NOT FOUND: tea time.jpgBack in 2005 there were at least 11 tea parlors open for business in the Sacramento area. Just five short years later, according to Scott Alvord, owner of A Dash of Panache in Roseville, there are only two left. Having just visited A Dash of Panache myself, I am saddened to hear that tea time seems to be all but a lost art – at least in our area. A picture is worth a thousand words, and as you can see for yourself in the picture here, tea time is something that should be shared with the younger generation.
As a child, I spent hours playing tea party with my fine China tea set, wearing gloves and big, floppy hats. That’s something I want to share with my children, and those that belong to close friends and family. A Dash of Panache is here to help us all with enjoying the finer side of the tea party. The parlor is tastefully decorated in French-Deco style. The presentation is very elegant with everything being served on clear glass, with the exception of the tea pots which are varying fun colors that bring big smiles to faces of all ages.
NOT FOUND: DofP dressing room.jpgI had the privilege of bringing two five year old young ladies with me on my first visit. A Dash of Panache’s owner, Scott Alvord, promptly named them guests "Gertrude" and "Beatrice" once they had donned their feathery pink boas and pearls. A Dash of Panache has successfully created an environment that can take two little girls that are full of life and energy and without a word being spoken, transform them into the royal princesses they long to be. The atmosphere was one of elegance, excitement and surprise that was carried through the entire tea party as the staff went out of their way to treat each lady in the parlor as if they were part of a royal family – no matter their age.
Scott Alvord, stopped by and got down on eye level with my young friends and explained the rules of the dress up closet so well that when they saw it and were overcome with excitement about all the choices, they could be heard reciting the rules to each other as they chose their tea party fashions. Korin, our server, was so polite and took special care in advising on how to steep our tea using the hourglass timer my guests were delighted with. We chose to have the Light Luncheon that allowed us to select our tea of choice (Beatrice chose to have fruit punch) that arrived with cinnamon rolls and white chocolate almond scones, complete with lemon curd and whipped cream. The next course allowed the young ladies to select from a variety of sandwiches that are served in the shape of a butterfly. Adults are served a platter of petite sandwiches – the chicken salad is heavenly. The last course in the Light Luncheon setting brings tasty petit fours (desserts), served on individual plates decorated with the A Dash of Panache heart logo in chocolate sauce. There are several levels of tea party fare from just tea and scones all the way up to High Tea that includes everything mentioned above, plus gourmet soup and salad and homemade vegetable quiche.
NOT FOUND: Dash of Panache food.jpgWhile A Dash of Panache certainly caters to the ladies, gentlemen of all ages are always welcome. If tea is not your cup, A Dash of Panache has an ice cream and refreshment parlor and Luncheon Café that offers blended smoothies and espresso beverages. They can even do carry out for those who need to grab a quick something, perhaps on the way to the Royal Ball!
A Dash of Panache is owned and operated by the Alvord Family comprised of Scott, his wife Karen and their 7 children. They originally opened the restaurant as an investment. Scott traveled a lot for business and then became ill, taking a year to recover. During his recovery, he was able to spend more time with his children, and really enjoyed the change of pace. This sparked the idea of opening a business. Scott and Karen (the tea parlor was her idea) made the decision to purchase the then gutted 1920’s store front location, thinking it would take about two months to get it up and running. 18 months later, A Dash of Panache opened its doors with a grand opening Mother’s Day Tea in 2005. Scott decided that running the business would be the best investment he could make for himself and his family. While Scott and Karen are Executive owners of A Dash of Panache, their children are co-owners and have all worked at the restaurant at some point. The Alvord family believes that God directed them to open this business, stating “when people ask God to lead in their lives, people make plans and God chuckles”.
A Dash of Panache is like a little piece of Heaven on earth. Make plans to stop by and treat yourself, friends and/or family to a little taste of royalty soon. You won’t be disappointed. A Dash of Panache has a large private room for things such as princess birthday parties, and have Saturdays reserved for private events. They will work with you for other special scheduling needs as well. They are truly here to serve and look forward to helping you make lasting memories, no matter your occasion. You can, in turn, help keep the fine art of the Tea Party alive in our local area for future generations by supporting A Dash of Panache in Roseville. You can reach them by phone at 916.788.4FUN (788.4386) or online at www.adashofpanache.com.