Yahoo Movies Yasss queen: Have high tea at this adorably quaint historic spot in South Miami-Dade
Fed up with flashy South Beach? Or Selfie Central, aka Brickell? Not hip enough for Wynwood? Then think about taking a trip south, like, really south, to Cauley Square, in Goulds.
The old girl, a former railroad village built in 1903 by pioneer farmer William H. Cauley and deemed an historic site in 1994, is still kicking, having survived at least three major hurricanes. The crown jewel of the rustic outdoor mall is the Tea Room, open since 1974.
In 2013, Veronica Gobin bought the fanciful, evocative spot and has since made the pinkies-up afternoon service the star of the show. Though a rarity in these parts, the oh so civilized tradition is alive and well across the pond.
“I always loved the concept of high tea,” the native Honduran says from the outdoor patio filled with overgrown foliage, a few tables and a mural of two Victorian women daintily sipping tea. “I’ve visited European tea rooms in England and Holland and worked to re-create them here for the people of Miami.”
Gobin also made sure she maintained the same style, decor and ambiance as the original owner, Martha Wade, an antiques collector. You’ll find no SoBe-style clean lines, velvet ropes or snazzy LEDs here. More like frilly Easter parade hats, charmingly mismatched chairs, prim lace curtains, and Tiffany style stained glass lamps from antiques shows up north.
Among the six themed rooms, our personal fave is The Butterfly, with jungle green walls and yes, butterflies galore. Don’t miss peeking into the most popular (and usually packed) Windsor room, with its original Steinway piano that still plays, but has a tempting “Don’t Touch” sign on the well-worn keys.
Add a little class to your Instagram feed by ordering the aforementioned high tea, showing your followers the queen that you are.
This isn’t just a meal but an experience. You’ll first choose your steeped tea; Earl Grey is a go-to, or try the Bombay Chai, for a bolder, spicier kick. Next, the soup. French onion is the most popular request or your server will offer soup du jour, among them lentil, tomato, shrimp bisque or split pea.
Take care not to overindulge when the fresh, warm, aromatic blueberry scones come out, with a thimble of butter made with actual roses.
The drama of the silver tray’s entrance is most impressive — three tiers of girly bliss. Finger sandwiches (crustless, naturally) include smoked Nova salmon with cream cheese; cranberry chicken salad; and cucumber with capers. Also in the pretty mix are mini quiches, deviled eggs, as well as such treats as macarons, cookies and miniature pies made in-house by Gobin’s sister, Ingrid Rojas.
Walk off the calories afterward in the whimsical, verdant, 10-acre village, dotted with a central garden turned hot wedding destination, as well as little shops in adorable cottages that used to house railroad workers. There’s an apothecary, clothing boutique, photography studio and more.
Do it for for the ‘Gram — and tag Meghan Markle while you’re at it.
CAULEY SQUARE TEA ROOM
Where: 12310 Southwest 224th St., Miami
Info: 305-258-0044 or https://www.cauleysquare.com/
The high tea, $30, is offered every day but the restaurant needs 24 hours advance reservation. A “nursery” tea for kids, with smaller portions and hot chocolate, is also offered for $15.
