By Anabel Kissel
If your dream brunch includes piping hot tea, finger sandwiches and homemade desserts, all served on fine china and a crisp white tablecloth, then you will adore Magnolia Cottage in Duluth. Their timeless decoration, attentive service and mouthwatering menu make them the perfect place for brunch dates, events and even a tea party! I stopped by with my mamaw for an early-afternoon tea service that simply blew us away.
From their wide selection of teas, we chose a sweet pomegranate and raspberry, which paired beautifully with the raisin scones, orange marmalade butter and berry compote waiting at our table. These scones were our favorite dish and a personal recipe of the chef, Daniel. Our tea service continued with a three-tier tray of refreshing sandwiches: creamy pimento with a refreshing cucumber crunch, pecan chicken salad between a flaky croissant, Southern egg salad sandwiches and a tangy broccoli pasta salad. I took advantage of the customizable tea bags and made a floral blend of rose buds and hibiscus, while my mamaw sipped on a bold lemon ginger tea.
The second course was somehow even more delectable than the first, with three trays piled high with sweets prepared by the owner herself. A macaron that melts in your mouth, a rich cheesecake bite topped with berry compote, a matcha cake glazed in white chocolate, each dessert was a small bite of heaven. We washed them down with cup after cup of tea — Chinese Pu’er, Secret Garden Herbal Mix, blue flower with dried lemon — we had ourselves a proper tea party!
Outside of their tea service, Magnolia Cottage has a delicious lunch menu. The perfectly-cooked Herb Salmon Filet, served over a bed of Mediterranean couscous, brought tears to my eyes. Meanwhile, my mamaw couldn’t get enough of the Challah French Toast with cream, fresh strawberries and pistachios.
Every aspect of our dining experience felt personal, from our server, Alyssa’s tea recommendations and chatting with the chef about his scones, to desserts hand-selected and baked by the owner. This is a restaurant that truly puts love into every detail. Whether you’re looking for a charming venue for a bridal shower or a tea-time brunch with your grandmother, Magnolia Cottage will take good care of you!
The desserts are made specially for each tea service, so make sure to book a reservation!