I’m about to do two things that could conceivably come back to haunt me. First off I’m going to discuss a favorite Tyler eatery / department store / catering service, in a way that implies I’m not a big fan. Secondly, in discussing this establishment it will become apparent that I’ve been there. Ok so am I being too cryptic? Fine. The restaurant… or whatever, is the Potpourri House, (as I guess the title of this article gives away). Now it takes either a big man, or a shameless one to admit that he’s been to the Potpourri House, I’m not sure which one applies to me.

            The Potpourri House is a difficult business / eatery to describe. It is part gift shop, part café or tea house, part fine dining restaurant. As the name implies, they have a large supply of scented candles, incense, and of course potpourri. The store also carries inventory like higher end clothing and jewelry. I have this weird mental picture of patrons browsing through the store with a glass of wine in hand complaining about the men in their lives, or talking about Sex in the City. I don’t know why, that’s just the strange association I have with the restaurant.

            The food at the PH is actually pretty good, the portions are not exactly man size, but it’s tasty and generally light. The menu consists of a lot chicken, roast beef and shrimp. I guess at this point I should either turn in my man card or explain why I was interloping in this very feminine universe. First off I’ve been there two or three times. It seems the party planning committee at work contains all ladies, and they love the Potpourri House. And by the way the establishment specializes in parties, businesses and church groups. I guess I shouldn’t complain too much because work has always paid for the meals, but I’m not going to lie, it would be nice to have those parties somewhere else. I’m not suggesting a cigar bar or anything, I’d settle for gender neutral at this point. Anyway the party is generally the place where the Christmas bonuses are handed out, so I try to attend. But I do feel pretty out of place, and I often grab a bit to eat when I get home.

            The Potpourri House is not terrible it’s just very girly. I suggest that any male avoid it if at all possible. If that’s not possible try to avoid telling your buddies where you had lunch. For more information on the Potpourri House, visit their web page at www.potpourrihouse.com. For reservations call begin_of_the_skype_highlighting(903) 592-4171. They are located at 3320 Troup Highway in Tyler. end_of_the_skype_highlighting