Our 51st Spot:

Grove 45

965 Silverado Trail North Calistoga, CA 94515

www.grove45.com

I took way more pictures of the building and signs and beautifully muraled office…but this entrance with the painted cow and view of the mountains was just so much better!

When I am curating my Tours, sometimes I am researching places to go to and sometimes places just fall into my lap. I always say I should take notes on how I find my Spots, just for personal records. Cuz I also have said I am not willing to give away those secrets! (wink) In any event, I couldn’t even tell you how I found myself booking in Calistoga…because, I forgot!! Hahah. But what are the chances, when scheduling this Leg, that there would be Afternoon Tea being offered in the same exact city that our dear friends just moved to!? Super. Duper. Cool. They had just moved last summer. And even tho the wife and I have been keeping in contact every few weeks or so through Phone Dates, we really haven’t seen them since. So what a treat for the Huz + I to meet them for Tea.

[Disclaimer: Since we were catching up with friends, I was more present with them than pouring myself into my work. I took a few shots/took minimal notes, because I wanted to fully enjoy their company.]

An intimate setting, my favorite. I think I counted maybe 7 or 8 tables. Also, this is an Olive Oil Tasting place! Something completely different, another favorite.

Comfortable seating. Tasteful decor. And something new I’ve never seen before… (honestly, I didn’t mean for that to rhyme!)

At this tea service, they allow you to make your own tea blend!! Whaaat!? An interactive Tea?? What a fun idea! I loved this. And as a Gourmet Tea Boutique Owner, I applauded this activity so much and was so excited for our party! I especially adored that one of the bases were Olive Leaves. It had been on my Tea To-Buy list from 2 different brands, but I just never got to it… I was so happy I finally got to try. I have heard there are so many good benefits too. The other base was Black Tea, another excellent choice. Then they had Orange Peel, Chamomile, Mint, and Cinnamon to create your own personal tea blends. There were fillable tea bags at the table (that they replenished if you wanted more), and they came around and refilled our teapot with fresh hot water often. It was so cute seeing our boys (the chefs) create their special tea recipes!

I went with a plain Olive Leaf only tea. It was very fragrant and had a bold flavor that was unexpected. Enjoyed it! I had every intention of making more blends, but I only had this one cup because I was preoccupied with my delicious glass of Sauvignon Blanc! (Thanks again dear friend.) Another new experience I loved. I can’t remember ever having wine with my tea service…? Champagne sure, but wine elevates the entire experience.

Grandmother’s Scones – These are the recipe from one of the sweet girls that works there’s gramma! They came cold and already precut. Something I’m not used to, but devoured just the same! I don’t usually have space to finish my whole scone, but these were the perfect size.

Each of these items were made with one of their extra virgin olive oils and/or balsamic vinegars. I appreciated that it was lightly introduced and not in-your-face. It kept you guessing and wanting more!

Cucumber Sandwich – I love when they make their cucumber sandwich set apart from the rest. When there’s a little something in there that you’re not sure what, but you know it’s good. Nice execution on this one, Grove 45!

Egg Salad Sandwich – For my longtime Readers that knew me as a Green Onion Hater…well, I’ve changed! After having a friend’s incredible potato soup (that had green onions) and exploring the world of Caviar (with chips and [vegan] sour cream and chives/green onions), I have become an official Lover of it. Not just that, but like- can’t get enough!! I know, who am I right? Anyway, their Egg Salad had em and I was the happiest girl! Again, I felt like there may have been a splash of one of their vinegars…cuz the egg mixture was just exquisite. (no, not egguisite)

Curry Chicken Sandwich – I’ve had many curry chicken salad sandwiches touring Tea Spots for the last 10 years. There are ones you love, and ones you don’t love. This one was good! There were crunchy apples in there and juicy grapes, yum.

Winter Harvest Quiche – Don’t let the size of it fool you. This exploded with flavor, quite literally. Like it was so juicy with tender egg and veggies. I think this was a table favorite.

French Onion Crostini – Didn’t even write a note on this one, cuz I ate it so fast. Hehe. If you are a Textures Girl like me, you’ll enjoy this one! So much flavor in it too.

Burnt Orange Caramel Panna Cotta – Okay (whiny face emoji), yall know Panna Cotta is my jam. And how I love a thick one. (crying face emoji) This was the beginning of where I think Grove 45 shines. THIS WAS SO GOOD. A generous amount of caramel, just a hint of that burnt orange. My mouth is watering typing this and remembering it! I would make the drive back there again for this one shot glass of panna cotta, no question.

Chocolate Cherry Balsamic Cookie – They just do their sweets so right!! This little cookie packed such a punch! More please?!

We legit had the absolute best time. The customer service at Grove 45 is outstanding. They took really good care of us and made us feel at home. The food was scrumptious, desserts even better. The attention to detail was not just in appearance, but in flavor. And making your own teas?! So awesome, what a fun experience! My girlfriend and I laughed at the top of our lungs and just thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (as per usual, huh sweets?!). Honestly, I think our husbands had an even better time!? Haha. Made me feel good that everyone was so happy to be there. Our friends said it had been about 30 years since they last went to Tea together, and they remembered how much it delighted them. He says (and I asked permission to quote), “My hopes were pretty high, but this is exceeding my hopes.” Nice job, Grove 45!! They already made plans to come back for olive oil tasting…and Tea again, of course! We spent the rest of the afternoon being shown stunning architecture around town and admiring our friends’ breathtaking property. Thank you Calistoga! We love you!

I hope you all try the tea service at Grove 45. It’s usually every 3rd Sunday of the month, so go and make your reservations!

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