Food
"A Hint of European Charm" by Judith A. Sperry
NovelTea Neighborhood Bistro
6045 Goodrich Road Clarence Center, NY 14032 716.741.1311
It is noon at NovelTea Neighborhood Bistro in Clarence Center, New York. The petite premise is occupied with “ladies who lunch” and debonair gentleman who court them. Sunlight filters through the bucolic windowpanes accentuating the jovial atmosphere. Tables lined with lemon chiffon-colored cloths feature teacup centerpieces boasting yellow daffodils.
Amid the clank of china and ceaseless chatter emanating from the dining room, two chefs concentrate on assembling decadent sandwiches in a cramped yet cozy kitchen. Simmering bowls of butternut squash bisque reside adjacent to lightly dressed mixed field greens sporting sweet cherry tomatoes, black olives, and tangy chunks of Greek feta.
Martini glasses exhibit yogurt parfaits embellished with tart ripe berries and crisp granola. Tiers of cranberry scones beckon to be devoured with Devonshire cream and sweet preserves. Fragrant tisanes steep in pastel-colored teapots while wild raspberry scones bake in the oven. Bouquets of orange blossom and honey drift through the air conjuring images of pastoral picnics in the English countryside.
Contrary to modern day restaurants, which rapidly rotate tables and hasten customers through meals, NovelTea’s patrons linger over lunch, tea & scones in the manner of European expatriates. Customers are encouraged to peruse the morning paper or delve into a work of literature while they take their tea or dine on beautifully tailored sandwiches garnished with brisk salads & fresh fruit.
NovelTea’s menu concept is especially appealing to customers seeking nutritional alternatives to mundane work week lunches. The majority of recipes convey timeless charm, unanimous appeal, and gastronomic sensibility. Seasonal produce, game, and whole grains are derived from local markets and purveyors.
Lunchtime fare ranges from roasted turkey adorned with grilled asparagus & sautéed red peppers on health nut bread to tender roast beef sandwiches accentuated with sharp white cheddar and tangy horseradish cream. NovelTea’s signature shrimp salad & egg sandwich served on country wheat bread constitutes a refreshing alternative to tuna or chicken salad. Composed of poached shrimp blended with red pepper aioli, slivers of hardboiled eggs, and baby spinach it is the perfect accomplice to a Novel-tea-ni: brisk iced tea infused with lemonade, orange or cranberry juice.
A stunning illustration of the chefs’ culinary artistry is the hummus plate accompanied by grilled zucchini, asparagus, roasted red peppers, and warm pita bread seasoned with herbs & spices. The hummus’ rich texture adheres to the meaty vegetables, making it ideal for dipping. The warm pita comforts the palate and compliments the chickpea, sea salt, lemon juice, and tahini paste medley.
Reservations are highly recommended for lunch, which is served between the hours of 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Tuesday-Saturday). Beginning in May ‘07, NovelTea will be open for breakfast at 8 a.m. Bistro-style dinners will be served between the hours of 6 p.m.-10 p.m. (Thursday, Friday & Saturday). Boxed lunches are available for take-out, which feature select sandwiches, fruit, salad, tea, bottled water, and NovelTea's signature oatmeal chocolate chip butterscotch cookies.
Amid the clank of china and ceaseless chatter emanating from the dining room, two chefs concentrate on assembling decadent sandwiches in a cramped yet cozy kitchen. Simmering bowls of butternut squash bisque reside adjacent to lightly dressed mixed field greens sporting sweet cherry tomatoes, black olives, and tangy chunks of Greek feta.
Martini glasses exhibit yogurt parfaits embellished with tart ripe berries and crisp granola. Tiers of cranberry scones beckon to be devoured with Devonshire cream and sweet preserves. Fragrant tisanes steep in pastel-colored teapots while wild raspberry scones bake in the oven. Bouquets of orange blossom and honey drift through the air conjuring images of pastoral picnics in the English countryside.
Contrary to modern day restaurants, which rapidly rotate tables and hasten customers through meals, NovelTea’s patrons linger over lunch, tea & scones in the manner of European expatriates. Customers are encouraged to peruse the morning paper or delve into a work of literature while they take their tea or dine on beautifully tailored sandwiches garnished with brisk salads & fresh fruit.
NovelTea’s menu concept is especially appealing to customers seeking nutritional alternatives to mundane work week lunches. The majority of recipes convey timeless charm, unanimous appeal, and gastronomic sensibility. Seasonal produce, game, and whole grains are derived from local markets and purveyors.
Lunchtime fare ranges from roasted turkey adorned with grilled asparagus & sautéed red peppers on health nut bread to tender roast beef sandwiches accentuated with sharp white cheddar and tangy horseradish cream. NovelTea’s signature shrimp salad & egg sandwich served on country wheat bread constitutes a refreshing alternative to tuna or chicken salad. Composed of poached shrimp blended with red pepper aioli, slivers of hardboiled eggs, and baby spinach it is the perfect accomplice to a Novel-tea-ni: brisk iced tea infused with lemonade, orange or cranberry juice.
A stunning illustration of the chefs’ culinary artistry is the hummus plate accompanied by grilled zucchini, asparagus, roasted red peppers, and warm pita bread seasoned with herbs & spices. The hummus’ rich texture adheres to the meaty vegetables, making it ideal for dipping. The warm pita comforts the palate and compliments the chickpea, sea salt, lemon juice, and tahini paste medley.
Reservations are highly recommended for lunch, which is served between the hours of 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Tuesday-Saturday). Beginning in May ‘07, NovelTea will be open for breakfast at 8 a.m. Bistro-style dinners will be served between the hours of 6 p.m.-10 p.m. (Thursday, Friday & Saturday). Boxed lunches are available for take-out, which feature select sandwiches, fruit, salad, tea, bottled water, and NovelTea's signature oatmeal chocolate chip butterscotch cookies.