Stop for a Cup of Tea and More at the Hudson Valley’s Clinton Corners Cafe and Tea Shoppe
It’s easy to get to from the Taconic State Parkway, New York’s most scenic driving experience. Simply take the Salt Point Turpike exit and head east on the turnpike just a few miles. The tea shoppe is located on the left in an old house with a general store type front. The window on the side of the shoppe advertises “British goods sold here,” or something to that effect. When you walk in the cafe, you’ll be entranced by the cozy atmosphere. A couch grouping on the right is a nice place to relax in the morning sun or meet with a small group of friends. Cupboards with tea pots and mismatched china act as decorations. Some are for sale as well. The shoppe also sells Scottish wares, tea towels, and tea, of course.
Open weekends only, Friday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the shoppe serves not only full service tea but a lovely selection of daily specials as well.
For example, on a recent visit, the menu included British favorites: Fish n’ Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash, Ploughman’s lunch and Scotch Pie (a meat pie in a crust pastry served with chips and slaw), all of which were available for $10.95 each. For those looking for lighter fare, the tea shoppe offers a fresh fruit and cheese plate for 10.95. Hungry for a burger? Cheeseburgers are on the menu for $7.95 and are served in a pita pocket with Russian dressing, lettuce, Spanish onion and tomato.
On the kids menu are chicken tenderloins, hot dogs, grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly. All children’s meals are served with fries and apple sauce and cost $5.95.
Breakfast items include a “Full English Breakfast” of two eggs, two rashers of Irish Bacon, beans, a banger and hash brown. All are topped with a fried tomato wedge and sauteed mushrooms for $11.95. The shoppe also offers similar breakfast combinations for $7.95 and $8.95 and Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes for $7.95.
If you can’t live without sweets with your cup of tea, try the “London Fog” a medley of chocolate and vanilla pudding and a fudge brownie, topped with toffee bits for $4.95, English Bread Pudding for $4.95 or Scones, available in raisin, cranberry, cinnamon or chocolate chip. Scones are buttered, laced with strawberry jam and covered with freshly whipped cream for $5.95. Mmmm.
The cafe plans to expand their hours and menu items to include vegetarian offerings, curries and pizza. They also host private parties, children’s birthday and tea parties. For more information or further directions, call them at 845-266-3800.
