Punta Gorda's Taste of Britain -- Encore Tea Room

After water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. The tea habit came to Britain with the marriage of the Portuguese Catherine to Charles II in the 17th century. Tea was the most successful trading product of the East India company and is said to have ultimately led to the "Opium Wars." The tea trade contributed to Britain's world dominance in the 18th century and to this day is viewed as part of what it is to be "British." Both ironically and fittingly, it was the dumping of tea in a harbor that was the symbolic break of the American colonies with England.

Tea rooms or salons are special places associated with the consumption of endless cups of tea in beautiful chinaware poured from elegant pots. London and other parts of Britain are dotted with these quirky little places where you can wallow away hours sipping the warm beverage and nibbling on petit sandwiches and delectable sweets. Over the years similar Victorian era tea rooms have cropped up throughout the US. Before Hurricane Charley, a tea room graced the shores of the Peace River in Charlotte Harbor. And more recently this pleasant tradition has found its way to downtown Punta Gorda.

The Encore Tea Room, soon to be relabeled Penny Lane Tea Room, is a charming little diversion on the East Side of Marion off Nesbit. Serving lunch and afternoon tea, The Encore is an elegant escape to a peaceful place pleasantly decorated in soothing brown and cream tones with tables adorned charmingly with mismatched china settings. Banquet seating and decorative mirrors make the smaller space feel much larger. The ongoing sound of water flowing from the fountain that also acts as an entry way separator adds to the quiet charm.

Pauline Nicholson and son, Daniel, are the real thing --- hailing from Manchester, England, they work jointly to deliver a delectable assortment of luncheon sandwiches, and British-style pastries and sweets that immediately brought me back to my favorite cafe in Marylebone. On the day we lunched, I enjoyed a marvelous Caesar Salad adorned with crunchy croutons and tuna salad. My companion tried a chicken salad sandwich accompanied by creamy English-style cole slaw. England. We also nibbled on a selection of delicious desserts -- ginger cake, chocolate mousse tart, a lemony tart and wonderful cookie with nuts. And, of course, we consumed pots of tea out of delicate cups.

Pauline is planning to expand the luncheon menu and eventually offer breakfast. But for the time being, go and enjoy scones and cream and/or tea sandwiches during for afternoon tea or have an escape for lunch at this Punta Gorda gem.

If you go:

Lunch selections include: Assorted sandwiches and wraps, quiches, and salads. Desserts are all homemade and include scones with Devonshire cream and preserves, assorted cakes all freshly baked.

Gourmet tea menu includes a Lady Tea with scones and Devonshire cream, preserves and bottomless pot of tea, The Empress Tea with salad, finger sandwiches, slice of quiche and bottomless pot of tea, the Royal Tea with a tiered tray of assorted gourmet finger sandwiches, baked delicacies, pastries, scones, and tea.

Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also an ideal place to hold bridal or baby showers, engagement parties, anniversary parties, club meetings.......