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.
Takashimaya Tea Box
I haven’t sat down for tea here yet, but have visited the shop twice. A small, lovely shop in the lower level of Takashimaya, the upscale Japanese Department store on 5th Avenue. It is a delightful shop and a joy to peruse with a variety of paraphernalia and many drawers of loose tea.
NOTE: The Union Square location has recently closed, although you can still
find them on-line. The owners are looking for a new and bigger flagship space.
This tiny spot has an ultra modern tea vibe in the middle of Union Square hustle and bustle. These guys are excited about promoting tea. I met the owners and saw their passion first hand as their shop opened in 2006. They have a good selection of loose white, green, oolong and black plus their own specialty drinks. The shop has contemporary music undertones anchored by their unique elevated DJ box. Drinks are aptly categorized as “mixes” and “remixes.” I stop by this place anytime I am in NYC.
If you want to take a couple hours and escape to all things British, this is the place for you. It is quite small, stuffed with knick-knacks and always crowded. They have some interesting practices here to include asking one group of guests to move mid meal to accommodate another party, asking customers to leave when they are finished, and not seating a group until everyone is present. None of this happened to my group. All the rules are spelled out clearly on a poster on the front door, so one can prepare. I enjoyed afternoon tea; good tea, good treats, however not a relaxing, peaceful place. Next door, their store filled with tea, British groceries, and sweets beckons.
Chic and discreet, this shop exudes refined, inspired tea life. They offer many types of loose leaf tea and bottled tea ready-to-drink. In addition to practical tea equipment, this sophisticated shop has a unique collection of artisan teaware. Upstairs is the high-end restaurant Kai, which proves “food can be art.”
