Lunch with the Press: Kelly's Tea Room

By TEDDYE SNELL

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS March 05, 2008 04:28 pm

— Maybe it’s the homemade sourdough bread, or the unbelievably rich, fresh ingredients, or it could even be the small bit of chocolatey sweetness at the end that makes lunch at Kelly’s Tea Room such a delight.
Then again, many dine at the yellow house at 201 W. Keetoowah for the quaint atmosphere, known for its antiques and cozy comfort.
I’m never disappointed when I decide to partake of my own guilty pleasure at Kelly’s: The chicken salad sandwich on sourdough bread with a side of baked potato soup.
The sandwich is a meal in and of itself, with chunks of freshly prepared chicken, real mayonnaise, pickles, onion and black olives all piled high between two slices of moist, slightly sweet bread, arguably some of the best in these parts.
Sandwiches are served with chips, pickle and a “treat” – usually a homemade brownie with chocolate icing – and range from $4.95 to $6.95. While the sourdough bread is my favorite, Kelly’s offers a choice of white, wheatberry, or rye, as well.
The baked potato soup nursed me through all nine months of my pregnancy with my daughter, and remains a favorite nearly a decade later. It’s head and shoulders above many potato soups I have had that were made by my own family members, and I think the secret must be that owner Ronda Lee uses the finest ingredients, including heavy cream and real butter. The soup is available by the cup at $1.95, but go for the bowl, otherwise you’ll be left wanting. At $3.95, it’s a reasonable price for such creamy goodness.
Those with smaller appetites can have the best of both worlds, as Kelly’s offers a “Half and Half” option: Half a salad sandwich with soup or salad and treat for $5.95. Or, you could try the finger sandwich special, which includes a finger-sized salad sandwich, soup and salad, a treat for the same $5.95.
If you decide to lunch at Kelly’s, be sure and check the chalkboard out front for daily specials not listed on the menu. Friday’s fare included a tomato bisque, chicken enchiladas and spinach quiche.
Kelly’s Tea Room, 201 W. Keetoowah, is open Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.