Elin
User's reviews
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The Peninsula
This is a luxurious place to spend a relaxing couple of hours. Afternoon tea is served in the elegance of the Peninsula Lobby. This expansive room with 21-foot windows is warmed with green, yellow and cream. The spacious Lobby is intimate with tables set wide enough apart to feel you are not encroaching on anyone else’s conversation. A small balcony holds a cello and violin duo and fills the room with classic sounds. Tea service includes a delightful mix of scones, savories and sweets with a pot of tea. They offer a selection of thirty-two Mighty Leaf Teas plus proprietary blends. The Wedgwood China teapots and serving pieces our treats arrived on compliment the atmosphere perfectly. The lobster sandwich is divine. Lobster and shrimp blended with peas and fennel; this is a highlight for me. Our attentive server heard me say how much I liked it and brought us two more sandwiches. Another surprise was an orange soufflé brought to us, au gratis. A superb experience I look forward to having again.
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Russian Tea Time
It’s possible to enter another world right across the street from Chicago’s Art Institute. It’s a world of old-Russian opulence. With warm mahogany walls adorned by unique samovars and pleasant burgundy hues, this is a lovely place for tea. To celebrate my Mother’s birthday we chose their full tea service, which includes pots of tea, scones, savories and sweets. From their ample list of thirty we selected their House Blend (Darjeeling, Ceylon and black currant) and a hearty decaf vanilla. The decadent House Blend is served in a traditional glass cup with an intricate metal frame and handle (just like the cup a friend of mine told me he drank from on the Trans-Siberian Railway). Our three-tier tray arrived filled to the brim. The delightful raisin scones were the flaky kind, filled with giant golden raisins and accompanied by cream and jam. The savory offerings were three-layer crustless triangles; salmon with dill, roasted red pepper, and corned beef with asparagus. In addition, they included delicious mini quiche and veggie blintz. All were delicious, however I would have liked one of the sandwiches on their dark pumpernickle bread. Sweets were abundant; petite Napoleon Torte, mini rugala, white and chocolate petit four, meringue, raspberry bar, butter cookies and a tiny biscotti-type treat. The service is friendly and the ambiance is welcoming; I would highly recommend this afternoon tea.
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Leaforever
This contemporary teahouse is located in Paseo Colorado, the high-end open-air mall just blocks from the core of Old Town Pasadena. With a modern Asian vibe, the black, red and gold scheme creates a slick, polished impression. Dramatic rows of large red canisters on black shelves line the back wall of the large space. Each table has a rounder of glass jars to smell tea and aide in your selection from their 300+ assortment. It is a comfortable place to relax and use their free wireless, which is made even better by the friendly service. I chose Pai Mu Tan with safflowers and pomegranate. They carry fine tea goods from around the world including Japanese cast iron pots, Bodum pots and unique ceramic tea sets. Their mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle and offer an ambience of tranquility – I could feel both accomplished during my visit.
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Drake Hotel
This landmark of civic pride first opened its doors in 1920 retains the aura of yesteryear. We were settled in to the Palm Court Lounge and ordered when the harpist began to play. Their tea selection is a mix of Mighty Leaf and Twinings including 11 black, 2 green, 8 herbals served loose leaf in individual pots. We chose Mighty Leaf Ginger Peach and Pear Caramel. The Ginger Peach combines black tea with fruit and spice. Pear Caramel, made with Washington state pears blended with Ceylon and China black tea and pieces of caramel. A three-tiered tray was delivered to our table. Our tea sandwiches included egg salad and cucumber-tomato both on white bread, roast beef with crunchy onions on wheat, and a ham-asparagus roll. Banana bread and golden raisin scones with cream and raspberry preserves were served, and later, four pastries. The presentation isn’t particularly inventive or gourmet, however a pleasant traditional version of British-style afternoon tea in old-elegance surroundings. Our friendly and attentive waiter took good care of us. We were checked on several times and our teapots were kept full of hot water. The centerpiece of the large, square room is the fountain adorned with both sea creatures and cherubs and crowned by a 250-year-old urn. The lounge is eclectic and fancy, but not off-limits. I would suggest visiting the Drake mid-week when it is not too busy and you can soak up the ambiance of this American landmark.
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@spot cafe
This great new tea cafe presents a selection of 20 Adagio Teas and 8 unique Fully Loaded Teas (Tomato Rebel Black and Cucumber Mojo White!). In addition to abundant tea choices, they have soups, sandwiches, 10 types of biscotti and a serious espresso machine. The vibe is friendly here, which makes it a comfortable place for everyone. There is a kid’s corner and a “place to park your pooch” outside. Modern lighting and great art complement the deep chocolate and burnt orange décor. Dark wood tables provide a place to eat, and the overstuffed couch and chairs offer a comfy setting while using the free wireless. I lingered over two drinks: Pomegranate Ceylon and a special Pirate’s Chai made of matcha, spices and soymilk. This frothy green chai is the most unique version I’ve tasted. Convenient in River North, I will be frequenting this spot.
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The Tea Zone
Behind a Pearl District tea shop in the traditional American style sits a surprise, a true tea bar mixing tea and alcohol into great tasting concoctions. Tea Zone carries over 100 quality loose-leaf teas and offers a large teapot and tea accessory selection. The affiliated Camellia Lounge employs the notion of mixology and the slogan “drinks should not only taste good but be good for you.” Our tea infused cocktails came with inventive names as well: “The Bobby” made of mango black tea, vodka with 7-up and the “Streetcar Named Desire” made with Champagne, pomegranate liquor and hibiscus juice. It’s low-lit and feels lounge-like yet comfortable. I’ll return to try more creative tea combinations.
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Tea Chai Te
In the posh shopping district of 23rd Avenue, Tea Chai Te offers a spot to relax and refresh. This is a comfy, casual shop with friendly service. A wooden grid displays small glass jars filled with tea you can sniff and choose. They carry a variety of 80 loose-leaf teas including black from India, China and Sri Lanka, green from Japan, oolong from Taiwan, yerba mate from South America, fruit infusions and 10 different kinds of chai. I tried two teas. I picked Vanilla Peach Apricot black and enjoyed it with milk and sugar. My friend chose iced Honeydew White; refreshing for a warm August day. The Honeydew White was delicious iced and I have since made it at home and it is ideal prepared hot as well. This teahouse is a good place to meet friends, bring your laptop or book and enjoy an extended living room.
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Tea Essence Inc.
Tea Essence is a great addition to Chicago’s tea scene. Their tea comes from many different vendors and they blend themselves. A large selection of loose leaf tea is ready for you to smell and inspect from small, clear jars. I tried the Raindrop white blend; it was delicious. Passionate owner Tanya is excited to talk about tea and you can sense her enthusiasm for tea in the blends she creates. It is a comfortable place with a variety of types of seating and a colorful modern vibe. I look forward to my next visit to talk tea and try their innovative blends.
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The Tea Grotto
With huge vertical windows, brick walls, and modern lighting, the atmosphere of the Tea Grotto is contemporary, loft-like and inspired by pan-Asian tea growing countries. They have created a special environment including a “Zen Room” with bamboo floor, low tables and pillows for the ultimate in tea meditation. Their selection is vast, from several versions of chai to matcha to estate specific oolongs. The owner, Rebecca, suggested Jade Oolong served gongfu style. It was my first experience with this Chinese service and I enjoyed the methodical preparation and several steepings of my delicious oolong. My husband, who has yet to decide if he even likes tea, had two full pots of Assam. Both delicious. Light meal offerings are served. We chose the pumpkin tart, deliciously savory with onion and garlic and a tomato, olive and feta galette. We lingered, enjoying the relaxing music and environment. Can’t wait to return.
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Franchia Teahouse & Restaurant
Lovely and relaxing, this Korean teahouse evokes calm within a special ambiance in Midtown. Under an intricate ceiling three distinct levels of seating include a front casual space against windows, a second level for more intimate dining, and a third level with a traditional Korean tearoom. This was the ideal respite for my Mother and me as we scurried around NYC on a chilly spring day. We warmed up with a First Flush Darjeeling and a sweet Korean plum/honey concoction topped with pine nuts. Service was friendly and the presentation wasn’t ordinary. Franchia offers a wide variety of green tea and unique herbals, two black varieties, two oolongs and one white. We were there for tea, but after seeing their vegetarian pan-Asian menu I would return for a meal. This is a pleasant place to spend time; I look forward to my next visit.
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Cafe Chloe
Dark wood, white walls and filled with natural light, Café Chloe was a perfect spot to share “Urban Tea” with my husband. French inspired, the owner’s gave much thought to the surroundings. The kitchen was delayed, so we were given complimentary Prosecco (and a refill) and enjoyed the ambiance. We selected ‘In Pursuit of Tea’ Darjeeling and Assam, served in brown ceramic pots with big white cups. The service was pleasant and the high-energy owner was engaging and excited to talk about tea. Savories began with absolutely delicious mushroom soup served in a demitasse with a tiny spoon. A three-tiered tray included various tea sandwiches and sweets. A small critique, the food was good, but repetitive: two different fish sandwiches, mushroom soup and mushroom tart, apple muffin and apple tart, two types of croissant. I’d return for the delicious tea, friendly service and lovely urban atmosphere.
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Nada Tea & Coffee House
The contemporary interior of Japanese-inspired Nada is meant to offer a peaceful teahouse experience. And it does. The sleek space employs an imaginative combination of materials, such as bamboo and aluminum with an illuminated wall of straw mesh. Opposite is a long banquette with pillows and pendant lighting. Service is friendly and informative. Tea is presented on small wood trays with an hourglass set to suggest when your tea is ready. Green teas are imported from Yanoen, Kyoto, Japan and black teas from the UK’s Ahmad. I enjoyed a sampler of greens: Sencha, Genmaicha, Hojicha. The honey-colored Hojicha was my favorite. Lunch fare includes panini, soup and quiche. The food is special; my chicken pesto panini was a cut-above as well as the mission fig scone. I look forward to my next visit to Nada for Japanese teas and thoughtful presentation and service.
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Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Inc.
Despite the overwhelming smell of coffee, one can have a quality cup of loose-leaf tea in this urban spot.
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Four Season Chicago
To celebrate my friend’s birthday we chose the Four Seasons Conservatory for tea. We decided to indulge and have the 'Conservatory Tea' with Louis Roederer Champagne. Our tea service was full of pleasant little surprises… like the unique teapots and the single deviled eggs served in white porcelain Chinese soup spoons. The special white porcelain “Sleeping” teapots (made in Austria) lay on their sides to steep, and then upright to separate the leaves from the water and pour. They serve Mighty Leaf Teas with a selection of 17 black, green, oolong, white and herbal teas. We decided on pots of Vanilla Bean and Orchid Oolong. Already a fan of Mighty Leaf, I savored my Vanilla Bean like a dessert--full-bodied and fruity. The blend of Ceylon and China black teas meld perfectly with the Madagascar vanilla. The Orchid Oolong my friend selected was subtly floral with a touch of coconut. It has become one of her new favorites. From a hand-carried tray we were served a very nice selection of traditional tea sandwiches including roast beef crostini, chicken pate on white bread, salmon on rye, and a deviled egg. The sweets were abundant and presented on a three-tier tray left at our table. My favorites were their White chocolate genache tart and tiny Raspberry cheesecake. Other delectables included layered espresso cake, banana bread, orange mini-madeline and coffee flavored shortbread. On the top tier were two types of scones, plain and pumpkin, both were perfectly baked and served with lemon curd, raspberry preserves and devonshire cream. Located on the seventh floor, the Conservatory’s refined atmosphere is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. The room is richly decorated and highlighted by a fountain and large windows over Michigan Avenue. We thoroughly enjoyed our decadent afternoon at the Four Seasons Conservatory with wonderful tea, Champagne, delicious savories and sweets… it was really lovely.
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Argo Tea
I’m excited about these Chicago-based tea stores! The urban atmosphere and friendly service make it a great place to meet a friend or take your laptop (free internet). I prefer to sit and sip at the Broadway shop, or the adorable-from-the-outside store in the theater district where they have the tea-making process on show. I mostly go to the Armitage shop because it’s the closest to me, but it’s small and often seems to be busy and crowded - a good sign. Argo Tea has a selection of about 35 loose teas. I've tried several; my favorites are Persimmon White (de-lish!) and Darjeeling Champagne. Ginger Peach, made from their concentrate, is also very good for a quick cup. Tropical Green was my least favorite. Its flavorings were good, but it was a little bitter; it might have been over-steeped. My husband enjoyed their Carolina Honey signature drink, made from black tea, honey and lemon (guys feel comfortable here). One has the option of a custom pot or a select few teas made quickly from a concentrate. Both types are good and flavorful, but for the 'experience' of tea I'd suggest a custom pot. There are also signature drinks (tea drinks both hot and cold) and Bubble tea. I tried a signature cold drink, the MojiTea, made from Armenian Mint herbal tea (caffeine free) with lime juice and they suggested the addition of sparkling water—very good and refreshing on a warm day. I've also tried their Bubble Tea, which as a non-coffee drinker I must say was my first Starbucks-esque experience given all the choices... I had a Ginger Peach Bubble Tea with coconut pearls and soy milk! I like this place because they do both traditional loose teas and unique, new tea drinks. I would definitely recommend Argo.