**INITIAL REVIEW**
I…read morecontinue to be surprised by all the unique businesses I find flourishing in Historic Downtown Melbourne a.k.a. Melbourne Main Street. This statement is especially true for said businesses west of the Heneger Center, the area that technically has "less" foot traffic.
With that in mind, I heard about Harvest Thyme Kitchen (which I will shorthand simply to Harvest Thyme for the remainder of this review) because I have a vested interest in the tea shops in the historic area. Not saying I am a fan of tea parties per se, but I do utilize herbs and spices for herbal teas for holistic health optimization.
Harvest Thyme technically isn't that kind of tea shop and actually stands on the iconic "afternoon tea party" experience when dining with them... even though they are not open in the afternoon. Even though, Harvest Thyme is definitely a place to enjoy a nice and relaxing time, sipping tea with friends, a contrast to the other tea shop experiences in Historic Downtown Melbourne.
Though an address is provided, Harvest Thyme is located right next to Genesis Boutique consignment shop and right across the street from the iconic Sun Shoppe Cafe.
Harvest Thyme probably started out as a traditional home in Melbourne that survived the test of time, but has been somewhat fitted to be a tea house. First and foremost, the experience within the tea house is quite intimate with only a few small intimate tables and a longer table in the room that would have been either the family room or living room, is spread.
Majority of seating is outside along the lawn and the overhang garage area turned tea room fancy. During a nice Autumn season, it is quite nice to enjoy tea and crumpets outdoors. Wouldn't suggest it during summertime especially when the lovebugs are out.
Selection of food and drink is simple yet delicious. There is both breakfast and lunch (brunch) options ranging from traditional meals to more modern takes such as power bowls.
For me, there are two dishes, one for breakfast and one for lunch, that stand out in flavor: the biscuits with flight of gravies and the ham, cheese, and apple melt. The former is two to three biscuits with three small bowls of gravy of your choice from the following four: mushroom chardonnay, bacon, sausage, and chicken herb. My suggestion: sausage, mushroom chardonnay, and herb chicken.
The latter is ham and gruyere/cheddar cheese grilled on Hawaiian Sweet bread and finished with grannie smith apple slices.
Those are my two, but there are other delicious options on the menu like lemon poppy pound cake French toast, and Grandma G's pot roast dip (think of French Dip but the Harvest Thyme style).
Finally, Harvest Thyme does bake delicious baked goods to take home. Cookies, cinnamon rolls, pound cakes, etc. I took a cinnamon roll home and it was good for what I got.
Ultimately, I would eat here again if I am in the area and want to try more of Harvest Thyme's menu. It should also be known that Harvest Thyme is a God-fearing business in which you can tell God is put first with the number of scripture used as decor and the Biblical gifts for sale.
For now, I will give Harvest Thyme four out of five stars for their initial review. I will check them out a couple more times and if they are consistent, I will give them their fifth star.