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 Many
of us have heard of the health benefits attributed to the flavonoids and
antioxidants obtained by consuming tea on a regular basis. In addition
to its health benefits, sipping a cup of hot tea affords a relaxing
break from a busy schedule.
Unfortunately, it is often just hot water and a tea bag from a cardboard
box that constitutes a "quick break" from the fast pace of our daily
lives. Whenever possible, it is better to partake in the quiet ritual of
actually brewing a pot of tea, either regular or flavored. This
philosophy is followed by the owners of the Magnolia Tea Company,
located in Leesburg's Lake Square Mall.
Yvonne Thomasson-Powers opened her tea shop in October 2004. It is a
combination retail shop and restaurant serving light lunches, scones,
muffins, and a wide variety of teas imported from all over the world. It
is the perfect spot to relax while sampling some of the large varieties
of teas available. For example, you might like to try Sencha Kyoto
Cherry Rose (green tea with sweet cherry and rose), or Peach Apricot.
Some teas may be purchased in the bag form, but the majority are loose
teas to be brewed in a pot the old-fashioned way. One of the more
unusual types of "tea" imported from South Africa is the Rooibus tea
(meaning red bush), which is not actually from a tea plant, but a
different species of plant.
 The
Magnolia Tea Company is beautifully appointed with a Victorian theme.
Silverware, flowers, pictures, mirrors, and old books lead to the
ambiance of a lovely lunch or tea break. There are tapestry cloths and
chair coverings, along with small glass-topped tables that seat a total
of 24 people in the adjoining restaurant. Beautiful floral cups and
saucers, small and large tea pots, doilies, a silver candle warmer to
keep the teapot warm and a tiny sugar bowl offering both natural and
refined sugar from France, all combine with the decor to make a
beautiful presentation. There are a few tables and chairs outside the
main door of the shop/restaurant where tea and scones are served. Its
corner location serves as a draw for mall visitors who need a tea break.
On the day that we visited for lunch, I had a decaf English breakfast
tea and my spouse chose a rich vanilla-flavored black tea to complement
our luncheon. I ordered a Mediterranean Quiche of fresh spinach, red
bell peppers and feta cheese on a bed of greens served with white
zinfandel vinaigrette and a fresh Rosemary scone. My spouse chose a
Four-Cheese Quiche with the same accompaniments. Other selections on
that day included Lapsang Souchong (poached chicken salad croissants),
and California Cobb Salad with garlic vinaigrette. For dessert, we were
served an array of miniature pastries and cakes - five varieties - each
one better than the other.
 These
delicious desserts and the quiches were developed and perfected by Ray
Bozeman, Magnolia Tea Company's self-taught gourmet chef. Ray and Yvonne
have almost 50 years of combined restaurant experience. They plan to
expand their menu to include Lobster Bisque soup, daily specials, such
as a salmon-zucchini quiche, and a pasta dish.
To experience how relaxing a really good, brewed cup of hot tea can be,
along with fresh scones or a light lunch, a visit to the Magnolia Tea
Company is a must when you visit the Lake Square Mall. At present they
are open Tues.- Sat. from 11AM to 3PM, and lunch reservations are
suggested by calling 352-326-0832.
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