High Tea in H-Town
By Emily Hilton, Citysearch Contributor
Having succumbed to a coffee addiction at an early age, I've recently found myself in search of a healthier caffeine alternative. Luckily, these days there's no shortage of places to drink, purchase, learn about and have tea. With little knowledge of its many varieties, lingo or etiquette, I recently set out to discover all I could about coffee's kindlier cousin.
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Teavana
5085 Westheimer Rd Ste B- 235, Houston, TX
After a weary afternoon of shopping and in need of a pick-me-up, I popped in to this crowded spot in the Galleria mall one afternoon having passed it up many times before en route to the closest Starbucks. Large tins of loose leaves adorned the wall behind the counter featuring many tea varieties, but only a few daily brews were available for sampling. A quick query at the counter produced little information or guidance and was met with notable annoyance at my ignorance. Loose leaf is available for purchase as well as hot and cold beverages, but without any seating and a rushed environment, this is a spot more for those in-the-know and on-the-go. -
Teahouse Beverage
2089 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
I was meeting friends out for happy hour and felt that it might be a long night; a caffeine fix was a must. I stopped into Teahouse Beverage conveniently located at Westheimer and Shepherd. The place was packed with individuals plugged into laptops. I took quick note of three PC terminals also available for those without their own. While the average age barely bumped up against 20, the variety of the clientele was a good indicator that I have found something unique. A bevy of board games available also clued me in to the leisurely nature of this cozy corner. The variety in tea beverages, featuring some unique "mix-ins" of chewy sugary confections was a tad overwhelming, but I indulged and opted for a cold creamy orange tea drink that was both refreshing and eye-opening. -
The Path of Tea
2340 W Alabama St, Houston, TX
Having now experienced two raucous and highly caffeinated teahouse environments, imagine my surprise one afternoon when I entered the serenely calm and warmly welcoming atmosphere inside The Path of Tea. The store's proprietor was more than happy to answer my many questions regarding their sizeable inventory. Proud to be the only certified organic tea house in Houston, their variety is impressive, as is their knowledge and attention to customer care. A sniffing bar provided the perfect way to test out my purchase though choosing from all the options was still difficult! A small pot (fragrant jasmine) was brewed just for me and I delighted in the experience of enjoying it in such a peaceful setting. I purchased a few varieties of loose leaves to take home and made note of gift ideas available for purchase for my tea-loving mother. -
Ashland House Tea Room Restaurant
7611 Westview Dr, Houston, TX
I felt ready now to appreciate the full extent of the tea experience with my first appointment for afternoon tea. Though I would have preferred a later time (the restaurant closes at 3pm), the 2pm reservation was a nice departure from my usually harried afternoon. My companion and I were greeted with the house proprietary blend featuring mango and floral essence along with a tease of spice. Ginger snaps accompanied by lemon curd and homemade cheese crackers only hinted at the bounty of treats to come. Adorable crustless sandwiches cut into whimsical shapes, buttery scones, and cakes galore made me happy I had skipped lunch. Our teapot was kept hot and full and I leisurely enjoyed the opportunity to people-watch. A predominantly female and older clientele with nary a cell phone or PDA in sight conjured up a time in our past when people took time to enjoy the physical presence of those with which they are dining. We left 90 minutes later--full, caffeinated, and ready to finish our work day with a renewed sense of vigor. Priced at $23 per person, it was an expense happily spent. Could afternoon tea be the British answer to the Spanish siesta? -
St. Regis Hotel, Houston
1919 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, TX
Having worked my way through various tea encounters, I now felt ready to take on the granddaddy of Houston tea experiences-- afternoon tea at the St Regis Hotel. I knew from the get-go that their afternoon tea was quite an affair when I was required to leave a credit card number to secure my 3:30pm reservation. The lushly appointed atmosphere resplendent with orchids and an elegant harpist playing serenely in the corner was the perfect setting to accompany fine china and an exquisite array of delectable treats. Our server was formal, though kind, and well-versed on the etiquette and formality of the afternoon. Akin to a wine tasting where each course features a different and specific recommendation, we were treated to three selections of tea chosen to complement the various courses; the herbal raspberry tea was particularly divine. Having learned my lesson from my earlier afternoon tea, I came hungry and was mildly disappointed by the tiny, though very tasty, sandwich selection. The generous scone, baked fresh daily, quickly convinced me that I need not fear leaving unsatisfied. The final course of tiny pastries adorned with fruit and cream was also quickly devoured. Though we finished and savored every crumb, we were still presented with a box of take-home treats upon our departure. While priced at $40 per person, this experience may only be for special occasions, but it's one I'm confident I'll revisit soon.
