Podunk

11/05/09

Pure Contentment in New York City

by AlwynPhipps at Citysearch

The first time I went into Podunk, six years ago or so, a magnificently self-possessed pug was parked outside, waiting patiently for his tea-drinking owner, I guess, and just inside the door a cadre of young women were cooing over an kicking, smiling infant, held aloft by one of them for all to admire. It was hard not to be smitten at once. A savory scent was in the air, and the sound of cups clinking and silverware tapping and conversation filled the place, which is larger on the inside than it appears on the outside.

I met a friend there, who also took note of the pug outside, and who was similarly pleased by the general atmosphere; actually, it was a very specific atmosphere, and my friend commented that being there was "like being in a room from childhood that you can't quite remember but know you loved." I didn't grow up in a house where there was a lot of baking going on, but I understood the sentiment and felt at home immediately.

We went to the counter and saw the source of the savory scent--a wire rack had a line of tarts on it, and I picked a red-wine carmelized onion one that was covered in cheese. We each picked out a pot of tea from the list, and were handed trays which included my friend's choice of scones (she's a snob about them, having spent time in Ireland and Wales) and jam with cream. The scones were hot and so I had asked for butter, which turned out to be lemony and sweet. We sat back down and began to talk, while all around us other people came and went, sometimes with huge trays of tea sandwiches and little tarts, and sometimes with a pot of tea, milk and sugar. We both remember exclaiming a lot and sharing bites, but what I really remember was how transported I felt.

Podunk is not in my neighborhood, so I don't get there often, but that day, that first visit, is the one I tell friends about whenever they want a recommendation for a tea place. It was like a daydream, where every detail is just what you hoped, and where the pleasantries of tea are not something abstract or from a novel, but right there in front of you. A friend, a little bite of something delicious and real, and transcendent conversation facilitated by said friend and food. I'm writing this now instead of six years ago because I saw some other reviews online and wanted to add my two cents. It's a decent little place, and I love it.

• Pros: Great tea and food, good atmosphere

07/18/09

Save Your Time & Money

by Bromography at Citysearch

The decor aims for homey and/or kitchsy but is more reminiscent of a garage sale. It boasts uncomfortable mismatched benches, minuscule tables, myriad dust collectors and hanging ice skates angled to stab diners. (The bruise on my right shoulder is a testament.)

The lack of a restroom may explain why a teapot is only filled with 1.5 cups of water. But there was no apparent explanation for the dry mediocre pastries and slightly stale tea. The menu's pricing and descriptions would seem to indicate more significant portions than the microscopic servings we actually received. Although the flustered woman behind the counter was quite pleasant, she was horribly insufficient to the task at hand, as evidenced by the long wait for some tea and three cold pastries. After spending $68, we had to run to another restaurant to seek satisfaction.

• Pros: Teahouse concept
• Cons: Decor, food quality and value.

06/26/09

Great Bridal Shower and Iced Tea, too

by KatieGreat at Citysearch

After a month of awful parties for all my marrying friends I revisited this place and found nothing has changed: Perfect baby cupcakes, wonderful "small plates" of fresh seasonal food (berries in the scones, veggies with a curried dipping sauce for those of us going gluten free), gorgeous cakes (I lapsed, it was worth it), and amazing selections of teas, hot and cold (in tall pitchers with fruit). My very picky foodie friends (including the bride-to-be) pronounced the scones superb and the cream (not clotted, and not supposed to be) delicious.

I think everyone has said everything about this place. I still have fond memories of the bridal shower tea there, and was really impressed by how this tiny tea room handled 35 people without a hostess, wait staff, or sous chef in sight. It couldn't have been more welcoming, and the owner was lovely. We tried to leave a tip with the bill (which broke down, I think, to about $24 per person) but she wouldn't hear of it. It's now my monthly go-to for relaxation and just-baked goodies, as well as the occasional full-on tea splurge. As I said before, loved it.

• Pros: Small endearing tea room with good food
• Cons: Lots of quirkiness to embrace, if you can