When you think of tea, you might not automatically think of lunch. Jordan Rose Tea Haven in Gilroy offers a new experience with fresh salads and sandwiches in a jewel of a setting.
My sisters and I wanted to treat my mother to an afternoon out. Our curiosity led us to Jordan Rose Tea Haven on the corner of First and Princevalle streets in Gilroy.
The tea house, a converted house, was decorated in an English country style with pastel walls, delicate white fixtures and porcelain floral knickknacks. The entryway, a small gift boutique, was filled with a variety of hand-made jewelry, darling aprons and stationery.
We were politely greeted by the hostess and immediately shown to a corner table. The focal point of the main dining room was an adorable faux fireplace tiled over in a mosaic of broken tea cups, saucers and other china pieces.
Our table was set beautifully with a white lace tablecloth and an eclectic mix of tea settings. The centerpiece was a white porcelain tea pot filled with fresh, bright red roses. Seated behind us, a table full of children were enjoying a real-life tea party. The small rear tea room housed a whimsical mural of a countryside landscape and a table of “ladies who lunch” – with one brave male counterpart.
We were promptly served ice waters with cucumber slices and ginger cookies with lemon curd and presented with the menu. My mother ordered a pot of her standard Earl Grey tea with lemon, and I was excited to try the seasonal strawberry tea with cream. My sister chose the Jordan Rose tea.
We endured a very long wait for our drink order. When our teapots did arrive, they were each elegantly “dressed” in their own floral print tea-cozy, a fabric cover that insulates the teapots. They reminded me of Mrs. Pots from Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast,” dancing in her ruffled apron.
I cooled my hot strawberry tea with a splash of cream, and it went down like a warm and soothing treat with just a hint of strawberry flavor. I tasted my sister’s rose tea and did not care for it. It smelled and tasted like I was drinking my grandmother’s perfume mixed in hot water.
For the lunch portion of my tea experience, I chose the salad and sandwich combination ($8.95). It included your choice of salad and four finger sandwiches. I chose the Apple Pecan Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette. It was a small plate of mixed baby greens with small diced apples, pecans and feta cheese. The thick vinaigrette was served on the side and tasted like pureed raspberries with just a hint of vinegar. The saltiness of the feta cheese off set the sweet dressing perfectly. It was a very enjoyable salad. (If you have a larger appetite, all salads are also available in a dinner-plate size.)
My plate of finger sandwiches was delightfully displayed on a doily and garnished with a fresh and cheerful gerbera daisy. Each type of sandwich, of course, had its crust removed. My favorite was a simple open-topped cucumber with cream cheese and mint sandwich. It tasted cool, creamy and refreshing. The cucumber, although sliced very thin, added the perfect crunch.
My least-favorite sandwich was filled with a green olive spread that was way too salty for my palate. The third sandwich contained a yummy pesto spread, and the fourth was a type of tomato-based spread with artichoke that was also quite good.
My mother chose the Morning Bloom Tea ($8.95), which included her pot of tea, a choice of lemon or blueberry scone, and a beautiful plate of fresh diced apples, miniature grapes and ripe blueberries. Her blueberry scone was warm and heavenly.
My 5-year-old daughter accompanied us and was determined to be one of the ladies. She ordered the Children’s Nursery Tea, which included her choice of tea, a finger sandwich, scone and fruit. She chose a decaf version of the strawberry tea, a blueberry scone, and of course, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the crusts removed. She was in heaven to have her very own pot of tea and all of the other kid-friendly selections.
If you plan on visiting Jordan Rose Tea Haven, I recommend doing so when you can take a long lunch hour. While it was an enjoyable experience, it did take some time. The staff was reserved and polite, but our server did get a bit confused and read back each of our orders incorrectly. She seemed a bit frustrated when we corrected her, but in the end she got it right. I give the petite portions and delightful, relaxing atmosphere two pinkie-fingers up. Cheerio!
Jane Dough was raised in Gilroy and returned after graduating from California  Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She enjoys cooking, caring for her husband and three small children, and dining out every chance she gets. Reach her at sl*******@***oo.com. All reviews for The Dish are anonymous, and all reviewer’s meals are paid for by South Valley Newspapers.
