete with tiered dessert stands filled with finger sandwiches and just-baked scones, is at 3 p.m., but come on the weekend for Belgian waffles or homemade donuts and breakfast casseroles. Owners Marc Goswick and Tony Turner have created a pretty and unpretentious place to enjoy a meal of old-fashioned favorites.
Feathernesters
6118 Lakeside Ave., 262-7305
Prices
Lunch salads and sandwiches $6.95 to $8.95. Breakfast and brunch $5.50 to $10.95.
Hours
Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
