Everything in Mike Adamovich's new eatery, from the big dining table, his daughter's wedding day purple napkins to the family portraits on the walls, came from his family.
Adamovich, a retired New York State senior court officer, has always loved to cook and bake – always bringing baked goods to the office. But now he is living his late father's dream of owning a restaurant.
"After his passing, I have made a concerted effort to live that dream in establishing 'Tea Temptations,'" the Putnam Valley resident said of his father's only regret in life, that he never worked at or owned a restaurant.
Adamovich opened up Tea Temptations – a Victorian tea room in Mohegan Lake – on Sept. 1. He is having a ribbon cutting on Sunday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. to celebrate the grand opening of his new business.
His father, also named Michael, would wake up in the middle of the night and begin making cheesecakes, Adamovich said. As a self-taught chef, he would also bake for social events at their church—making his baked goods a staple.
Now, Adamovich parents' marble table from when they were married and the family dining room table are staples at the newly opened restaurant, contributing to the cozy atmosphere.
"I'm really trying to live the memories of my parents," he said.
The business owner said he is dedicating the shop's menu and the tea customers can enjoy in memory of his two late cousins, Anna and Julia, who loved to drink tea and adorned their rooms with tea cups and saucers.
Adamovich, who joked that he can't hold a job for very long, likes to keep himself busy with various hobbies and activities.
In addition to having worked as a senior court officer for 32 years, 10 months and 24 days (retiring in 2007) and having served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 24 years, he is also a professor at St. Tikhon's Seminary in South Canaan, Pa., A few other things on his plate: acting as a Chancellor of Pennsylvania, working as a prison ministry and instructing as a substitute teacher at the Putnam Valley School District. His wife Pamela and one of his daughters work there.
The idea behind Tea Temptations was to open up a place where food could be prepared fast, while using the freshest ingredients. His business does not have a full-service kitchen, but it offers a menu loaded with crepes, paninis, scones, muffins, cakes and more than 30 different selections of tea.
"We're having fun," Adamovich said. "I'm always doing something a little different."
Proud of his Russian heritage, Adamovich said one day he might offer the traditional stuffed cabbage, pierogi or kielbasa to keep things different and exciting for his customers.
"I want this to be my home and everyone else's home and I want this to be a place of comfort," he said of his business.
Tea Temptations has been open for about two weeks now and the customers' response has been great. People have been coming back and telling their friends about their experience, Adamovich said.
"I think it's something needed in the community and it's something uniquely different," he said. "I know I will be successful because of who I am. A lot of people want to see me succeed."
Stella Abel, of Yorktown, who visited Tea Temptations this week after having heard the feedback from a friend said she would definitely come back.
"The food was delicious," said Abel, who had a panini for lunch. "The ambiance was great, just a sweet, little place."
Tea Temptations is located at 1950 East Main Street in Mohegan Lake. The parking lot and entrance are in rear –located at the immediate turn behind Walleur's paint store on Route 6.
It's open six days a week: Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. For more information call Tea Temptations at 914-743-1701.
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