Occasions Divine is now serving patrons at Serendipity in Carmel and Serenity in Zionsville.
Serendipity is now open at 2 West Main Street, Carmel, Indiana. Please call us at 317-569-1929 and make your reservations for lunch or English Tea.
Serenity is NOW OPEN at our wonderful old victorian in Zionsville, Indiana. Please call us at 317-873-5590 to make reservations for lunch, English Tea or brunch.
In February 2008, a friend of mine called and asked me if I was interested in opening a restaurant in Zionsville. Nancy Noel wanted to change caterers at her gallery and my friend thought I would be perfect. Nancy thought so also. I really did not see myself running a restaurant, but what the heck, I would give it a try.
I had always been interested in foods, was a gourmet cook and a person who loved entertaining. I was interested in simple elegance.
So March 3rd we showed up with our gold chargers, china, goblets, linens, tea cups and started our restaurant business.
Within two months we were voted the Coolest New Organic Restaurant of 2008. We were sold out every day; our English Teas were a hit!
August 17th, we were informed that Nancy wanted to invite a new restaurant into her space. Although I was momentarily stunned, I knew that I wanted to continue in this business. It is fun; patrons enjoyed the relaxing, wonderful food.
So I began to search for a new spot.
Fifteen years ago, my business was located in Carmel. I remembered a building that might be perfect. I drove by and to my amazement; the spot had a For Lease sign in the window. Not only that, it was beautiful...big brass doors, marble floors, oh my. I called the number and arranged a meeting. Curtis and Mary Ann Butcher were not only lovely people, but had restored this spot for a special business. They wanted to make a difference in Carmel...provide a restful, elegant spot.
Serendipity (expect the unexpected) it was for me...Serendipity will anchor Carmel. The Butchers are anxious to get us move in. The kitchen started to be built, tables were ordered, and we were all excited to see the outcome.
What is so special about Serendipity? You enter though the old Morrison Opera House doors onto beautiful marble floors. Maryann had bought the original tea lights from the LS Ayres Tea Room and they proudly hang in the space. The original building was a bank, so the vault is still there. What a lovely spot for a tea party. The ceilings are wonderful, the spot peaceful and historical.
We moved in on September 3rd. And will opened for business on the 7th. Call us to book your event, shower, birthday, special celebration, lunch or enjoy English Tea. We look forward to welcoming you.
The businesses and the Chamber in Zionsville were disappointed that we would no longer have a spot in their town. Visitors were enjoying the wonderful food and, in turn, coming back to their stores and spending money. Business in the summer of 2008 in Zionsville was good. We were encouraged to stay...the merchants would see what was available.
Kathleen Gruhl (our hostess at The Sanctuary and longtime Zionsville resident) encouraged me to walk with her down the street first thing that Tuesday morning after Nancy had given us notice. As she was pointing out all of the businesses and their history, we came upon a Carter’s Van Line Moving truck in front of what looked to be a home that needed some tender loving care. I asked Kathleen who lived there. She knew the resident and was surprised that she was moving. Asking a few questions of the moving men, we found out that Robert and Jean Carter (make sure you visit Carter’s Toy Museum and Jean’s Antique store up the street) owned the property and were looking to restore it and hopefully find a tenant that would compliment the other businesses. Without hesitation, Robert and I agreed to a long term lease. The merchants were ecstatic. I was excited because the house cried out for restoration and beautification.
Serenity was born. The 1868 home is in the process of being restored. Watch for the new look on the outside. You will be excited about the inside also. The old English formal gardens are being restored by my sister-in-law. Come spring, we will offer morning yoga and lunch in the garden.
Serendipity and Serenity will have different menus. The formality of Serendipity and the historical restoration of Serenity with have the common denominator of wonderful fresh food, relaxing, elegant environment and a welcoming by my friends. For those of you that experienced us at The Sanctuary for the five months that we were there, you will want to visit both of our new unique locations. The great news is that we now have two homes, although very different, but ours to share with you...for years to come.
I thank Curtis and Mary Ann Butcher (Serendipity) and Robert and Jean Carter (Serenity) for allowing us to come and work in their wonderful spaces. I am grateful that they are willing to give a gift back to their communities by providing us with these lovely spots.
Please join us. We can hardly wait to welcome you.
Karin Glass
Occasions Divine
