Fiddly Bits: A charming place to eat, shop

FORT WALTON BEACH – The term “fiddly bits” is defined by the owners of Fiddly Bits and Tea Art Gallery and Café as “a little of this and a little of that - but not much of any one thing.”

This cozy place has different kinds of art from the local area and around the world. It also features a little café where you can have a pot of tea with biscuits, or a pleasant lunch.

The food

Tea is served throughout the day. I particularly enjoy PG Tips, a classic in England. But other teas are available, including Earl Grey, Orange Spice, and green tea. A pot of tea comes with biscuits (cookies on this side of the pond), some plain and some dipped in chocolate.

Another great accompaniment to a pot of tea is a plate of jam tarts. On my visit, the tender crust held strawberry and apricot jam. Other flavors that may be offered include lemon curd and chocolate. Warm sausage-filled rolls were also offered. Crumpets, scones and toast are also offered.

The menu is short, but has some very tasty options. The Strawberry Fields salad included mixed greens, Feta, walnuts and cranberries. Sandwiches ranged from very light to more substantial. Quiche is on the menu, but was not available when we visited.

For lighter fare, consider the salmon and cucumber sandwich. The egg salad on white bread was excellent. It had just the right proportion of egg to mayonnaise.

I couldn’t decide whether my favorite sandwich was the chicken salad with grapes on a croissant, or the very tasty pimento cheese on cranberry walnut bread.

For a more substantial meal choose the meat and cheese sandwich, or peanut butter and jelly. All the sandwiches are served in a basket with a small salad, fruit and potato chips.

Special events may be arranged for tea parties, luncheons or club meetings.

The atmosphere

Fiddly Bits is warm and inviting. The gallery area is just inside the front door, and the tea room/café is in the back. Artwork is located throughout, adding visual interest wherever you look.

There is also an area in the café where you can exchange books.

The art includes paintings, accessories and jewelry. It proved to be a great place to do a little holiday shopping on my visit.

The service

Service was very friendly, but not very efficient. The staff made excellent recommendations from the menu, but would disappear to take care of tasks in the gallery area for extended periods.

A final taste

Fiddly Bits is a charming place. The gallery is filled with fun and interesting items, and is a great place to find unique gifts. And after you finish shopping, you can relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch or pot of tea before you head out for your next task.

During the off-season Fiddly Bits’ hours of operation may vary from day to day, so be sure to call ahead before you visit to make sure they are open.