To the tea manor born

SpecialTea Review of Mill Creek Manor

Prepare to have your tea socks knocked off. This place is literally too good to be true. Nestled (and in this case, 'nestled' is le mot juste) in the heart of Big Bear Village this charming house is poised to show visitors the tea time of their lives.

The home was built in 1919 and if my tea-infused memory is correct, it has served the community as a hotel, boarding house, brothel, meat-processing business, a 'rowdy' restaurant, and at last a perfect place for tea. It even boasts its own ghost, Rosie, owner of the previous boarding house who perished as a result of being trapped in a walk-in refrigerator or freezer or something equally chilling.

Everything about our visit to this warm and inviting haven was delightful, even the drive! The directions were clear and easy to follow and we had picture perfect autumn weather.

Once we entered the yellow house we encountered a country French wonderland with every sort of "ooh, I have to have that" bit of merchandise imaginable. Given that we were on a strict schedule, we quickly made our way over to a beautiful hutch that serves as home to about 45 loose leave teas that guests can sniff and savor at will. We finally lighted upon a peach spice and a pumpkin cream, both of which hit the spot. Our table was beautifully set with lace, fine china, linen napkins, silver utensils and all the accoutrement one might need to really dive into the tea experience. We ordered a High Tea which meant successive courses of one treat after another, a piquant tomato cream soup led to a harvest salad and then the imposing tiered tea tray came out, to the applause of those at the table next to us.

Every morsel was better than the next with homemade breads, flavorful fillings and a variety of just right sweets. The food was truly exceptional, thanks to chef/owner Pat Garza who has a flair for creating an atmosphere and meal to please all the senses. Though we ordered tea fare, we polled those around us who had come for lunch. The sandwiches, meatloaf and salads ordered by others met with rave reviews as well.

Additionally, our server, Julie, was as gracious and delightful as can be and we even had a chance to chat with the owner's endearing husband, Art, a retired military man who gave 37 years of service to the Army.

In short, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the magic conjured at Mill Creek Manor. In fact, I am seriously considering making the trek up the mountain on Thanksgiving to join them for their traditional holiday feast. Going to Mill Creek Manor reminded me of why I love going to tea so much... and why I plan to go back there again and again.... looks like I better reconsider that snowboarding pass because Big Bear here I come!