Charlotte's Tea Room celebrates anniversary

WARWICK - It’s probably never too late to hold an official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. On Thursday, March 4, Charlotte’s Tea Room celebrated the first anniversary of moving from its original location at 9 Main St. to the beautiful Victorian style building it now occupies at 15 Oakland Ave. in Warwick’s historic downtown district. However, owner Joanne Graney explained that the actual opening, a year ago to the day, was a hectic event. “As required, we had previously been visited and thoroughly inspected by the Board of Health without any problem,” said Graney. “But what we learned at the last minute was that one more official visit was required before we could open on our advertised and well planned date.” There were only a few days to spare so Graney scrambled and cajoled officials at the agency to quickly set up an appointment so that she could open on time. “I didn’t know if we could open,” she said, “but on the scheduled day the inspector arrived and gave us our final approval. And just as she was leaving by the back door we were opening the front door to let in the line up of our welcoming customers.” In its first year on Oakland Avenue, the new Charlotte’s Tea Room has been a huge success. Graney employed her skills as a former theatrical set designer to create three unique rooms, each with its own theme. And when weather permits, there is also outdoor seating on the front porch. Patrons can choose a table in the Library, Blue Willow or Garden room. While enjoying the ambiance they can then select teas and specialties including gourmet sandwiches, signature soups and scones of the day. And all baking is done on premises. “I researched recipes from England and Ireland including those from my grandmother’s kitchen,” said Graney. “And we have a reasonably priced four-course luncheon menu.” ‘Reader’s Choice’ winner The restaurant, a past winner of Hudson Valley Magazine’s “Best of the Best” and the Tea House Times’ “Reader’s Choice Award,” also welcomes groups for specialty tea parties, baby showers and the like. Off premises catering is also available. Charlotte’s Tea Room, popular among tea lovers and featured on Web sites, has become a destination. For the past three years patrons have voted it number one out of 147 tearoom in New York State. “This was a successful move. We have many repeat customers throughout the Metropolitan area and Long Island and even a few who live on the West Coast or Europe,” said Graney. “and the beauty of that is they usually spend the day here and visit other shops. We’re at the gateway of the village.” Presentation is important at Charlotte’s Tea Room and every serving is designed to be pleasing to the eye. Each room, for example, has its own dishes to compliment the decor. “We moved here a year ago,” said Graney, “and we’re still making friends one cup at a time.” Charlotte’s Tea Room is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Private parties, bridal and baby showers can also be arranged at other times. There is ample parking in the rear of the building. For additional information call 988-9499.

We moved here a year ago, and we’re still making friends one cup at a time.” Joanne Graney, owner of Charlotte’s Tea Room, on her move a year ago from 9 Main St. to 15 Oakland Ave. in the Village of Warwick