Tea & Tidbits, a cozy place tucked into a strip mall at 3307 N. Academy Blvd., proved a charming discovery this month as owner/chef Amanda Courtright is devoting March to an Emerald Isle–inspired themed tea.

Courtright has decorated the walls with antique teacups and plates. Some of the delicate cups, perched on hanging shelves, hold tiny green plants.

Then there’s the whimsical white flocked Christmas tree in the corner, topped with a rainbow and draped in green tinsel, shamrocks and gold ornaments. The tree changes throughout the year, as do the offerings.

“Whichever season or holiday we’re celebrating, I create a menu to match the theme,” she said.

If the other seasonal menus are as thoughtfully prepared as the current one, Tea & Tidbits could quickly become a regular destination.

In addition to the monthly themed tea, the menu includes grazing boards, several afternoon tea options, sandwiches, salads, savory bites and desserts. A separate tea menu offers classic and fruit-infused selections.

On a recent visit, we sampled a ploughman’s lunch ($15), the traditional British plate of sharp cheddar, hard-boiled egg, bread, fresh apple and chutney with classic accompaniments. The Irish-themed afternoon tea ($40) featured colcannon soup, Dubliner cheese and onion toast, curry chicken salad and egg salad sandwiches, raisin-berry and plain scones, plus an Irish cream tart, shortbread cookie and apple cake.

The colcannon soup arrived piping hot in a tiny teacup. Courtright’s silky version blends potatoes and cream with baby kale instead of traditional cabbage.

“I chop the kale very finely and drop it in just before serving,” she said. “That keeps the bright green color.”

Comforting and delicious.

Tea & Tidbits is open 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Details: 719-418-5837, teaandtidbits.com. A cozy spot where teacups, scones and a touch of Irish whimsy make for a delightful afternoon pause.

From teacups to baklava

The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, 2215 Paseo Road, will host its annual Philoptochos Bake Sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 28.

Members will offer a variety of traditional Greek pastries and home-baked specialties, including tsoureki, a sweet Easter yeast bread; baklava, the classic dessert of crisp phyllo layered with chopped walnuts and honey syrup; buttery kourabiedes almond cookies; and savory spanakopita, the beloved spinach-and-feta pie wrapped in flaky phyllo. Greek coffee will also be available.

Proceeds support the charitable outreach of the Philoptochos Society, whose members raise funds throughout the year for local and national philanthropic efforts.

Spring events at The Margarita

The Margarita at Pine Creek, 7350 Pine Creek Road, has several spring events on the calendar, offering everything from a playful wine dinner to afternoon tea. Reservations recommended. Details: 719-598-8667, facebook.com/TheMargaritaAtPineCreek.

The Proverbs & Old Adages Wine Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. on March 26. Cost is $85 (plus tax and tip). Executive chef and partner Eric Viedt will use familiar food sayings and idioms as inspiration for a multi-course menu, with playful references like “the devil is in the details,” “don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” and “soup to nuts.” Wines will be paired with each course.

A few days later, the restaurant will host Spring Inspired Tea at the Margarita on March 28, with seating reservations available between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Cost is $38 (plus tax and tip) and includes a selection of teas served with savory bites and house-made pastries.

The restaurant will also celebrate its 52nd anniversary with Throwback Menus featuring favorite dishes from years past. The three-course menu is priced at $52 (plus tax and tip).

Seafood & Sausage Paella, offered from Wednesday to Saturday, is the second Throwback Menu, with more menus to come.