Tea Reviews: Rhode Island

Cliffside Inn, Newport, RI

Visited: March, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Have you ever done anything truly spontaneous? I, being of the mindset of making plans, plans, and more plans, never am. Well, with the type of winter we experienced in the Northeast, and the state of world affairs, I was looking to get out of Dodge, and fast.
Looking at my calendar and realizing I had a day off work during the week, I decided to research what type of tea I could have in Newport, RI. I had been given a book by my friend Diane, called The Great Tea Rooms of America by Bruce Richardson. In perusing the book I noticed the Cliffside Inn in Newport served tea. Should I call Diane and see if she is game to trek to Newport to an historic inn for tea? Why not? With Winter Specials and a website with pictures of every room more gorgeous than the next, we decided to go.
The tea served every day at 4.30pm was wonderful. It is called The Legendary Newport Tea Service with a winter menu. Served in the Victorian dining room, we began with tea sandwiches of artichokes and shrimp, melted mozzarella with basil pesto and bacon, roasted portabello mushrooms with roasted red bell pepper coulis, and tomato and Welsh rarebit. The quiche of the day was salsa, onion, spinach, and peppers. The traditional scones with currants were served with orange marmalade, raspberry jam, Devon cream, lemon curd, and butter. For sweets there was a lemon tart with mandarin oranges, bars of island coconut and cream cheese, apple pie, and tiny carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. The pièce de resistance was chocolate pecan pie, which seems to be the signature dessert of Newport, as we noticed it on restaurant menus. A plate of homemade cookies was comprised of Beatrice sugar cookies, named after the former owner and artist, peanut butter chip and chocolate, and orange oatmeal cookies. The tea was called Newport Blend, made by our famous Connecticut tea purveyor, John Harney. It was comprised of golden tip Assam, silver and golden Ceylon, and Timi-Sikkim teas. A very excellent blend. It could be purchased in a beautiful tin with a picture of Beatrice and her mother on the front. 
The inn was spectacular, located a half-block from the ocean and Cliff Walk. The innkeeper, Laura, was at your service. We even had our beds turned down at night with offerings of chocolate pecan pie and white chocolates. In the morning, we were offered room service of coffee, tea, and juice before the gourmet breakfast, done in the tradition of the Gilded Age of the Newport mansions. The rooms were Victorian with antiques everywhere and pictures of Beatrice on every wall.
Unfortunately, you must be a guest to attend tea here but it is worth the money to spend a night here and enjoy the refined living of Newport. Win Baker, the owner, has done a tremendous job of restoration of a beautiful house. The staff was outstanding as was the food. Chatting with the other guests at breakfast and at tea added further dimensions to our stay. It was the epitome of an elegant tea surrounded by art work and history.
Reviewer: Carole H. King, Tea Lady Add your review 

One Bellevue Restaurant at The Hotel Viking, Newport, RI

Visited: June, 2009.  Meal: Royal tea. Type of tea: Pyramid teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Average.  Food: Fair. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I'll start out with good. The room we had tea in was absolutely charming. It had lots of architectural interest. Additionally, I came with my toddler and the staff was very accommodating to our party. However, the food was kind of uninspired. The scones reminded me of the scones that dunkin donuts used to sell. I’m fairly certain that they are mass produced scones & I would be shocked if they made them fresh on the premises. The lemon curd tasted a like a sugar paste. The tea sandwiches were okay. The truffles that were served were absolutely flavorless. I’d wager good money that they used “Baker’s Chocolate” to make them. I would expect them to use a better chocolate than a supermarket staple. I think if the restaurant changes their recipes their afternoon tea would be stunning given the setting.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Cherie M 6/09 Add your review  

Visited: May, 2009.  Meal: Royal tea. Type of tea: Pyramid teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Fair. Service: Average.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Not so good this time. Sandwiches were chicken salad with mango and grapes, dry ...the other choice was a chopped cucumber, avacado and ??, not too good at all. The service was ok ... despite the fact that I left a 25% tip, the waited didn't seem very interested or enthused. Very, very disappointing. I will try it one more time.
Would you go back? Maybe. 
Reviewer: Maggie5384 5/09 Add your review  

Visited: February, 2009.  Meal: Royal tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: We (3 friends) stayed at the Hotel Viking for the weekend and had ROYAL TEA on Friday afternoon to celebrate a birthday. The tea was very nicely done, the room was sunny and pleasant with great food and excellent service. We asked for peach bellinis for the Royal part of our tea. At one point we requested a different sandwich as the filling was rather bland. The server was very accomodating and immediately brought us another plate of sandwiches. I highly recommend this place. Public tea rooms are few and far between in Rhode Island and good ones are the exception but this place really stands out. PS The Hotel Viking is a  great place to stay!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Maggie5384 4/09 Add your review  

Visited: January, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Good. Service: Good.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: Tea is served in the rear portion of the restaurant. The offered tea was Mighty Leaf pouches and are delicious. The menu offered Afternoon tea or Royal tea (which I believe included champagne). We were presented with a chest of tea "pouches" from which to select our tea of choice. Next, a tiered tray of finger sandwiches (seafood salad which was described as "delicious" and "fresh" and a most delightful chicken pesto salad sandwich. This sandwich was truly delicious. Also, they served scones which were not terribly flavorful with jam and lemon curd. Also served were chocolates, cookies and a clearly packaged marble cake which was not great, but not at all bad tasting. The server was not knowledgeable about tea, but was pleasant and attentive. The music was a sort of jazzy, hip hop, experimental fusion which was piped in from the bar area. On the whole, an entirely enjoyable tea, and one to which I would definitely go again!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Dulcinea 4/08 Add your review      

Ferns and Flowers Tea House & Gardens, Warwick, RI

Visited: March, 2010.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Have been several times now for the Afternoon Tea and have not been disappointed. The tea, food and service have all been extraordinary. I have been to many tea houses for afternoon tea and this is easily one of the very best. The food is very fresh some warm items and some cold. The dessert portion is quite good as well. If you go, you will not be disappointed. It is very filling. Remember to call at least 24hours in advance to order the afternoon tea. (They do have a regular menu for lunch for those who would rather not have the tea.)
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Susan  4/10  Add your review   

Visited: January, 2007.  Reviewed: May, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Fair.  Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I was disappointed. A bit mundane and overpriced for the $17.50 High [sic] Tea. Scones were to bn served with clotted cream and preserves. There were no preserves offered. "Minature Pastries" is now substitued for "cake". Where were those wonderful tea cakes or Flower and Fern's well known Lemon cake?
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Ruby Red  Add your review   

Visited: November, 2006.  Reviewed: November, 2006.
Meal: Private party. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Good.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Very quaint setting, great tea and fairly good food. I attended a baby shower and thought it was extremely well done.
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby.
Reviewer: A recent guest  Add your review   

Visited: March, 2005.  Reviewed: March, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Poor.  Food: Poor.  Service: Good.  Appearance: Poor.
Comments: I thought by going to a tea house I would have loose tea, Also for the amout of money I would expect homemade food not store bought pastries and sandwiches that are at least a week old. I would think that in all the owner would put more time and thought into doing things. Over all I cannot believe that they call them self a tea house. 
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Not happy with my visit  Add your review   

Visited: October, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Fair.  Food: Fair.  Service: Fair.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: A friend and I waited two weeks for a reservation for high [sic] tea. Unfortunately, I must agree with the majority of reviews. I have taken afternoon tea and high tea in small towns and large cities in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and even at Babbingtons in Rome. Nowhere was tea such a disappointment. Obviously the owners of this tea room have never experienced a proper tea, much less a high [sic] tea. At $17.50, I expected loose, brewed tea, served in heated teapots, not teabags in chipped, unattractive teapots. I also expected to be asked what type of tea I wanted. Instead, we were summarily presented with a teapot of Earl Grey, and since I dislike Earl Grey tea, I had to request another type of tea. The food was pleasant but stingy, and I was disappointed not to see real cucumber sandwiches or the thin roast beef tea sandwiches served everywhere at a traditional high [sic] tea. The atmosphere was haphazard. Some pieces were nice, and some truly did look shabby -- and not shabby chic. In all, I felt it was overpriced. And the upshot was the gift shop, which was very interesting, but the "help" in the shop were disinterested and snooty, more interested in speaking to each other than taking care of customers. I won't be going back. [Note: We remind our readers that afternoon tea is the "snack" meal served before 6pm consisting of light foods, finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and of course tea. It is often served with elegant china, silver, and decorations. High tea is a homey, very *un*fancy full evening meal like supper or dinner, featuring hearty foods, and usually served with ale. - The Guide]
Reviewer: lady in search of a charming cup of tea  Add your review  

Visited: November, 2002
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Good.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I beg to differ with those who had a bad experience at this lovely tea room. It has to be one of Rhode Island's best kept secrets. I am embarrassed to say that I have lived in the same town for four years and didn't know it existed. I was discussing the reviews with a friend of mine who has also had a pleasant visit to Ferns and Flowers. I almost didn't make the effort after reading the negative reviews. Although I had no reservation, I was greeted with warmth and friendliness. I was offered a table after just a short wait. The service was very friendly and professional. The wait staff was dressed as if they were customers in what my mother would classify as "Sunday go to meeting clothes." The table was set in eclectic china, and my apricot ginger tea was served piping hot in a lovely china teapot. The menu selection was varied to appeal to anyone's taste. Prices were reasonable for a Saturday lunch with friends. I ordered a glass of wine and was served a full 8 ounces of a delicious chilled white wine in a crystal stemmed glass. A nine-grain bread was served hot with whipped butter. My lunch of chicken Wellington stuffed with mushrooms and Asagio cheese was delightful. There was a field greens salad on the side with a delicate vinaigrette that was perfect for the mix. I did not want to impose on my host to stay for dessert as they squeezed me in between reservations. However, I was close enough to another table of diners to hear that the lemon torte was supreme. If looks matter, the rest of the desserts were marvelous. The check was delivered in a hollowed out leather bound book which was a classy ending to a much needed break on a busy Saturday. I encourage anyone to give this lovely spot a try. On the way out I made reservations for two weeks to bring a friend. I suggest you make reservations for optimum enjoyment. I have taken tea in some of the finest hotels in England and found Ferns and Flowers to be an equal experience to some. Also, the gift shop is a nice way to spend a few minutes either on the way in or out. I found items to be reasonably priced and there were some unusual things that would make great Xmas gifts. Enjoy this little Rhode Island treasure.
Reviewer: C.J. Baldwin  Add your review  

Visited: June, 2002
Meal: Private party. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I chose this tea room for my sister-in-law's bridal shower. I was very pleased with the services rendered. Ferns and Flowers is a quaint and very charming place to host any party. Everything was perfect!!! The food was delicious especially the crab cakes! I heard wonderful comments from all my guests and my sister-in-law was in awe. She said "It was a wonderful affair" and I felt it was the perfect place to honor her!!! Thank you to the wonderful staff, we enjoyed your beautiful tea room so much that I want everyone to know. 
Reviewer: Debra Tata  Add your review  

Visited: March, 2002
Tea: Poor.  Food: Poor.  Service: Poor.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: Shame, shame on Rhode Island for allowing this tearoom to give this beautiful state a bad name. Shame on the owners for doing a less than admiral job of afternoon tea. I visit many different tearooms and usually have afternoon tea complete with everything and I often review them. I have never seen reviews as poor as these. I hate to see our little state knocked in this fashion but when the shoe fits!!!! 
Reviewer: Faithful Rhode Islander  Add your review  

Visited: September, 2001
Tea: Poor.  Food: Fair.  Service: Poor.  Appearance: Poor.
Comments: My friend and I have enjoyed many tea rooms in Connecticut and this was the first tea room for us to visit in Rhode Island. We try to visit one every five weeks or so. We will not be returning to Ferns and Flowers. Our biggest disappointment was that the tea was made with teabags and not loose tea. The water was lukewarm. The best part of going to a tea room is a hot pot of tea. Lunch was nothing to write home about. The appearance was shabby and seemed to need a good cleaning. The chairs were very uncomfortable, quite lumpy and low to the floor. We would not recommend or visit again.
Reviewer: Fool Me Once Is Enough for Ferns & Flowers  Add your review  

Visited: February, 2002
Tea: Fair.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Poor.  Appearance: Poor.
Comments: We have attended breakfast, lunch, high tea [sic], and dinner at Ferns and Flowers and found its shortcomings to be consistent. At first glance the surroundings are lovely. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this tearoom has been furnished with the dregs of some pretty sad yard sales. We have yet to sit in a chair that wasn't either lumpy or rickety. Cracked and stained tea cups and diner mugs placed on chipped bread plates join grubby flatware and tattered table linens in spoiling the mood. The service has ranged from uncaring to downright surly. A variety of loose teas are sold in the gift shop, yet only Lipton teabags and a pot of lukewarm water are available with your order. As for the food itself, such pricey fare deserves quality service and surroundings. The expensive dinner entrées are the best of what Ferns and Flowers has to offer. If you enjoy paying above-average prices for what can be a condescending dining experience, then this is the place for you. What a shame that the treatment of its customers is not as pretty as its name. Maybe someday the owners of Ferns and Flowers will come to value and respect their customers, and easily corrected problems will be rectified.
Reviewer: Disappointed Diner in RI  Add your review  

Visited: July, 2001
Tea: Poor.  Food: Poor.  Service: Fair.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: If 'High Tea' is anything like the 'special breakfast' served here daily -- run, do not walk to a different tea house. Teas are from a bag. 'Clotted Cream' (which we all know is Devon Cream) is here a self-made concoction of sour cream, light cream, and -- horror of horrors -- confectioners sugar. Inedible. My blueberry scone was delivered to the table piping hot, fresh from ... the microwave. Which had transformed it at the atomic level into a nearly unrecognizable ooze. And the only jam available was Smucker's strawberry. Apparently the idea of a selection of fine preserves was too much to ask from a restaurant that pulled the jam -- literally -- from a dresser stationed in the dining room. My son's Belgian waffle was served dry, sans syrup, [with] canned strawberries and, naturally, spray can whipped cream. What a dreadful and (under the circumstances) pretentious place. Avoid, avoid, avoid. 
Reviewer: Disgusted in Rhode Island  Add your review