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Mad Hatter's Features New Menu, Insights and Live Entertainment

Written by Jo Heinz

It's just a short walk from the "same old" to a fascinating range of visual arts, music, stimulating conversation and casual dining at the Mad Hatter Coffee Cafe and Tea Shop, 945 West 7th St. Although Ward 2 Councilman Dave Thune owns the tea house, his mother, Fran Gray, has taken over the general management with a new team: Lori Paul and her sister, Mary Massetti, since the first week in April.
Lori, who lives in Stillwater, originally majored in architectural design, so she's drawn to art and the beauty of the line. Twelve months ago she began working at The Nina's on Western Avenue. While she loved the coffee shop atmosphere, she prefers the relaxed, homey style of the Mad Hatter.

"Fran is the draw here, she's everyone's mom," Lori says appreciatively of her new boss. Lori enjoys shopping for natural and organic foods at her local coop in Stillwater and sharing them with neighbors who drop in for breakfast or lunch at the Mad Hatter. The soups are free of MSG and artificial flavorings, low in sodium, but like the Vegetarian Vegetable, sport a delicious blend of vegetables and seasonings. All soups, salads, sandwiches and some bakery items are prepared daily and they taste fresh. Chili, a favorite, is made with ground fresh chuck or in vegetarian style in order to keep it low in fat as well as delicious! The food is reasonably priced, averaging $3.75 for an entree. All-U-Can-Eat Waffles are served on Saturday mornings for $4 and bacon for $2 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Mad Hatter carries J & S Coffees, Earl Gray and specialty teas from the Tea Source along with your choice of espressos, cappuccinos, or lattes. The scones are homemade with mixes from Tea¥dle¥dee owners Julie and Paul Elhard. Fran adds bits of dried fruit or nuts to add to the pleasure. The scone mixes are for sale in the store for those who wish to make them at home and come in different varieties: plain, cranberry-orange, currant, spelt (gluten-free), cardamom currant, and double chocolate chip.

Lori's sister Mary and late husband John Massetti, were community activists for many years in the West Seventh Area and as a result became close friends with the Thunes. Mary recently retired from Monroe School after teaching there for many years and looks forward to meeting with more of her neighbors while serving and assisting Fran at the tea house.
On a sunny May day, a group of four senior women cyclists pulled up to the Mad Hatter and expressed curiosity about the business. One remarked, "I was apprehensive about stopping here when I saw some male motorcyclists stop here one day." Lori and Fran chuckled and explained that many people from different walks of life drop by, some for coffee, others to view the gallery, and some enjoy the Mad Hatter salon discussions or live entertainment. Some of the women were disappointed that they had stopped for refreshments at Subway down the street when there were homemade scones and coffee here. Several oohed and ahhed the gallery as Fran gave them a tour. All left eager to visit again!

Except for the prominent painting of the Mad Hatter building, by neighbor Acme Scene Co. owner Nance Derby, pretty much all of the art - painting, pottery, sculpture, and other media items are subject to change every several weeks, giving visitors plenty of variety along with the quaint decor of the place.

The Mad Hatter staff encourages you to bring your interest or stimulating conversation to the cafe or the salon. An upright piano occupies one side and visitors are also welcome to share a tune. Nearby, busy moms can take a time out while their kids have their own small playtime area to occupy them.

Some currently scheduled activities are: Salons (tea room discussions) with Patty Guerrero on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Bridge night is Sundays at 5 p.m. Amnesty International meets every second Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. Newcomers are welcome.
During the month of December, local artist Don Gorham Carlson's watercolor and oil paintings will be displayed at the gallery. His works are known as "retrospective" style, since they have spanned his life. Prints may be purchased starting at $35. The Rhythm Pups band will be playing Saturday, December 1 from 6:30 -10 p.m.

The Mad Hatter does catering buffet style for up to 50 guests, or call ahead for box lunches. Appetizers, vegetable, fruit, sandwich or meat/cheese trays can be ordered by calling 651-373-6527. A take-out menu is available or visit their website at www.madhatterteahouse.com.

Fran wants guest to know that the "Clubhouse" (as some regulars call the Mad Hatter) is equipped with Wi-Fi access for those who need a "working" break. Lori says, "There's something for everyone here. Come in and have a treat. We also have angel food cake with strawberries for those folks who are diabetic." The Mad Hatter Coffee Cafe and Tea Shop is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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