Linger Over Lunch

Written By Nancy Pardue
Photographed By Jonathan Fredin

It’s tea for two … or 20, at the new Cornerstone Tea Shop in Garner, where you can dine as you sip, or even get a tea education.

“We didn’t want just a tearoom,” said owner Denise Simmons. “We wanted an impromptu place you can stop by and have lunch, or tea and scones, at any stage of your day.”

Cornerstone, run by the Simmons family, is set up to offer something for everyone. The bistro area features tables for two, the Rose Room seats walk-in groups for full table service, and Ruth’s Room can host 20 people for private gatherings from birthdays to bridal showers.

The made-fresh menu here includes finger sandwiches, pimento cheese, quiches, fruit cups and the popular rice pudding, all at reasonable prices. And as a pastry chef, Simmons also dishes out desserts from chocolate truffles to lavender cookies.

At the counter, get a to-go lunch within five minutes, a service Simmons says is particularly popular with male customers.

The tea counter is the place to buy loose tea — Cornerstone sells 19 varieties from all over the world, weighed out by the ounce. Tea is also available by the wine-bottle liter, already steeped. All teas can be decaffeinated on the spot, and served hot or chilled.

Simmons even provides a tea list, complete with ingredient description, and customers are welcome to see and smell teas before they buy.

“Freshness is what puts us a step ahead,” Simmons said of the teas blended by the shop’s exclusive supplier.

“Picking to processing takes no more than nine days, and we guarantee a shelf life of no more than six months. This is the freshest tea you’ll encounter.”

Simmons and staff particularly enjoy hosting tastings and teaching “Tea 101,” featuring advice on storing, steeping and more. New classes will begin in March. Also available are accessories, including teapots and infusers.

Cornerstone Tea is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cornerstone Tea Shop
41-C Technology Drive, Garner
(919) 661-4221