The ladies who lunched would frequent the Magnolia Tea Room. They ordered the famous chicken salad and frozen fruit salad plate. I wonder just how many of those were served through the years - must be millions. Of course every Atlanta bride wanted to hold her Bridal Showers or Bridesmaids Luncheon at the Tea Room. It was a touch of elegance and grace that we all wanted. To be served by the ladies in their perfect uniforms and starched white aprons made you feel like a princess. Having your food served on china and using linen napkins was a treat.
Frozen Fruit Salad
Before the store finally said goodbye to Atlanta the Magnolia Tea Room was extremely busy with everyone wanting to visit one more time. I was fortunate to do that with my close friend and of course we ordered the chicken salad plate and iced tea. What else? I remember it like it was yesterday. The restaurant was overflowing and everyone was dressed for the occasion. That in itself was special because gone are the days of dressing up to go anywhere! I miss that, but back to the Tea Room. All the servers were so busy and we had waited for so long to get our table, I just wanted something to drink. She never stopped to take our drink order so, I got up - with my friend's urging, and went to the tea pitcher. Right then, in the middle of the Magnolia Tea Room this rather large woman who was our server asked me what I was doing! When I told her, she promptly replied "You go sit down and I will bring you your tea." Yes Ma'am. I slunk back to my seat and was greeted with gales of laughter from my friend. I wonder how many people who stood in those long lines to eat there once more has a story like that! I still laugh every time I think about it.
My husband and I visit Chicago sometimes and we always go to Marshall Fields - which is now Macy's but don't say that to anyone who lives in Chicago. Their beautiful flagship store is still standing, and their Walnut Room Restaurant is a must on any visit. The food is amazing and so are the surroundings. Especially if you visit during the holidays. The tree is inside the two story restaurant and you will certainly wait for a table. But, the best part is seeing the generations of families sharing their meals and taking photos. They are dressed for the occasion and you can tell it is a tradition to make the trip to that store, that restaurant. It makes me sad every time I go. I miss our Rich's, I miss the Tea Room and the tradition that could still be a part of our lives in Atlanta.
There are many recipes on the Internet for the famous chicken salad and the frozen fruit salad. I found many by typing in Rich's Tea Room Recipes. Why not host your own luncheon with friends and make these wonderful dishes. No paper plates or napkins please! They deserve the good stuff.
