Tea for Two or More in The Plains

Tea for Two or More in The Plains

By Anita L. Sherman

“Tea is my very favorite thing to do,” said author, former therapist and now business entrepreneur Marianne Clyde as she smiled surveying her surroundings. Vintage prints adorn the walls. There are China settings for sale as well as a cabinet containing custom made jewelry. Artfully crafted notecards catch your eye. She knows she’s arrived somewhere special.

Writer Anita Sherman visits the Crest Hill Antiques and Tea Room in The Plains

Settling into a dollhouse ambiance, the main attraction is the menu with its specially blended teas, tasty and delicate sandwiches and delectable scones and desserts.

Crest Hill Antiques and Tea Room has been located on Main Street in the Plains since 2018. Creatively charming, it’s reminiscent of many village tea houses sprinkled throughout the English countryside. And that’s by design.

“I’m trying to create a comfortable and cozy place, without pretension, where you can come, relax, and connect,” said proprietress Salvatrice (Sally) DeLuca who has called Fauquier County home since 1995. She relishes the county’s landscape and the sense of peace and calm she experiences living here.

DeLuca also knows about high teas with white linen tablecloths and tuxedoed waiters.

“I’ve certainly been to those and they are fine but that is not what we are doing here.” Her setting is less intimidating and more informal, an ambiance recipe that works well and complements the town’s character.

DeLuca has happily reinvented her business during the last 14 years.

“Originally, the tea room was an afterthought,” she said. “I was an antiques dealer, in a different building, with three rooms of antiques…but, as a service to our customers, we started offering cups of tea and cookies…then added small sandwiches.”

When the recession hit in 2008, she admitted the antique business “tanked.” But the tea room thrived.

“I’m very grateful,” DeLuca said of her customers and for the town’s support.

Her gaily decorated tables can be arranged to accommodate a variety of settings from those stopping for tea to bridal showers. She can seat 30.

DeLuca aspires to have something for everyone on her menu, gladly accommodating gluten-free requests.

“We have perfected the menu over the years,” she said of the two dozen teas offered. For over 10 years, her “go-to” tea source is a family-owned, local blender in Fauquier, Tea for All Reasons.

DeLuca often introduces a unique blend during the holidays or other special times of the year.

“Our White Chai was originally called White Christmas but we offer it now all year long because of its popularity,” said DeLuca, who, prior to Covid, allowed customers smell various teas from small jars brought to the tables.

“I like to educate people about these loose teas…it’s a fun experience and we hope to bring that back.”

During 2020, though “not the tea way,” DeLuca moved to a carryout service offering curbside pick-up. “We put up a sign that read “teapot on wheels,” she said.

Throughout the year, Crest Hill offers a variety of events, from sweetheart themed teas throughout February where customers will receive a long-stemmed rose, Mother’s Day, All Halloween’s Eve with ghoulishly named and creatureshaped treats.

An added bonus these days is DeLuca’s new recipe book, A Soothing Spot of Tea. Yes, her scone recipe is in there. It’s the perfect memento when you stop by for tea. Writer Anita Sherman visits the Crest Hill Antiques and Tea Room in The Plains

Crest Hill Antiques & Tea Room, 6488 Main Street, The Plains. 540-253-5790, Crest-Hill@ hotmail.com, CrestHillAntiques.com. Open Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.