Lunchtime Oasis @ The Drawing Room in Cos Cob

Tucked behind Cozy’s Cuts for Kids in Cos Cob, is a gem called The Drawing Room.  It is a combined 12-seat tea room and home décor boutique, with a garden patio that extends the tiny restaurant in the warm seasons.  After many years of living and dining in Fairfield County, I thought I had exhausted all lunch possibilities, until a friend took me to The Drawing Room and I had one of those ‘aha’ moments where I couldn’t believe I didn’t know about it earlier.

Opened in 2005 by husband and wife, Michael and Kenleigh Larock, The Drawing Room is a perfect spot to meet a friend for a quiet lunch.  And if the weather cooperates, you can’t beat dining al fresco on their cozy patio, amidst a small herb garden, where you might even observe your server picking a few mint leaves to garnish the daily selection of infused tea.  On a recent balmy September afternoon, I sat on the patio and enjoyed just such a lunch and solid catch-up session with a friend.  

We each started with a glass of the house-brewed ginger lemongrass iced tea, which sounded delightful upon the server’s suggestion. We ordered a salad and a plate of finger sandwiches to share, and on a whim, added a cup of gazpacho. In its many incarnations, I am forever on a quest for the best gazpacho.  This one was bursting with the flavor of fresh herbs (likely picked from their garden) and the sweetness of finely diced yellow pepper. We immediately ordered another cup because neither of us wanted to share.  The tiny dish of crunchy homemade croutons served alongside the soup, were a treat unto themselves.  

The salad was a lovely combination of organic field greens, blue cheese, dried cherries, and toasted almonds tossed in a black mango tea infused vinaigrette.  The finger sandwiches were beautifully presented, with three varieties laid out like a pinwheel.  My favorite is the roasted chicken salad on pumpernickel, but both the egg salad on whole wheat, and thinly sliced cucumbers with boursin cheese on freshly baked white bread, are a close second.

I would be hard pressed to think of a more enjoyable way to start my day than breakfast at The Drawing Room.  Choose from a homemade flaxseed granola topped with berries and served with cold or steamed milk, a lovely yogurt parfait, or the daily offering of fresh scones.  There is always a beautiful assortment of homemade baked goods, including an array of cookies, cakes, mini tarts, and tea bread.  

In addition to the limited selection of breakfast and lunch items, The Drawing Room boasts an extensive selection of hand blended teas.  They serve a classic European-style afternoon tea— three tiers of scones, clotted cream, artisan jam, and finger sandwiches served with assorted sweets and a pot of tea.  If you’re more of a coffee aficionado like me, you’ll be pleased to know they roast their own coffee— they make a mighty good latte in an area where a decent cup of coffee can be hard to come by.

And if you fall in love with the charming décor of the restaurant, you will be pleased to discover that you can actually purchase the chair you are perched upon… almost everything in the restaurant – and the adjoining small boutique – is for sale.  The shop is small but every item reflects the owners’ exquisite taste.  

I must admit, I have never left without making a purchase— whether a simple hostess gift, decorative pillow, blown-glass paper weight, or even a couple of kitchen stools!

The Drawing Room 5 Suburban Avenue, Cos Cob. 203.661.3737

Open for breakfast and lunch Monday-Saturday, 8am-5pm.