| Where Memories Linger--Restaurant Review |
It has taken me a long time to find a Tea Room in the Tennessee Valley like the ones that I used to go to in the Midwest. Where Memories Linger is an unusual name for a restaurant. It's about 20 minutes from Huntsville on Highway 231 just before you get to downtown Arab. Driving by you might think it's a gift shop. It's worth the trouble to find, though, in the Dogwood Plaza strip mall right on the highway. Ruth Flack, the owner, opened the tearoom three years ago. Originally it was in downtown Arab; it moved to it's present location about a year and a half ago.
The decor is delightful, with lace curtains and tablecloths, ice cream parlor chairs, and a colorful collection of teapots on display. The main room features a fireplace flanked by two comfortable chairs where you might want to relax and have a cup of tea. There are several rooms in this restaurant that can be used for rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons or private parties. One small room is set aside for the younger set and supplied with dress-up costumes, miniature-sized table and chairs, and lots of toys. An adjoining dining room is reserved for a child's tea party or birthday celebration. Youngster get to decorate cookies and win prizes.
This was my second time at the tea room; the first time I went with a couple of friends when our quick trip to the furniture store in Arab turned into an all day affair. The second time was when my sister and I stopped for a girl's day out. One of the best things about Where Memories Linger is their service. I was sure I'd had the same charming girl with a bubbling Southern hospitality personality on my previous visit. However, after she explained that she only worked Saturdays, I realized that they must have a least two waitresses with that same friendly disposition.
My sister and I both ordered the Tea Room Salad. My sister was delighted, and a little surprised, that the waitress offered to make her a special oil and vinegar dressing for her salad, saying if she didn't like it, they'd try again. Our salads arrived on a clear glass-cut fluted plate with a side plate for the warm homemade bread topped with melted cheese and a delicious congealed salad with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Some of the other menu items include, but are not limited to, the following: Reuben on Rye, Muffalata (a New Orleans original!), Chicken Salad, French Dip Roast Beef, and Dieters Delight Salad.
We had already decided to throw caution to the wind and order one of the fabulous desserts: Pecan Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, Peanut Butter Silk Pie, or Banana Pudding (Thursdays only). I was intrigued by the menu's seductive comment about the desserts: "Prepare yourself for our dessert presentation! Our desserts will definitely create a Memory that will Linger." Unfortunately, the generous serving of food squelched our plans for indulging. Next time--and there will be a next time!--I'll take the advice of the philosopher who has been quoted as saying, "Life is short; eat dessert first."
Where Memories Linger is open Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 2 pm and Tuesday nights from 5 pm-9 pm for dinner. With only a twenty-minute drive from Huntsville, a special memory can be yours. And don't forget to leave room for dessert.
