Gem of a Tea Lounge in Upstate New York
A European café sits in disguise in a small corner of upstate New York. At least that’s what I think when stepping in. It reminds me of a café I visited in Vienna, or was it Paris? In this case the café is Harney & Sons Tea Lounge located just off Main Street in Millerton, New York.
The décor is serene and elegant, with an inviting palette of chocolate brown, blue and mustard. French music fills the air. Feeling warm and welcome, I melt into one of the suede chairs at a petite rectangular table and eye the tea bar. The menu consists of a daily soup, eight sandwiches and two salads. An accompanying pot of tea may be selected from among the 200 or so featured in their glossy catalog.
All items except for the soup are named for a Harney family member and followed by flirtatious notes written in parenthesis. The sandwiches are far from simple at this gem of a tea spot. The “Mike” labeled the “Half-Century Man” is named for Michael Harney, one of the sons in “Harney & Sons”. It is a delicious sandwich of ham, gruyere, Tomato, French mustard and arugula served on a mini baguette. I opt for a slightly grilled version and enjoy a plate accented with oval cucumber slices and a stack of chips. The perfectly portioned mini baguette allows room for the extras, including sugar coated scones served with clotted cream and preserves.
Wanting to give other Harney relatives a chance, I sample additional offerings. “Brigitte”, the “Classic Parisian” is named for Michael Harney’s wife who hails from Paris. It is an elegant baguette of prosciutto topped with French butter. The “Scott” labeled curiously “Here to stay?” is a delicious, well balanced mix of Sopressa salami, goat cheese, sriracha sauce, oil, vinegar, cucumbers and onions. My body feels healthy when enjoying “Rum and Kitch” appropriately labeled “Omega-3” and consisting of smoked salmon, onions, tomatoes, oil, vinegar and capers. The tomato cheddar soup offered this afternoon makes a perfect complement.
The salads at Harney & Sons Tea Lounge deliver in flavor and substance. The “Elyse” is labeled “They always have to be difficult” though I’m not sure why as it is a smooth offering of roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts and fontina cheese atop a generous bed of mesclun greens. The “Zazie” labeled “Tutu” offers a decadent display of smoked salmon, capers, chopped red onions, cherry tomatoes and mesclun.
Pricing is reasonable at just $4 for soup, $6 for sandwiches, $7 for salads and $4 for a pot of tea. The delicious fare is served by courteous and knowledgeable staff that often includes Harney family members.
Harney & Sons Tea Lounge
13 Main Street
Millerton, NY 12546
518-789-2121
Monday – Saturday 10-5 & Sunday 11-4
