Quick review: Tree House Gallery and Tea Room

Some hear the word "quaint," and the reaction is like garlic to vampires, kryptonite to Superman, or Roundup to weeds (if you don't know Roundup, you haven't been gardening). "Quaint" often gets lumped in with "kitschy" or downright "crappy."  Fortunately, the Tree House Gallery and Tea Room in Avon fits neither of those last two adjectives. In fact, it's a charmingly humble and pretty locale that celebrates Avon's rustic roots within its own "French Creek District."
 
Don't expect the slick lines of urban Cleveland's hipper nightspots. The feel within the Tree House Gallery is decidedly more vintage, yet sans the retro iconography. Minus the contemporary jargon, that means you won't necessarily find pictures of smooth '50s rock dudes or pinups like Bettie Page. Bettie Grable, perhaps. That's because the Tree House Gallery and Tea Room's collection of antiques and collectibles draw more from both a Norman Rockwell and pioneer Ohioan aesthetic. The Gallery—a lovingly restored house dating back to 1850—is filled to the brim with a seemingly endless array of antique furniture, hand-crafted woodworking and folk art. Turn a corner and you might find a baseball mitt from the early 1900s, a post-Civil War oak dresser, or a unique piece of contemporary glassware.
 
The Tea Room is positioned alongside the gallery area and toward the back. It's like going from the living room into the dining area, but in a smallish house full of valuable and pricey art objects. How the owners managed to shoehorn the Tea Room into this Avon landmark is truly a mystery and a miracle. As long as one keeps in mind the old adage, "bull in a china shop," the squeeze should be snug but manageable. The Tea Room starts off with a tiny foyer where speciality wines (like Mad Housewife), vials of organic spices, and boutique condiments are all for sale. Odds are, if you're looking for a completely improbable jelly for your toast, the Tea Room probably has it. 
 
The Tea Room's kitchen and seating essentially lie in the patio area, adjacent to a small outdoor area open during spring and summer.  Yet the big windows and cheery, homespun décor of the dining room completely evokes the joy and life found in Northeast Ohio's warmer months. The Tea Room's food also does this very well. This writer arrived during a special Mother's Day brunch amidst a small coterie of grandmas and mamas, all bubbling not only with the glee of the day, but also at the tastiness of the Tea Room's food.
 
A dish of swordfish and shrimp over fresh greens completely imbued one diner with food-happy energy. A egg-and-sausage fritatta, overlaid with gravy and served with an ample helping of fresh fruit also excelled. The crowning glory at the table, however, were juicy sweet-and-sour pork medallions alongside market-fresh green beans and a rich serving of scalloped potatoes. The presentation reflected the neat and proper surroundings; The waitstaff cheerfully fielded our questions regarding the menu. If this holiday menu reflects the Tea Room's daily lunch fare—which consists of wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads, and of course, tea—diners in search of a nourishing and flavor pick-me-up will rejoice.

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