SAN FRANCISCO
This lovely family-run shop in Chinatown has been in the tea business
for over twenty-five years. They offer artisan tea displayed in oversized tins and will prepare a gaiwan tasting for any tea you are interested in purchasing. They have an extensive array of three types of oolongs: wuyi, formosa, anxi – as well as white, green, black and pu-erh. They also focus on Jasmine, carrying six different types. A variety of teaware for sale includes beautiful Yixing pots, gaiwan and tea service accessories. We tasted Silk Oolong, which is twenty percent oxidized and sprayed lightly with milk during its processing to create a unique flavor. It is a very friendly shop that affords one the opportunity to learn about specialty tea.
Imperial Tea Court, Ferry Building
You can escape to the calm of a Chinese teahouse within the bustle of the Ferry Building. This peaceful and friendly place offers sit-down tea service of both gaiwan and gongfu preparation methods. From their menu of forty teas (their website has an even more extensive list) I chose the gaiwan service for Orchid Oolong, a fired Fujian Tie Guan Yin infused with orchid blossoms. My friend opted for an Earl Grey scented with lavender. To accompany your tea they offer dim sum, lunch and light snacks. We ordered the Dim Sum Combination Plate made up of baked spring rolls, shrimp dumplings, shou mei dumplings and steamed buns. Both the tea and the dim sum were delightful. They have several Yixing pots for sale as well as tins, gaiwan, books and puerh cakes. I look forward to returning to this oasis of tea.
I found this teahouse to express the essence of cross-cultural tea enjoyment in America. It is a unique place that offers seven international tea services. Each service includes a plate of themed treats and a perfectly paired pot of tea presented on dishes one might imagine from that tea-drinking country. The atmosphere is humming but retains calm. A twenty-foot tall wall of windows framed by long dark red drapes look out onto the modern shapes of the Yerba Buena Gardens. An antiqued stucco wall lined with shelves full of beautiful tins exhibit a worldly flair. Cushioned banquets offer a comfy place to sink in and look out onto a tree-line bed of colorful flowers. The Samovar seeks out small batches of tea seasonally from estates around the world. Their collection offers approximately 35 teas, several classic (Gyukoro to Lapsang Souchong) and several house blends with names like Scarlet Sable and herbal Ocean of Wisdom. Many of their teas are certified organic and/or fair trade. Their food is varied and immaculately prepared and presented. I chose the Moorish Platter, which included kebabs, salad and goat cheese with mint stuffed dates. Accompanying my platter was a distinctive mint tea combining peppermint, cardamom, ginger, black pepper and a touch of green tea. Other services include Indian, Japanese English, Russian and Chinese. Their menu varies so you may see different themed services. If you are not prepared to have a full tea service, they also offer sandwiches, salads and brunch options. On my second visit I enjoyed the Polenta Ginger Waffle with Orange Ginger tisane. I’ve also heard very good things about their cherry scones. The details are important here. In addition it high quality teas and ingredients, the water quality and preparation are given the attention they deserve. On hand is a helpful, tea-educated staff. Samovar is out to promote a “tea lifestyle” a return to simple things like “relaxation, health, and social intimacy.” I’d say they have done a great job.
A beautiful book and a great resource about tea culture in the Bay Area; I highly recommend...
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Quaint window nooks of this vintage styled teahouse draw you in from the street. A cast iron stove, dark wood floors, exposed copper pipes above and art deco paintings create an antique feel without being feminine. From 55 teas, and aided by friendly service, I selected the Casablanca White Fig tea, a blend of Fujian province white and Mediterranean fig. My tea was served in a white ceramic pot and cup. One refill of water is complimentary and customers are given a place to remove and set the leaves when tea is finished steeping. I chose the “Tea lunch” – open-face cucumber sandwich triangles, small iceberg lettuce salad, cup of fruit and a chocolate chip scone. They have a variety of sandwiches to choose from as well as salad and soup. For something sweet they offer house-made madelines, scones, cookies and biscotti. The owner creates his own blends and infusions with creative names like Kookiedoodle and Kisses, all are available for sale in canisters. This is a comfortable place to relax with free WIFI, in a non-hurried atmosphere, and a cup of delicious tea.
Modern Tea (Restaurant is closed, but tea is still available on-line)
Part tea bar, part restaurant and a bit of retail, Modern Tea is a bright welcoming spot to connect and refresh. A high ceiling, plank wood floor, yellow walls and long rustic tables made of recycled fir topped fresh flowers create a contemporary yet homey atmosphere. Large ribbons of stained glass, in blue, green and bright yellow, surround the light-filled room. There is copper tea bar at one end where they prepare approximately 22 teas and engage those there to watch the tea drama unfold. From their conscience-sourced collection ranging from Assam to Hojicha I chose a First Flush Tinharia Darjeeling, bright liquor with tart fruit notes. Extensive dining options include weekend brunch, afternoon snacks and a full menu for lunch and diner all using local, organic ingredients. They believe in the “farm to table” practice and the quality of the food and tea is evident.
There are two Vital Leaf shops within a block or so of each other in Chinatown. They have a tasting bar, modeled after a wine bar, where they prepare tea for you to sample before you purchase to prepare at home. Large glass canisters of loose leaf tea line the walls of the shops and they have an extensive list of over three hundred Chinese teas available on their website as well. The staff is happy to engage you about tea and assist in your selection.