Sweet Marie’s Tea Serves Up the Perfect Day Date

Sweet Marie’s Tea Serves Up the Perfect Day Date Instagram foodies dish on this Wickford tea shop and more

Bottomless tea is a staple of Sweet Marie’s

Photos by Jeff DiMeo

A tiered tray of dainty small bites is the centerpiece

Photos by Jeff DiMeo

Blackened Cod and the Connecticut Lobster Roll from Wickford on the Water

Posted Monday, February 28, 2022 9:18 am

More Wickford Date Ideas

LUNCH ON THE WATER

For a more traditional date, look no further than just down the road at Wickford on the Water, a family-owned restaurant with some of the best views in the historic village. They’re known for their seafood, so we tried the Connecticut Lobster Roll served on a butter brioche bun and the fresh Blackened Cod served with rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables. Their newly renovated space boasts bright blues and nautical decor complementing the waterfront views.

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

Known for its retail scene, if you or your SO is in need of some shopping therapy, fuel up first at one of Wickford’s many coffee shops. Try Shayna’s Place for a warm cuppa joe and a snack; or Alma Juice Bar (when they return for the season in April) has plenty of energizing bevvies.

By Angie and Jeff Dimeo

Whether you’re stealing away for a long lunch with your sweetie or grabbing a coffee to spend the morning antiquing around the harbor, Wickford is a dream for the underrated day-date. In the summer, there’s ice cream aplenty, but for a chilly winter adventure? Afternoon tea at Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage sounded like the perfect retreat to us.

Nestled behind the Wickford Gourmet Kitchen Outlet, a welcoming sign and mint green door invite you to cozy up for tea and treats. The owner, Lindsey Andrews, greeted us as we arrived and took in the ambiance. We immediately felt transported – it’s like stepping back in time and finding yourself in a tiny nook with exposed beams, rustic chic decor, and dainty yet eclectic teacups. Laughter, chatter, and relaxing tunes permeated the 22-seat room during the peak of afternoon tea service.

Included in a reservation is bottomless English Breakfast tea (I took mine with a sugar cube and cream) and a three-tiered tray of almost-too-cute-to-eat bites. Sweet and savory options are plated perfectly, and each person gets to try one of everything. Along with a cuppa, Andrews offers Gooseneck Vineyards wine and cocktail pairings to complement the menu, all with a tea-flavored twist.

When our small bites arrived, we were in awe of the preparation and arrangement. Expertly crafted French macarons are piled high in a teacup, placed between lemon cupcakes and cookie dough truffles. Next is the equally irresistible cheddar chive and cranberry orange scones with a dollop of clotted cream on the side. On the last tier we found perfectly cut and symmetrical tea sandwiches, some with cucumber and chive cream cheese and others with berries and cream. Tiny chicken salad sandwiches made with lemon and tarragon were served inside of mini buttered rolls. And lastly, we discovered what can only be described as a perfect bite: thin sliced prosciutto di parma, fig jam, ginger, whipped goat cheese, and honey served on soft white bread.

In other words, show up to Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage with an empty stomach. Though we sampled through our fair share of petite sandwiches and sweets the tier tray of delights had to offer, we still left with a to-go box. For couples with an appreciation of the finer things – or if you just want to feel fancy for an afternoon – Sweet Marie’s is a must.

For more foodie adventures follow @providencedatenight on Instagram.