History of the Tea Room

Tea dates back almost 5000 years to ancient China, By the 1800s, tea rivaled beer in popularity. Tea has only been an afternoon habit since about 1840. Before that, it was only ordered after dinner when the ladies and gentlemen gathered in the drawing room. By the 1860s, tea became a social ritual. Tea soon became a custom in English households. A 'family' tea included such foods as sardines, potted meats, muffins and crumpets, and was served in the drawing room. If sandwiches were served, the bread was thin, with butter, jam or honey to spread on it. The tea was brewed by the mistress of the home. "At Home" teas in the upper-class establishments were social events, often by invitation only. They were a chance for ladies and gentlemen to exchange gossip, plan future soirees and be introduced to new acquaintances. At the height of the Social Season these teas were grand enough for a buffet table to be set up with refreshments while big silver urns dispensed tea, coffee, wine claret cup, sherry and champagne-cup. In early Victorian days, sandwiches were made only of ham, tongue or beef. By the 1870s, cucumber sandwiches were being served regularly. The hostess presided over a small side table near the main buffet. There, she dispensed the ice creams and water ices. It is necessary to distinguish between 'afternoon' tea and high' tea. Afternoon tea was eaten before an evening dinner and was a polite little snack. High tea was eaten after a midday dinner and was likely to be a main meal. High tea evolved from the 18th century dinner, and eventually replaced it amongst the fashionable. Another term for "High tea" is "meat tea," as the meal was generally served with meats.. While tea was the main beverage, coffee and cocoa were sometimes served at high tea. Nursery tea consisting of Cake, bread and butter and jam was the usual nursery tea. An iced sponge cake might be served if it was one of the children's birthdays. The parents would join them on this occasion also. Tea in the nursery would be the children's evening meal. Tea-Rooms saw a revival in popularity in the 1880s. They were places for refreshments where hot meals, cakes, bread and pastries were available. They provided venues for 'tango teas' during the 1920s. Tea-Rooms were a socially acceptable places ladies could refresh themselves without male escorts. Tea Rooms remain popular today.

Soup of the Day
Our soups are prepared at the Calla Lily with fresh seasonal ingredients. Soups that hit the spot!
Teacup $3.00           Bowl $4.50

Salads
Served with your choice of 1 scone...

Spring Mix Salad   $7.95
This isn't your ordinary side salad. We take tender spring greens and top them with an array of great seasonal veggies like cucumber, carrots, sweet peppers, onions and juicy tomatoes.
Add grilled chicken $2.00

Greek Salad   $8.95
Our Greek salad is bursting with red onion, tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, Kalamata olives & feta cheese. tossed with a Mediterranean feta dressing this salad is absolutely apispeuto (amazing)! Add grilled chicken $2.00

pear walnut salad calla lily tea room

Pear Walnut Salad    $8.95
Tender spring greens topped with fresh sliced pears, candied walnuts, cranberries and bits of bacon served with a honey lemon dressing. Add Grilled Chicken   $2.00

Pecan-Encrusted Chicken Salad    $10.95
Our tender pecan-encrusted chicken sits atop a bed of spring greens topped with seasonal fruit and served with a raspberry vinegrette dressing.

soup and salad

Pick Two $8.95
Soup & Salad
Soup & 1/2 Sandwich
Salad & 1/2 Sandwich

Sandwiches (served with fresh fruit and potato or pasta salad)
Tea Room Classic $7.95
A traditional tea room favorite, cucumber and cream cheese on white bread.

Egg Salad Sandwich $7.95
A delicate blend of egg, mayo and just the right seasonings.

Chicken Salad Sandwich $8.95
You've never tasted chicken salad like this before. Paired with cranberry and apricot chutney, then rolled in crushed pecans is what makes our sandwich stand out from the rest.

Tuna Melt Panini $9.95
This tuna salad makes a splash. All white meat albacore tuna, onions, capers, and a few other "secret" ingredients are blended together to make the perfect sandwich. Dive in!

Sophisticated Roast Beef Panini $9.95
Thinly sliced roast beef, tangy horseradish sauce, caramelized onions & mushrooms with smooth provolone cheese grilled to perfection.

Fabulous 4 Panini $8.95
Provolone and cheddar cheeses would be enough to make this one fabulous grown up grilled cheese panini. Add crisp bacon and slices of juicy tomato and now you have the rockin' Fab 4 Panini.

California Club Panini $9.95
Full of the freshest ingredients, this sandwich is sure to please. Sourdough bread topped with homemade avocado ranch sauce, turkey breast, juicy tomato, crisp bacon and Colby Jack cheese. Then we grill it up warm and crisp on the panini press. It will fill you up without weighing you down.

Cuban Sandwich $10.95
Slow roasted pork tenderloin, ham, onions, tomatoes, pickles, swiss cheese and our homemade Cuban mojo sauce. All on a hearty bakery fresh roll and grilled on the panini press. Muy Delicioso!

Hearty Meal of the Day $10.95
Our hearty meal means you don't have to decide between your favorites. You get them all. Soup, salad, and a sandwich. All prepared fresh for you each day.

Desserts $2.95 - $6.95

Our sweet treats are sure to
delight the palette. From the
decadent and heavenly to the wickedly sinful, all are home-made and waiting just for you. Come in often to sample our newest creations or traditional tea room favorites like scones with cream and curd.

1033 S. Lincoln Ave., Aurora, IL 60505
630.340.5375
After 3pm call 630.892.8100

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:30am-3pm
Saturday 11am-3pm

Menu