Visit: Press Tea

Press Tea had a huge presence at the NY Coffee & Tea Expo in March, along with a trial store on the Lower East Side for a few months to hone their product. Now after months of preparation, Press Tea has finally opened their West Village shop. 

I have visited the new shop twice now, and both times I had to battle the crazy NY elements to get there. Torrential rain the first time, extreme heat the next. Both times I entered the shop in a foul mood because of the weather, and both times my mood lifted after a first sip of tea.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Press Tea process, you can read my visit to the trial store here which mentions how the tea is made in something similar to an espresso machine. Also here is an adorable video discussing their brewing process.

On my first visit I was soaked and chilly, so I went for a hot tea latte. I tried the Himalayan Black tea and added rose flavoring. I remembered at the NY Coffee & Tea Festival they were giving out rose flavored samples, and tasted divine. My latte was a bit too sweet for my taste and the rose was more overpowering than I remembered, but still very comforting and warming on such a raw day. I could taste the black tea even through the sweet rose flavor. A very nice first cup.

Black Tea Latte

Black tea Macchiato

On my second visit I wanted to cool down, so I had an iced macchiato which is black tea with milk. I went without sweetener this time, so I could taste the tea loud and clear. It appears that most of the drinks come with sweetener unless you specify otherwise. As I sat with my drink and listened to the subway rumble distantly underneath me, I enjoyed the intense black tea flavor. the bold bitter taste reminded me of a coffee drink. It is almost impossible to find an iced black tea with such a fabulous intensity. The flavor holds up to the ice and mocks the milk with its robust flavor. The heat of the day was obliterated.

The store is well situated on a busy stretch of 7th avenue in the West Village. The interior is

cheery with a few little tables. The two times I visited there were a selection of mini cupcakes you choose with your tea if you are hungry. The shop is painted with clean, soothing grey hues while natural wood and Victorian wallpaper decorate the space. 

This is a perfect place for a drink, no mater what the cranky NY weather throws at us. I will definitely be making frequent trips here if I am in the area. Even if I'm not thirsty, that bold tea will lure me inside.

Press Tea: 167 7th Avenue South, NY, NY: recommended for a quick cup, a lingering drink with a book, or anything in between.

Visit: Tamarind Tea Room

I recently read about a tea room on Midtown Lunch adjacent to the well regarded Tamarind restaurant on 22nd street. Indian flavors along with a large selection of tea? Count me in.

 The Tamarind Tea Room is a sweet little spot just next to the main restaurant. The space is small but very comfortable and elegant. There are 6 tables and one extremely warm and friendly staff member taking orders. He immediately made us feel at home, chatting and recommending various teas to go with the food we ordered.

The first page of the menu has a welcome note. The owner started the tea room to connect childhood memories of drinking tea in India to his NYC life, "My family always prepared for the day ahead with a bracing cup of fine tea. After school there was afternoon tea awaiting us, and in the evening, a relaxing cup as we shared the events of the day". You can feel his love for tea and family through this relaxed and amiable restaurant.

We went with the 'tea for two' option, which includes a sandwich, pot of tea, and dessert. This option is a large amount of food, and should satisfy even the hungriest lunch seekers. There is a suitable list of Indian teas as well as oolongs, greens, and herbals. Something for everyone. I decided on the Assam which was bold and reviving. It was served in a perfectly sized teapot. My saag paneer sandwich was filling and tasty, as was the creamy rice pudding and buttery cookies for dessert. The tea paired well with the food, creating an overall sense of happiness and peace. It helped with digestion, too! My idea of the perfect lunch.

The gentleman waiting on us was so friendly we felt like regulars. Service was a little on the slow side, so I'd suggest coming here only if you have an ample lunch break. The food was so delicious and the tea selection so satisfying that I will definitely be back. It's a great place for a long lunch away from the office, or a break from shopping in the flatiron district. Tamarind Tea Room is an absolute gem.

Tamarind Tea Room: 41-43 E 22nd St, New York, NY 10010

Cha-An Japanese Tea House

It's Friday. I can't focus. It's a gorgeous day. Perfect for a lunchtime tea adventure. Cha-An, a popular Japanese tea house has been high on my list of places to visit. It felt like the perfect time, so I pounced.

Through an unassuming door and up a flight of stairs is a smart little room with dark wood and delicate Japanese flourishes. When I arrived it was early and quiet. There is a bar with a view of the kitchen for a quick bite (and sip), but I chose a table in order to relax a bit more.



The service is sweet and friendly. As you can imagine, the tea selection is inviting with a focus on Japanese greens. The menu is helpful, giving the country of origin for each tea, as well as the body. There is a tea to suit just about every mood.



Today I was looking for something that packed a bit of punch, so I chose the Makinohara Sencha for it's assertive vegetal flavor. The tea arrived quickly and was poured from a kyusu. The pot was the perfect size, with just enough water for one large cup. Served in this way the tea didn't continue to steep and get bitter. I like this attention to detail. When my cup was drained, the pot was promptly refilled with water. This tea was exactly what I wanted. Bitter, with a vibrant vegetal flavor. Refreshing and invigorating. It paired well with the smoked salmon and sweets that came with my meal.

Regarding food, it is prepared with focus and care. Everything is dainty, and I felt a bit clumsy while I ate. But it's all very tasty, especially the sweets. The scones I had were quite buttery and delicious. They even had little bits of tea in them, which added a subtle floral note. I was so full that I had to take some of my sweets to go, which made for a cheerful afternoon snack.

Cha-An is a perfect place for Japanese style afternoon tea, or to relax with a bowl of Matcha. They also offer special events including tea ceremonies. It gets a bit loud during lunchtime, but I imagine it is quite peaceful during the off hours. The perfect place for a lunchtime respite.

Cha-An: 230 East 9th Street NY, NY 10013: Recommended

A Community Institution

I've lived in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope for well over a year now, but have not mentioned one of the most popular 'hangs', the Tea Lounge. Sitting in the lounge, it feels like this 12 year institution has been in the area for decades. Before I even moved to Brooklyn I remember taking refuge here after a long day of exploring the neighborhood. It is a gathering place for all the different personalities in the area to relax and refuel.

With tea in the name, thankfully the list of hot and iced options do not disappoint. The tea menu is diverse, with something to please just about everyone. Since the weather has been sticky and steamy, I've been sipping on their iced black tea. It's perfectly strong, even when the ice melts. It has a nice bold black tea flavor that lasts through the entire drink. There are lots of flavored iced teas as well, but I always go with standard black. What can I say, I'm predictable. Whether you are ordering a full pot of tea, or just a cup to go, prices are competitive and fair, and service is friendly.

This is a very laid back joint, with dim lighting and lots of mismatched couches and tables. It is a welcoming, comfortable place to sit and read, write, or watch your kids play. It feels like you are sitting in a large living room. There is a bulletin board for events and sales happening throughout the neighborhood, and it is always packed with notices. My children enjoy the space, and they even have music classes for kids during the week. There is a schedule of ongoing events such as musical performances. They serve food and alcoholic drinks as well, but of course I usually just go for a cup of tea and neighborhood charm.

Tea Lounge: 837 Union Street Brooklyn, NY: Recommended

Spotlight: Bellocq No. 11 White Peony

A few dear friends recently gave me a gorgeous sampler box of tea from Bellocq. It's as if they read my mind, as I've been meaning to check out their Brooklyn Atelier for months. It's right near one of our favorite pizza places, but a visit has just not timed out properly. Hungry children usually don't have much interest in tea shops. I'll need to take a solo venture there one of these days.

 Everything about the brand is artistic yet simple. The website is absolutely gorgeous. The designers have a great eye. Their teas are also beautifully packaged. Just looking at the silver and yellow canisters makes me want to collect as many as possible. Purchasing teas in the canister is expensive, but  perhaps an occasional indulgence. The sampler box I have is quite sturdy and stands out with its bright yellow color. It's a particularly grey day here in NYC (it feels like I say that a lot) so the box truly brightened up my world. I cannot wait to visit the Atelier, I imagine it to be a full sensory experience.

 

My yellow nails match the box!

My friends chose well, selecting a box of 'pure teas' as I don't usually prefer blends. I like the little added touches in the packaging- they include paper infuser bags for the teas, and also provide a detailed steeping chart for each tea. Nicely done.


Steeping chart inside the lid

 I've been sipping each tea in the sampler, and they are all tasty and of good quality. I decided to focus a post on just the No. 11 White Peony. The dry leaves are an attractive mixture of cut leaves and downy buds. The mixture smells sweet and floral which is usually my experience with this type of tea.

I'm always amazed that no matter how sweet the White Peony leaves smell, the sweetness never transfers to the aroma of the brew. The tea has a dried grass/hay-like smell, and is very earthy. I did slightly over steep my tea, but it still tastes smooth and delicious. Sweet, rich, yet delicate. An earthy taste of the dried grass with a slightly mellow vegetal finish. Refreshing and invigorating. It would make a nice iced tea in the hot weather as well.  

 

After trying these sample teas, I am even more excited to visit the Brooklyn store. One question I have though...how do you pronounce their name? Is it bello-C-Q or something else? If anyone knows, please share!! Thank a huge thank you to my friends that gave me such a lovely gift!

Led Zep and Lusty Tea

The West Village is a destination for all things tea. As I've mentioned before, if you walk just a few blocks you can hit Bosie, Tea & Sympathy, McNulty's, DAVIDsTEA as well as The Tea Set. Since The Tea Set is one of the few West Village tea spots I haven't tried, my husband and I decided to take a lunchtime visit.

The Tea Set is a French-owned tea cafe that also has an extensive food menu. Everything appears to be eco friendly and organic, right down to the menu made out of recycled cardboard boxes. The Tea Set also sells their tea commercially, which I've recently seen in a local upscale grocery store.

Walking in to the cafe things seems rather ordinary. There is a dining area with small tables, and a cozy brick wall lined with tea and wine bottles. This is a French-owned cafe, so of course there will be wine!

As we sat and looked around, it became apparent that this was not just a snoozy, cozy tea cafe. I noticed a few books that were intriguing and a bit surprising for a tea joint...



There are many 'interesting' books lining the bench I was sitting on...



...this being the favorite

 It is a sexy tea cafe! I wondered if the young ladies and older couple lunching near us noticed these little details. The tea menu also contributed to the overall feel of the place. Looking at the menu, I was intrigued by the various sensual-sounding teas on the menu. Since I had to get back to work and don't like rooibos and herbal based teas, I decided for a basic organic Darjeeling.

But some of the more colorful teas on the menu were:

Organic Femmes Fatales, Organic Gentlemen Fusion

Organic Sensual Good Night, Organic Perry Street Je T'Aime, Organic Day & Night Sex Booster

The music added another interesting element to the mix. The entire time we were there, classic and prog rock standards were playing over the speakers. I don't mind this type of music, but it did not really blend well with the cozy, relaxing atmosphere for me.

My tea was a respectable organic Darjeeling. It had a nice bold flavor which tasted like a 2nd flush. It certainly hit the spot. But my husband's genmaicha was strangely bland. It smelled nice and toasty but the taste was flat. I'm also not a huge fan of  large mugs with infusers, as the tea cools too quickly. A teapot keeps it a bit warmer. It also looks more like something I'd use in my office, not at a cafe. But that's a small gripe. I do like that the teas are all organic.

The service was very slow, and I actually noticed our server reading a book at the front of the cafe. I'm sure he's used to most people taking their time and relaxing with their tea, but we were on our lunch break and didn't want to dawdle. He never came over to see how we were doing. My husband had to get up and ask him for the check. A friend of mine had a good experience here when the owner was present, so this may not be a common occurrence.

To briefly comment on the food, the sandwiches we ordered were not particularly flavorful, and they were overpriced for the size. I like that most of the food is organic, and the beef is grass fed, but our sandwiches were not very tasty. If you feel like having a bite to eat with your tea, I'd recommend staying with pastries and egg dishes.

The Tea Set, is a fine place for a cup of Darjeeling and some sexy reading while listening to Led Zeppelin. Not a place I would recommend wholeheartedly, but it could be a fun spot to warm up on Valentine's day with a salacious cup of tea.

The Tea Set 235 W 12^TH Street NY, NY 10014

Franchia Vegan Cafe

Walking back to work through the frigid wind after my yearly physical, I noticed Franchia, a Korean cafe on my list of places to try. They specialize not only in vegan Korean cuisine, but also tout their tea menu. After discussing the state of my health, a vegan restaurant seemed a natural choice for lunch. Add in a tea menu and kimchi dumplings, and I'm ready to tuck in.

I've read a bit about Franchia and knew it was a tea-centric place. So before looking at the food menu, I perused the tea offerings. They have a small selection of green, white, black, and oolong teas, as well as flavored and tisanes. I decided to try a Korean green tea, since I'm not familiar with them. I'm not a huge fan of very light green teas, so I decided to try the 'Korean Wild Green Tea 3rd Picked', because it mentioned a stronger taste. I usually like second or third flushes when it comes to Darjeeling, so I was hoping it would be the same for green. 

When I was ready to order I had to press a small button on the table to summon the waitstaff. It felt as if I was sitting on an airplane. I didn't see how this related to a serene tea-house, but I placed my order and eagerly waited. Perhaps they don't want to bother you unless you really need something? The tea arrived steeped in a small cup, with the leaves in a strainer on the side. A flask of hot water accompanied the cup. It was nice to get the flask, so I could re-steep the leaves when I was ready for more, instead of pushing the weird button to get the waiter to refill my cup. 

The tea was quite mild, with a nice gentle vegetal flavor. But did not have the 'stronger taste' I was expecting. It could just be that I'm not familiar with Korean green teas. They may be on the lighter side, as Chinese green teas tend to be. But still, I was expecting a little more than a light green.

Since this is a tea focused blog I won't comment much on the food, but I will say the dumplings were a bit cold. The dining room is comfortable, with earth tones and lots of wood. The tables are situated on three tiers which makes it feel a little cozier, but I felt bad for the waiters that kept running up and down the stairs to get to diners on the various levels. The ceiling is quite pretty though, which gives a nice pop of color in the muted dining room.

It was comforting to escape the cold with a reviving cup of green tea. I don't think I'll rush back here, but if you are looking for a place on the east side that offers healthy vegan fare and a descent tea selection, Franchia is a good choice.

DavidsTea coming to NY

Grub Street reports that Montreal-based tea shop DavidsTea will be opening a location on the upper east side this week! Does anyone have any experience with this company? I've heard about them, but haven't tried any of their teas. A visit will definitely be in order! Please let me know if you have any suggestions on what to try.

Sanctuary T visit

 I always find that tea is a great digestive, especially when I've eaten something greasy. Over the weekend a friend and I enjoyed a walking tour that was dedicated to cheese. After almost 4 hours of cheese tasting, my belly was happily full, but needed some help. I knew we were close to Sanctuary T, a little restaurant that has been on my list to check out. It was a chilly, misty day, and a warm cup of tea was the perfect end to our cheese extravaganza.

The restaurant had the doors wide open with plants outside, which was cheerful and inviting. Even though it has a trendy SoHo address, there was stroller parking for the little ones. The restaurant has a simple decor, but with the loud music that usually accompanies a NYC brunch. It's a narrow space with a (tea) bar and wooden tables. The furniture has a slight Asian feel, but the venue lights are low, and coupled with the loud music it didn't feel like the serene teahouse described on their website. But happy to be inside, we selected our teas. The tea menu is far smaller than other tea focused establishments, but there was basically one of everything- one Ceylon, Assam, Oolong, a few greens, etc, and even a pu-erh. I needed something strong to revive me, so I tried the Golden Yunnan. Our tea came out in two huge mugs with strainers on top. I noticed many tables had been given wooden tea timers, but we didn't have any. Just the simple instruction of 'let it sit for 5 minutes'. I choose to believe this is because my friend told our server that I was a 'tea expert'. But it was probably an oversight.

The golden Yunnan was exactly what I was looking for. Sweet, bold, with a nice malty base. Caramel and cocoa notes came through as well. It had an invigorating aroma and gave me the lift that I needed. My stomach was grateful. I was happy that we were given the tea in a strainer so I could steep it as long as I wanted. I did think it was unnecessary to bring out a plate of rock-candy sugar without asking. My friend and I do not take sugar in our tea, so they could have used it for someone else instead of wasting it. Although it did look very appealing on the rustic wood plate.

I was surprised  by the mugs used for serving the tea. I was expecting a pot of tea, not an oversized mug. The mugs were plastic on the outside with an inner glass lining. Very similar to the glass tea tumblers that have suddenly popped up everywhere, such as the Libre. I love the idea of sturdy plastic on the outside with a glass lining that is healthy, and flavor-free. Since I wasn't 'on the go' I think I would still have preferred a pot over a huge mug. I imagine the tea cooled off much quicker in a big mug, and I felt compelled to drink it faster. Pouring tea from pot to cup is a sensory experience that I come to expect at a teahouse, or even a restaurant.

Like many tea houses in NYC, Sanctuary T offers some tea related events. There are some events for children, which is a nice addition for a downtown tea place. Even with the many tea focused establishments in the area, it is nice to duck out of the rain and enjoy a mug of tea with a friend here. I imagine it is more peaceful during the week, and one could relax and contemplate a mug of tea. But on the Saturday afternoon we were there, the music was loud, and the crowd seemed to be more interested in brunch than trying tea. It felt like a typical NY brunch scene, but with much better beverages!

Sanctuary T- 337B West Broadway, NY NY 10013- Recommended

Highlights: Quality (but small) tea menu, kid friendly, friendly staff

Bosie Tea Parlor

A few tea shops have popped up recently in the West Village. When Yosh O. mentioned that she was thinking of going to Bosie with her friend BL, I jumped at the chance to join the fun.

I love tea places that are not all frills and chintz, and Bosie is a nice mix of wood tables, walls of tea canisters, and pretty, but not frilly teapots.  L’Âge de Thé is the tea brand within the golden canisters. This is their in-house brand, which according to their web site is "a collaboration between Kiley Holliday, the youngest female Tea Master in the United States, and Nicky Dawda, an accomplished New York restaurateur and former hedge fund CTO...Holliday and Dawda travelled to many estates, personally tasting and selecting the finest teas of each region that comprise the collection."

The tea selection did not disappoint. There are teas for just about every palate. I was also gratified to see the herbal teas relegated to the very back of the tea menu. Anyway, I was in the mood for a black tea, and decided on the Fujian Golden Tips. A little while after ordering, I heard tea timers go off and our drinks arrived. My tea was lighter in color and flavor than I had expected, and was very subtle. I could taste a honey sweetness with a touch of malt. The tea was pleasant and soothing, but I was expecting something a touch stronger. It could be that I had the wrong expectations, but Yosh also commented that she thought her tea was weak. I've mentioned this a few times before, but taste preferences can vary. I wish that we could get the steeping basket on the side, in order to steep longer if necessary. But I suppose that when I dine in a restaurant I wouldn't tell the chef how to prepare the food, so perhaps I shouldn't tell the staff how to brew the tea. Still, I would have preferred it a little stronger.

Along with our tea we had a few standard tea sandwiches, and delicious pastries. I later found out that the pastries are all made by Damien Herrgott, who worked at Ladurée in Paris and Bouley Bakery in New York. As you can imagine, the macarons were very authentic. They had great texture and flavor (for the most part). My favorite macaron was one made with Darjeeling tea.  It had a strong Darjeeling flavor, but also a gentle sweetness. It was exactly how I'd want a Darjeeling macaron to taste! I also had a Matcha macaron which was very well done, and had a strong matcha flavor. The only miss for me, was the 'Jasmin'. I was expecting a subtle floral taste, but it was so strong, I felt like I was biting on a bar of perfumed soap.

 

Tea under glass...true works of art!

Bosie is a nice little find in the West Village. It's a perfect stop after strolling through the neighborhood's historic nooks and crannies. A comfortable place for some tea, and a tasty macaron.

I am compiling a list of 'Tea Happiness Recommended' places in NYC, and Bosie will definitely be included.

Bosie Tea Parlor, 10 Morton Street (212) 352-9900