Pumpkin is synonymous with fall. And naturally, Mountain Oaks Tea Room is updating its menu to reflect the flavor of the season.
Specializing in afternoon eats and hot tea, the fun and flowery Ooltewah eatery now features creamy pumpkin soup and sweet "pumpkin delight," a cake-like confection filled with cream cheese and topped with caramel. Among Mountain Oaks' 28 hot tea options, there is now pumpkin spice tea.
"People really go wild for pumpkin once it cools down," said owner Sonya Guffey. "To me, our orange cinnamon tea feels even more fall-y than pumpkin. It's warm, it's comforting. But people love that tea year-round."
In addition to pumpkin, Mountain Oaks' seasonal menu showcases another favorite autumnal flavor: apple.
The tea room's "autumn apple salad" is made with mixed greens, chopped apples, cranberries, pecans and feta cheese and served with apple vinaigrette dressing. Throughout the season, the menu will also offer roasted sweet potato black bean chili, as well as brisket for a few days each week.
"We smoke it for six hours, so once its out, it's out - until we can smoke some more," said Sonya.
All of Mountain Oaks' seasonal specials will be available through Thanksgiving. Why not indulge in fall's favorite flavor? After all, pumpkin season is here but once a year.
Address: 9508 Church St., Ooltewah
Phone: 423-238-9333
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; Saturday hours vary depending on private parties; closed Sunday-Monday