Fresh into the new year, and not missing a beat after their sold-out Princess Tea, Mountain Oaks Tea Room in Ooltewah is keeping up the pace with its next event geared toward couples celebrating Valentine's Day.
The Ooltewah tea room is offering a special menu for the evening of Feb. 14, when couples can take advantage of quality time together and sample some of the restaurant's favorite dishes to boot.
"This is a no-wait event," said owner Sonya Guffey. "We're not flipping tables once you finish. Your table is just your table for the evening. We won't rush you out."
The menu for the night will consist of garlic Parmesan chicken, which is marinated and then baked in a luscious sauce, a sampling of the tea room's famous brisket, which is always a favorite of the gentlemen, green beans, mashed potatoes and salad. An elegant red velvet trifle served alongside chocolate-covered strawberries will conclude the meal.
"Guests are welcome to bring their own bottle of wine or champagne for the meal as well," Guffey added.
The tea room's scratch-made fare supports all the love and romance of Valentine's ambiance, as does its elegant space and décor. The large space, which is attached to the wedding chapel of the same name, features four dining rooms, each with a different theme, color scheme and china patterns.
There is The Queen's Room, The Gardenview, The French Market and Scarlett's Room, which features floral patterns, hunter green lace, satin-topped tables and a painting of Scarlett O'Hara.
Hummingbird Cake is a popular dessert at Mountain Oaks Tea Room.The large, brick, white-columned building that houses the tea room is 104 years old, further adding to the venue's charm. Over the past century, the site has functioned as the James County courthouse, a library, a health department and a voting precinct.
Cost for the Valentine's Day dinner is $22.95 per person. As this is a reservation-only event, those hoping to savor the romance of this meal are encouraged to call early to secure a spot.
Continuing all its grand traditions and classic flavors for the new year, Mountain Oaks Tea Room features its usual 28 flavors of hot tea and luncheon fare including croissants, scones, soups, salads and sandwiches, and the ever-popular Southern smoked bologna sliders.
Sammies offered during regular business hours make an excellent midday meal, such as The Gentleman, which boasts hearty roast beef, pepper jack cheese and mayo on toasted bread or the jalapeno pimento cheese.
"We're not just fluffy and froufrou," Guffey said. In addition to hearty menu options, there are decadent desserts including chocolate cake, turtle cheesecake and cobblers.
The tea room is an ideal choice for bridal or baby showers, Red Hat parties, corporate events, anniversary or birthday parties.