Food & Drink | day date •
By Angie and Jeff DiMeo
A Winter Day Date in Wickford Instagram foodies dish on the perfect afternoon tea in this historic North Kingstown village Whether you’re stealing away for a long lunch with your sweetie or grabbing a coffee to spend the morning antiquing around the harbor, Wickford is a dream for the underrated day-date. In the summer, there’s ice cream aplenty, but for a chilly winter adventure? Afternoon tea at Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage sounded like the perfect retreat to us. Nestled behind the Wickford Gourmet
Kitchen Outlet, a welcoming sign and mint green door invite you to cozy up for tea and treats. The owner, Lindsey Andrews, greeted us as we arrived and took in the ambiance. We immediately felt transported – it’s like stepping back in time and finding yourself in a tiny nook with exposed beams, rustic chic decor, and dainty yet eclectic teacups. Laughter, chatter, and relaxing tunes permeated the 22-seat room
during the peak of afternoon tea service. Included in a reservation is bottomless English Breakfast tea (I took mine with a sugar cube and cream) and a three-tiered tray of almost-too-cute-to-eat bites. Sweet and savory options are plated perfectly, and each person gets to try one of everything. Along with a cuppa, Andrews offers Gooseneck Vineyards wine and cocktail pairings to complement the menu, all with a tea-flavored twist.
CUISINE: Italian with steaks, seafood and hand-crafted desserts PRICES: Appetizers: $3.50$18; Entrees: $10-$32; Desserts: $7-$24 ATMOSPHERE: Upscale-casual
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SORhodeIsland.com • March 2022
Photos by Jeff DiMeo
Bottomless tea is a staple of Sweet Marie’s
