First Look: Lisa’s Tea Treasures returns in all of its Victorian-era glory
Earl Grey, scones and cucumber sandwiches in a new Campbell location
Rarely do closed restaurants make a comeback, even if their owners promise to try. Dale Ann Johnson’s success story is a welcome exception. Two years after her tea room ended its 20-year run in Campbell, she is back with an even more spacious Lisa’s Tea Treasures just across town. And more good news: Your favorite servers from the old location have returned.
Cue the fanfare trumpets!
THE VIBE: Ahhhhhhhh. That’s the sound of customers stepping inside and leaving Silicon Valley behind. Johnson has again created a lacy Victorian-style oasis, with seating for 49 in three beautifully appointed and wallpapered rooms. Fans of the proper afternoon tea experience won’t find a single modern/minimalist note in the place — and that’s as it should be.
Your reservation will be for a luxurious two-hour time slot, though you are certainly welcome to nibble your tea sandwiches more quickly if you’re feeling particularly peckish. And tables for walk-ins may be available, especially on weekday afternoons.
THE MENU: The most popular afternoon tea selections ($33.95) have returned, and they’re plated with a rose or other bloom on fine china. My Lady’s Respite comes with six tea sandwiches (among them Chicken Tarragon, Egg Salad Supreme and Sundried Tomato), a scone with Devonshire cream and jam, a rich dessert from the pastry tray and a pot of tea tucked into a floral tea cozy to keep it warm. The Duchess’ Delight adds a quiche of the day to sandwiches, scone, dessert and tea. Francophiles can order Louis XIV’s Favorite, with a mini Chicken Wellington and freshly baked croissant.
All selections now include a heart-shaped cucumber sandwich because, as Johnson says, “You can’t have tea and not have a cucumber sandwich.”
Joining the long list of 20-plus full-leaf, flavored and decaf teas — ranging from the traditional English Breakfast and Darjeeling to Spiced Victorian Plum and Butter Truffle — are three new teas in the white, green and oolong category.
You can also order a lighter meal ($19.95-$24.95) or from the a la carte menu. Gluten-free tea service is available too. For children, there’s the Court Jester’s Surprise ($21.95) with kid-friendly savories like PB&J, pigs in a blanket and macaroni and cheese, plus a mini-scone and choice of beverage (milk, juice, cocoa, lemonade or tea).
DON’T MISS: You can hardly miss the scones because they come with virtually every plate. These are warm, buttery, with the toasted edges we adore. Flavors change based on the baker’s whim; the afternoon we had tea they were a divine apricot-almond.
GOOD TO KNOW: If you love the lemon curd, the preserves, the Lisa’s tea blends, you can buy them in the gift shop, along with tea pots and cups, lotions, jewelry and other goodies.
PERFECT FOR … Besides the obvious (girls’ afternoon out; post-shopping sips; bridal showers; birthday parties) we can envision making a date for tea here after watching the upcoming “Downton Abbey” movie this fall. (Will Lady Edith ever find happiness? This must be discussed over cups of Earl Grey.)
The Christmas season is always the busiest at Lisa’s Tea Treasures, so consider making reservations now for November and December, as prime dates are already filling up.
THE DETAILS: Seatings start at 11 a.m. six days a week (closed Tuesday). Check website for options. Gift shop open until 5:30 p.m. weekdays, 6 p.m. Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. For reservations, call 408-371-7377. The tearoom is at 2305 S. Winchester Blvd., Campbell, with both street parking and parking lot in the rear. www.lisastea.com