Handel Haus and Wine, Women & Song, Cole Camp

By ELIZABETH HEY
Inspired by her first boutique almost 30 years ago, Judy Smasal has singlehandedly created two destination tearooms in Cole Camp. Guests drive from Kansas City, St. Louis and surrounding states to partake of her elaborate high teas and to shop.

Handel Haus, her first tearoom, occupies a corner 1920’s brick building sporting a nostalgic tin ceiling that was formerly a Western Auto store and motorcycle repair shop. Several years ago, she opened Wine, Women & Song across the street in another historic building that celebrates afternoon teas, champagne lunches and eclectic shopping.

While staying at The Silos at Prairie Vale, about 30 minutes away, my husband and I explored Cole Camp with its rich German heritage. Handel Haus topped our short list.

Relaxed and artsy, the tearoom tucks into the main floor chock-full of home décor, clothing and more. Upstairs, furniture and year-round Christmas goods add another layer of shopping. The basement’s vintage market constantly changes, curated from estate sales throughout Missouri.

Always evolving, Handel Haus’ lunch menu features three or four quiches, such as a yummy chicken bacon Monterey that is baked daily. Judy whips up her grandmother’s excellent chicken salad that contains grapes and celery. Two to three soups rotate daily from a repertoire of 50 recipes ranging from hearty cheeseburger to cream of asparagus. Homemade, melt-in-your-mouth croissants or ground wheatberry bread are a must-order.

Wine, Women & Song’s high tea lunches feature three tiers of crustless sandwiches and mini-quiches. Scones, biscuits and lemon curd entice on the second tier, while sweets, cookies and fruit kabobs cap off this mid-day feast. Served on 1930s and ‘40s china, it feels fancy, not stuffy. Individual tea pots deliver a variety of teas. Wine, beer or cocktails are available.

Take-home baked goods include cookies, seasonal desserts and wheatberry bread. Large groups of 40 to 50 can order from a limited menu at Handel Haus. High tea serves from two to 24 guests at Wine, Women & Song. Boutique merchandise is 25 percent off every first Friday.

Upcoming celebrations include September’s Cole Camp Fair and Octoberfest followed by Pumpkin Fest. Christbaumfest takes place just before Thanksgiving. Luminaries light up the town for December’s Christkindlmarket that some describe as a Hallmark-style Christmas event featuring live shop windows, caroling, a living nativity and petting zoo.

Visit Handel Haus on Facebook for more information.