SIMPLY
SCRUMPTIOUS
SIMPLY SCRUMPTIOUS
Simply Scrumptious Tea Room, Eureka Springs
My Taste Buds Were In Heaven On Earth
A Magical Experience From Website to Table
Time Stands Still
by sydney m conover
In this modern age road trips begin on the internet in the quiet still of an anxious morning. We hunt and scour pages for the perfect destination like a private detective uncovering clues. Perusing websites, checking them off our necessities list we have ingrained in our mind one by one. Too many adventures, not enough hours. On this perfect May morning I am on a mission.
Then it hits me. The establishment that calls our names on each visit to the town that feels like our second home, Eureka Springs. The elusive restaurant we covet but the timing always ends up being off due to the short hours. I know it will be the perfect choice though I am still compelled to explore their website, simplyscrumptioustearoom.com. Almost as if I want to begin the journey before our tires hit the road and assure this trip we will make it within the hours they are open It will be good as well to refresh ourselves with the menu. Teasing our taste buds in advance. Plenty of tea and quiche, perhaps in a room with a view.
Eagerly I watch as the Simply Scrumptious Tea Room and Emporium page fills my screen. I gleefully squeal as I speak its intro aloud, “Let us pamper you with beautiful surroundings. Excellent service and a Simply Scrumptious Meal!” The Victorian theme tantalizes and hints at an encounter sure to please. A lover of tea, all things vintage, and an appetite kicking up I am already there in my head.
First though, being a storyteller at heart I must revisit the tale of this magical place. There within her words I am transported and time stands still. For all it represents, an “Our Story” or “About” page should capture you and temporarily kidnap your soul. Luring you in until you protest no more. Wrapping its’ arms around and squeezing till you beg to never be let go.
Charleen McCain does just that with her narrative of how this scrumptious tea room came to be. She gives a brief account of how she laboured at jobs that didn’t tickle her fancy or fulfill her ambitions. Shortly thereafter retiring from that singular path of living the life of a pilots’ wife, volunteering, and truly knowing she was blessed. Yet still there was that lingering dream. The tea room and gift shop she envisioned in her twenties. Her desires to create a success of her own.
At the age of 50, full of wisdom, and ready to begin again she took that leap. With a menu of her favourite “simple but delicious” recipes and the support of friends and family she knew she must step from the precipice. Charleen started her new chapter in 2010 and Eureka is all the better for it. For those of us that have a dream we are finally beginning to reach for you cannot help but to love this woman before you even meet her.
In what seemed the blink of an eye, we were ready to head out. We didn’t want to be late as we would need a few turns of the clock to enjoy all this exquisite tea room has to offer. Like kids scampering off on their biggest escapade we were giddy with anticipation. Before Dorothy could even click her heels the yellow brick road to Eureka unfolded in front of our eyes.
As we drew closer, the Gingerbread Antique Mall where the tea room is located looked larger than ever. Much bigger than our last trip to town, when we shopped inside its walls knowing sadly the Simply Scrumptious Tea Room closed just an hour or so earlier. This occasion though, sweet as apple cobbler we had finally made it.
Barely giving the engine a chance to stop I was skipping across the parking lot. My companion just as eagerly making her way beside me. Going through that door as if we would be greeted by royalty our feet practically hovered above the floor. Spending a few minutes taking in all the treasures in the emporium our eyes fell on tea pots, candles, entertaining trinkets, wonderful spoons, you name it. Each item sparkling and beckoning as if they were dainty little candies. No room to dally though, as better things were to come.
We were greeted at the hostess desk by a very jovial lady that appeared as pleased to be there as we were. Standing in awe as we peered into the dinning area we waited as she checked for available seating. After asking if we would mind sitting at an eight top with two off duty Eureka Springs waiters she guided us through the doorway.
As we entered into the dining room we were instantly consumed with the splendor of a quaint victorian cottage nestled in a valley of trees. The tables were decorated with beautiful cloth linens including placemats adorned with butterflies. Crystal chandeliers hung like glistening raindrops above tall ornate candle stick holders. Right down to the wooden high-back chairs with their carved designs the attention to detail was magnificent. Even the menus themselves held fast to the victorian theme. Peering through the brightly lit windows it was easy to drift momentarily off to some european castle on a cliff overlooking a lush valley.
The sound of silver on porcelain instantly brought me back to the excitement at hand. After discussing all of the mouthwatering options we both ordered the Quiche Sampler which included soup and salad. I must say the spinach, red onion, garlic, and swiss cheese quiche was phenomenal right down to the last taste - best I’ve ever had. It was apparent the quiche was made that morning as it was light, moist, and airy. There was a richness in the eggs that no other could compare. It was obvious from the first bite the chef was spoiling me and my taste buds would be forever loyal.
The spinach, onions, and garlic stood out individually yet melded perfectly well. No bitterness or one ingredient overbearing. Swiss cheese was the compliment and liaison. It wove its way through the recipe with a passion and purpose that made the dish a reminder cooking is an artful form. Every bite was distinct and with an abundance of flavour.
For my soup selection I chose the asparagus and chicken chowder. Creamy, alive with the succulent spring taste of asparagus and tender perfectly seasoned chicken. I sent back the tea cup the soup was served in bone dry. The meal pairing offered a salad as well and I decided on the homemade raspberry vinaigrette. With its natural delicate sugars, hint of tartness, and full of the very berry it is named for I left behind no trace of the dressing that hugged my greens.
Given my love of tea I marveled at the options set before me. I experimented by brewing Lemon Ginger with Cinnamon Stick. Superb. I cannot think of a better combination with an air that delightfully fills my senses and is exquisitely gratifying on the tongue. Personally I have no lack of understanding as to why the British revel in the event of tea. On any given day it is nothing for me to sip on several cuppas throughout the hours with snacks and meals. In my opinion a good cuppa tea is an art. Just the right amount of steeping and often the perfect combination of lemon and honey.
After savouring every last morsel, every last sip we agreed on dessert. We split the Mandarin Orange cake with a dollop of whip cream. I could tell by the smile on her lips that my companion was fully enjoying the dessert. For me it’s the main course that garners my attention and insatiable cultural pursuits. At that point I was already craving future opportunities I’d be graced to imbibe such spectacular fare at the tea room.
With our stomachs content we were discussing this most delightful journey and planning our return. It was then that the engaging and pleasant lady from the hostess desk made her way to our table again. As she was preparing to seat another set of patrons in the empty chairs where we sat, we decided to ask a few questions. Considering I had previously asked our waitress if all the menu items were homemade, to which she responded “yes” with the exception of the whip cream, I left that question out. Instead, in our curiosity we prodded for answers. “What puts the quiche over the top? Are you the owner? Why the short hours?”
This fine woman exuded pride and total confidence as she responded to each query with a little extra measure thrown in. It was easy to see the story told on their website neatly sums it up as to how we are fortunate enough to have this jewel in the midst of Eureka Springs. But what it doesn’t share is that the staff arrive daily in the wee hours of the morning to begin their labour of love. Meticulously preparing all dishes right down to the dressings. The arrival of the first guests marking their day half over.
On the website it states “prepared fresh daily” which in this day and age can mean any litany of things from fresh processed foods to packages opened and mixed. But not here at the tea room which is beyond scrumptious. “Fresh” purely means made from scratch over many hours. She beams as she assuredly let’s us know that this is the reason for the short serving hours.
Continuing with her bright smile she shares the special ingredient in her quiche. Yes, she is the owner and chef. Yes, I’m keeping her special ingredient a secret. I let her know her recipe alternative is priceless and far surpasses the yogurt I use frequently in my eggs. Her eyes light up and we know this is no ordinary woman plating a bare meal. This is a lady with refined tastes that is living her dream.
As we leave we tell Mrs. McCain our taste buds were in heaven on earth. Though somehow this compliment doesn’t seem truly fitting. What will convey our full glory in experiencing this tea room will be the smiles we carry on our next walk through her door.
You will definitely want to make the Simply Scrumptious Tea Room and Emporium a favourite on your GPS. As passing it up when you are in Eureka Springs, would be a food crime.
Charleen and her divine crew can be found at 185A East Van Buren. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday 11am - 2pm. Be sure to keep an eye on the clock as you will not want to miss this heavenly establishment.
Business spotlight in Eureka Springs, Arkansas ... Update: unfortunately the tea room is no longer open.