CHEF PROPRIETORS
Melanie and Jared Srsic own and operate Millstone Tea Room. They purchased the business and property in May 2005 from a local businessman after successfully operating the restaurant since June 2001. In May of 2007, exactly two years later, they bought the original land that was once owned by the C.N. Overstreet family that established the storefront back in 1939. The couple have been renovating the property, interpreting it to "look" as it once did. Before the interstates and convenience stores that now dot the suburban landscape existed, there were southern roadside "tea rooms" established to provide respite for travelers. It is the Srsic's hope to recreate a quaint roadside restaurant far from the hustle and bustle of corporate restaurant chains and fast paced food and create an restorative dining experience in the Virginia foothills with uncommon, hospitable service.
Jared's family name comes from the country of Croatia and Melanie's families hail from the town of Altavista, Virginia. Both have had formal and informal training throughout their careers in and around the professional kitchen. Melanie was never short of gastronomic trips with her parents to New York City and her delicate pastry hand was readily learned at the apron strings of her grandmothers both, aptly named, Virginia. Italian & Croatian heritage on Jared's side didn't hurt the intuitive nature of his cooking approach, claiming he "thinks Italian" even when cooking collard greens. Both attempt to establish a conscious connection between the Old World and American southern cookery that they love so much. This is not an ethnic or "country cookin" restaurant, but a modern American interpretation of Melanie and Jared's love of family, timeless classic cooking and Southern hospitality.
The surrounding property houses organic gardens featuring seasonal produce and cut flowers cultivated by Melanie and a hen house with organic cage free eggs. Just as in generations past, whether in the American south or the Old World, one would eat what was available to them, usually from harvests found out back on the farm or in the home garden. Melanie and Jared hope to provide that experience and help redefine the local "farm to table" vision Millstone Tea Room has been seeking since it was reestablished in 2001.
Jared's family name comes from the country of Croatia and Melanie's families hail from the town of Altavista, Virginia. Both have had formal and informal training throughout their careers in and around the professional kitchen. Melanie was never short of gastronomic trips with her parents to New York City and her delicate pastry hand was readily learned at the apron strings of her grandmothers both, aptly named, Virginia. Italian & Croatian heritage on Jared's side didn't hurt the intuitive nature of his cooking approach, claiming he "thinks Italian" even when cooking collard greens. Both attempt to establish a conscious connection between the Old World and American southern cookery that they love so much. This is not an ethnic or "country cookin" restaurant, but a modern American interpretation of Melanie and Jared's love of family, timeless classic cooking and Southern hospitality.
The surrounding property houses organic gardens featuring seasonal produce and cut flowers cultivated by Melanie and a hen house with organic cage free eggs. Just as in generations past, whether in the American south or the Old World, one would eat what was available to them, usually from harvests found out back on the farm or in the home garden. Melanie and Jared hope to provide that experience and help redefine the local "farm to table" vision Millstone Tea Room has been seeking since it was reestablished in 2001.
THIS IS THE PLACE for updates on our 2008 garden, seasonal recipes from the restaurant and things we cook at home, as well as infomation regarding our home, Bedford County. Click here to view millstonegardenblog.
Also, another fun food-related blog is the Epi-log from Epicurious.com
Please check the millstonegardenblog regularly as we will be adding stuff all the time!
Also, another fun food-related blog is the Epi-log from Epicurious.com
Please check the millstonegardenblog regularly as we will be adding stuff all the time!
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