The Garden Tearoom - Conyngham, PA

Members of the Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association gathered in The Garden Tearoom in Conyngham, PA for their summer seminar. A lovely vegan inspired welcoming reception greeted members as they arrived from all directions. Hostess and tea room owner Marnie D'Amato, along with her family, welcomed us and poured tea as we savored these scrumptious treats, from fresh fruit to raspberry muffin and an eggless 'quiche' and sweet bread, it was a delicious way to start the morning. 

Members of the association hail from eight different states. Today we had members from PA, NJ, MD, and WV represented. This charming tea room, in northern PA, was the perfect gathering place for our summer event. Following an informative program on the five elements of tea presented by Mark Reinhart of Three Pure Rivers, a studio for the arts, we were treated to A "Very Veggie Garden" Tea. The majority of the menu served included garden veggies and lent itself to a vegan afternoon tea rather nicely. 

The menu announced a hint of things to come. Marnie's attention to detail is evident from the very start of the tea. The veggie menu is printed on a backdrop with carrots. The placemat was full of photos of garden veggies, you can see a glimpse of it under the menu with the potatoes and snap peas.

The afternoon tea began with a 5-Element Salad dressed with white wine vinaigrette and served alongside a chilled carrot and orange soup. A very healthy and refreshing way to start the meal, and a subtle nod to the five elements of tea we had just discussed. Once everyone finished the first course, the tiered tray arrived.

The sandwiches included a Carrot Salad Canape, Mango Salsa in a phyllo cup, Garlic Hummus with Cucumber, and Mahammara (roasted red pepper dip). While the scones featured a Tomato Basil scone with red pepper jelly and a Zucchini Cheddar scone with chive butter. 

The dessert medley included a Chocolate Cupcake, Lavender Shortbread, and a Carrot Cake Truffle. Overall, the menu was notably vegan friendly with the exception of the Zucchini Cheddar Scone and the Lavender Shortbread.  

The tea room is quaint and cozy with lots of royal décor and teapots to be found everywhere. Special thanks to Marnie and Neil D'Amato for their gracious hospitality. The Garden Tearoom is open for special themed occasions scheduled throughout the year. At the start of our summer vacation last year, we were fortunate to enjoy an amazing Strawberry Themed tea while 'on the road'. which we posted here. It's another great example of how Marnie enthusiastically embraces a theme!