When At Home & Away in East Central Illinois visited Country Thyme Tea Room, owner Bonnie Kaeb welcomed us despite the fact that she was busy with some big parties at the Paxton restaurant at 595 S. Elm.

Country Thyme has been in business since 1995. Their luncheon menu includes made-from-scratch soups, salads, sandwiches, hot dish specials like quiche and desserts. They also offer catering for everything from wedding receptions to picnics in the park. Boxed lunches include sandwiches with a veggie garnish, fruit garnish, utensils, towelette, mint, dessert (optional) and a side of pasta, soup or a small garden salad with dressing. There is seating for 60 at the Paxton facility, and a banquet room is available with buffet line catering.

On the Thursday we were there, Gibson City residents Rebecca Reiners and Phyllis Hasty brought their friend Kathy Bozinovich from Tinley Park to Country Thyme because they like it so much.

“We like the fresh food, the homemade soups, desserts and homemade bread and the pretty presentation,” Reiners said. “It’s so girly in here, too; we like the ambiance. It’s just as cute as can be in here. We’ve been to tea rooms all around, and this is by far the best.”

Country Thyme catered an open house at Reiners’ place of business, and she has there for a niece’s bridal shower.

“The service was great,” she said.

Also that day, there was a busload visiting from the Villas of Holly Brook in Gibson City.

“We had several requests to come here,” Villas activity director Marissa Jones said. “This is a very popular place for them. They like the food and the atmosphere. They like the portions, too – they can get exactly what they want here.”

Country Thyme is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Evenings are available upon special request for 20 or more guests. Questions? Call them at 217-379-4800 or go to countrythymetearoom.com.