Hidden away in a Mission Viejo shopping center is a quaint little "Tea Parlor" called Coffee, Tea & Tulips. I put "Tea Parlor" in quotes because to call this little gem just that would be an injustice. Coffee, Tea & Tulips is part tea room, part petite bistro and part a creative backdrop for The Moody Chef...moody meaning  imaginative, inventive and inspired although he admits he can also be stubborn when it comes to the quality and standards he has for his cuisine which sometimes can be seen in the usual interpretation of the word. Bringing together worldly inspirations from all their travels, Lina and Michael Samawi, come together to bring guests a whole dining “experience” not just delicious food. They encourage diners to try new versions of classics (they offer numerous versions of tuna, egg and chicken salad alone) and have created their extensive menu around many different flavor profiles, fresh produce, and unconventional ingredients all while incorporating influences from French, Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisine. Everything sampled: the teas, the Sandweeches (not a typo), the open faced crepes, the unique semi warm soups, the small yet flavorful tapas, the sweet but not too sweet deserts was impeccable! I'm not sure if it is the extra love Lina and Mike seem to put in everything they do but it was truly a lovely dining experience that everyone needs to try for themselves.

Coffee, Tea & Tulips has a walk up counter in which you can order a latte and bakery item to go, beautifully individually decorated tables to enjoy a sit down meal, a few tables in the front of the store to enjoy the sun on a nice day, and a full catering menu to re-create a tea experience at home. Our hosts also mentioned that they do a lot of children's tea parties, host bridal and baby showers, have an extensive breakfast menu which they serve all day and have very popular "Tea Services" which participants should plan set aside at least 2 hours to enjoy the full experience at a leisurely pace!

Here are some of the items we sampled:

The Teas
South African Red Roobios is mild enough for children, Midnight In Paris is a black tea splashed with natural vanilla and crème de coconut, dashes of ginger pieces, a sprinkling of bright blue cornflowers and red safflowers (my favorite!) and Peach Blossom had the essence of passionfruit and  peaches.

All the loose-leaf tea is also available in 4-ounce increments for take-away so once you find your favorite you can also enjoy a steaming cup at home!

Scones: "The Best in the World"

Served with house-made aream and always imported jam. This is a blueberry infused scone...shhh it's still not on the menu! All their scones are moist yet crumbly and delicious!

Fattoush - "Signature Salade"

Greens, Olive Tapenade, Cucumbers, Red Onion, Sun-dried Tomatoes, a
little Lemon, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Feta Cheese, Mint, Sumac, Cumin
and Pita Chips

Sliced Egg and Tomato Tapa

Anchovy, Olive Tapenade, Red Wine Vinegar and Cracked Black Pepper

Cordon Bleu Sandweech

Grilled Chicken caressed with Hot Ham, Spicy Mustard, Beautiful Bacon, Olive Tapenade, Swiss & Gorgonzola Cheeses on a Toasted Ciabatta

 North Beach Crepe

Feta Cheese, Sun-dried Tomato, Gorgonzola, Pine Nuts, Spinach, Purple Onion, Green Pesto, Tomato and 2 hits of Balsamic Vinaigrette

Gazpacho Templado

Served with gorgonzola cheese and pita chip garnish

Bread Pudding – "Non-Traditional"

Triple-Chocolate-French Vanilla with warm steamed milk

Owners Lina & Mike "The Moody Chef"
Always greeting customers with a smile, recommendations or encouragement to try something new

Coffee, Tea And Tulips is located at 25280 Marguerite Parkway at La Paz,#B2, Mission Viejo,CA 92692

For more information please visit www.MyCoffeeTeaAndTulips.Com or call 949.587.9988