Three Cups of Tea in Bothell offers a cozy place to enjoy tea and scones

Whenever I've been to Three Cups of Tea, there are always little girls in party dresses having lunch with their mothers and grandmothers. This cozy place, tucked on a side street in Bothell, is like that — a festive enclave to hide out with a friend and talk over tea and scones or lunch.

The menu: Whether it's the chicken and citrus salad, the fiesta salad with slices of red peppers or a vegi-delight sandwich on a croissant, the entrees are beautifully presented. Sandwiches are $9.95; salads $8.95. An order of scones — cranberry-orange or almond — and clotted cream is $5.95. Breakfast offerings include a broccoli-cheddar stratta, $8.95, accompanied by fruit.

What to write home about: I love the broccoli-cheddar stratta, which is sometimes offered as a light lunch because the portions are small. I've eaten this on an earlier visit. And you can't go wrong with the signature scones and tea.

The setting: With the windowboxes full of flowers and shelves bursting with every china teapot, cup/saucer and tea accessory imaginable, this is a charming place where you simply want to look and look. The service is friendly, but waitresses know when to leave diners alone to simply talk.

Being here is like being on holiday, and they plan special events — such as the upcoming Peter Rabbit Tea for children. The event this Saturday and Sunday is sold out, but they are still accepting reservations for April 23.

Summing up: My friend ordered the ham-and-cheese panini and gave it an average rating: "Not Italian enough for a panini," she said. I was disappointed in the fiesta salad: The avocados weren't ripe, and where was the corn? But every place can have an off day, and it was no doubt the exception here, since I've come to Three Cups before and swear by the food and its charm.

The total for our entrees, two pots of tea and a tip came to $34.48.

Nancy Bartley: 206-464-8522 or nbartley@seattletimes.com