Local Places, Local Faces

Tea Class at Tea House 650 Cafe

April 1, 2014April 1, 2014 by KTgreen

Back in February Terry and I took a cooking class along with a bunch of friends at The Mullet Hole Tavern in the Heritage Village in Crystal River. So much fun! Last week one of these friends invited me to a tea class at the Tea House 650, also in the Heritage Village. Now that I’ve been to cooking class I couldn’t pass a chance to learn about tea!

Wares — These are just a few of the different containers of tea leaves. And wine, too!

Formerly the Back Porch garden and Tea Bar, I had been there many times over the years. Usually to buy tea but I’ve also had lunch there a few times plus bought a cute little teapot from the shop–perfect size for two cups of tea.

Gail, one of the owners of the tea house, led us through several tea subjects–from how healthy tea is to the different varieties–even how they are picked. We tried a few different flavors, looked at and smelled the different types of tea leaves, and learned about Yerba Mate which Gail mixed with royal coconut oolong to make a delicious hot energy drink.

Our little group stayed for lunch, yum! I highly recommend the Tobouli wedge with Red Beans and Rice along with a glass of white blueberry ice tea.

One of the other women in our group had the chicken salad which also looked wonderful.

The Tea House 650 Café is located at 650 N. Citrus Aveue in Crystal River. Their phone number is 352-564-1500 and website is www.teahouse650.com. Gail holds tea class every Tuesday from 11am until noon. The classes are free but limited to six guests. Besides tea, they also sell tea accessories, lunch, lovely items for the garden, and unique gifts.

Vera’s Backyard

March 28, 2014 by KTgreen

Vera’s backyard is bird and butterfly friendly. I love to visit and just stroll through and marvel at all of her flowers and plants. It’s early spring and not everything is in bloom yet but it’s still amazing.

Veras' Backyard

Herry’s Cafe

March 25, 2014 by KTgreen

Connie Wright, a friend of mine and a volunteer for The Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast at Herry’s Café in Homosassa, recently suggested that I stop by and meet the workers, volunteers, and customers at the restaurant. I’m always looking for new writing ideas so I popped in for a quick visit Monday morning.

The café is in the Homosassa Too Thrift & Gift Shoppe located on 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane in Homosassa Springs. Several regular customers drop in at least a few days a week and many of them are veterans. Connie introduced me to the “two Jims”– James C. Smith and James D. Champman. Both are veterans of the Vietnam War, Mr. Smith was in the navy and Mr. Chapman served in the army. They come in every morning and play chess.

I also met Buddy Olear, the manager of the café, who suggested I call Joe Foster, the Public Relations Manager for Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast, for more information. Joe was pleasant to talk to–he obviously believes in the work he is involved in and I learned quite a bit during our phone conversation.

This Hospice serves not only Citrus County but also eleven other counties on the Nature Coast. There are eight thrift shoppe locations and two thrift shoppe/cafes, this one in Homosassa plus one in Chiefland along with stores in Homosassa, Beverly Hills, Inverness, Interlachen, Lake City, and High Springs. Joe added that each site is a good way to informally let people know about the services that Hospice provides.

I was interested to learn that all of the proceeds from the café go to help children with life-threatening illnesses and that there are currently 50-60 children in pediatric services. Herry’s Cafe in Homosassa Springs serves delicious and fresh salads, sandwiches and breakfast items and is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm.

Herry's Cafe — Herry’s Café in Homosassa Springs