Tea on the weekend

We had teas both days this weekend.  It works, however, it is a bit stressful interweaving lunch with tea -- our customers want tea so I think we will continue to offer it on the weekends.  

Both parties seemed to really enjoy the entire choice of teas, the tea sandwiches, scones (always vie with "sweet treats" for best part of the tea...

and our sweet treats are really going in variety --opera cakes, caramel tarts, mini s'more cheesecakes -- great & yet so small.

a sunny visitor on thursday

A lovely woman visited the shop on Thursday.  She told me that I had invited her (and a friend) into the shop one evening the prior week after closing.  I remember that they were on the porch reviewing the menu and I poked my head out and asked if they'd like to have a look inside.  They did and said they'd be back.

She was very complementary and told us about her work at a dance camp - in fact, she purchased a loaf of our latest addition to the bread wall -- Pumpernickel - for the camp supper that night.

We  are,  I feel,  very fortunate to meet and get to know a bit about so many people who pass through, visit as a destination, or just happen upon Cranbury and then find us.

This particular lady had such a pixie-look, and an impish light in her eye -  hope we see more of her, as we do with so many.  

Today a couple who are now regulars on Sunday, mid-morning, spent some time talking with me. They told me they look forward to joining us each week.  They like the "feel" and the calm of the place.  

It makes a hard day worthwhile just to hear someone who enjoys visiting us.

Our other visitor on Thursday was a break baker.  He is joining Bob & Cory and he learned his craft in Germany; has SA heritage; lived in London and other stations with a family where Dad was in the British army.

He's starting with us this week, so look for new breads.  (I'll twitter about them as they come)

Mother's Day Menu

We will have 4 seatings throughout the day. Call to make your reservation.
Mother’s Day @ The Blue Rooster

Starters / Accompaniments: Trio of refreshing bread dips
Our field greens
Grilled asparagus
Wild Rice Salad

Starters range from: $3. – $5.

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Mixed Berry Crepes

Asparagus & Herdsman Omelet

Eggs Benedict or Finigan

Roasted Vegetable Tian

Quiche Lorraine

Spinach Salad with Fruits & Cheese

Waldorf Salad

Traditional Salad Nicoise

Salad Trio: Crab, Shredded mixed vegetables, Spring Chicken

Grilled Pork Loin Sandwich

Croque Monsieur – French toasted Ham & cheese Sandwich

Lobster Ravioli with lobster sauce

Apple & Cave-aged Gouda Risotto
mains from: $11. – $25.


Desserts will include: Strawberry Shortcake $5. ++++

Our breakfast menu will also be available

Tea & what makes it "worthwhile"

Thursday, 5 for tea. The laughter and commeraderie of a group of friends enjoying a cup of tea, a few small bites to eat and the relaxation of doing it without running into the kitchen or checking on each guests' needs, this makes team worthwhile.
3 on Monday, last and another 3 on Monday coming. A slow process of building this element of the biz. Slow, not necessarily steady -- so I do the service and that works out fine.
We have had fund-raiser teas, shower teas, birthday teas and at this point are scheduling more of same throughout the spring and summer.
We don't yet have a graduation tea -- I imagine it would be fine for a group with multiple generations who will enjoy catching up as well as the visual beauty of each course in the tea.

My favorite part is the laughter of friends and family enjoying one another's company. Who knew that would be it?

Mother's Day @ BR

We will be offering a special menu on the day, to be finalised by the weekend.  

And we will have seatings throughout the day, reservations for all are recommended.

Seatings are; 8 or 8:30; 10 or 10:30, 12 or 12:30; 2 or 2:30

If you want special flowers or a special dessert (including our new, luscious cakes, call now and we will organise it for you)

Specials

People are gravitating to the BR for celebrations.  We have been priviledged to date to be part of baby showers, bridal showers, birthday breakfasts, lunches, teas; anniversary parties, friends meeting "1/2 way" - today the starting points were Berwyn, Pa & Warren, NJ.  

We seem to be favored by people who enjoy conversing as well as savoring a meal - a group of 8 had a breakfast get-together today; a new book club formed 7 plans to meet regularly @ BR.  

Mother/daughter, mother/son, father /daughter, father/son -- all configuration of family members are choosing the BR for a chat.  

This is another of the many unexpected benefits of being part of the BR - we see people laughing, talking, seriously enjoying one another's company.  And many comment on how our staff add to the enjoyment of the day, as of course does the food and, they say, the ambiance of the BR.

We were fortunate to be asked to participate in a special event last evening.  The Taste of the Nation was great - so many friends were there and we met so many who might become friends of the BR.  Did I blog last night about how well received the s'more cheesecake was?!?!  

Folks were coming to our corner of the ballroom asking, "Is this where the great chocolate cheesecake is?"

And of course, the bread & olive oil were well received by the serious foodie /bread lovers.  It was great being there & we hope to become regular participants.  The cause will, I believe, be with us for the coming years.

Tonight is Taste of Nation - Princeton

The issue of hunger in children is difficult always & the group that organises this event work so hard & put together what looks to be a great night. We hope to see some friends in the crowd tonight -- since we are the "new kids on the block".
All else is going well -

• working on second wholesale customer (small, and new);
• working on special Mother's Day menu (yes, we may be a bit ahead of the curve on this holiday) -- we will publish it on web, here & with newsletter note
• looking into options on opening time that may suit more of our weekend crowd - watch this space.
• and finally, Twitter seems to be catching on a bit - we have 12 followers to date. might be worth a try, I'm sending bits about new bakery items & they are coming right along! (thxs to JJG).