Tea Party

TEA PARTY

From fancy concoctions to simply steeped bliss, connoisseurs can fi nd the perfect cup of tea in Philly.

words by > Pam George

Philadelphia is famous for its cheese steaks, hoagies and soft pretzels—appropriate fare for a town whose hockey team is nicknamed the Broad Street Bullies. But the no-frills city is increasingly gaining fame for a more sophisticated offering: tea.

“There’s a lot more interest in tea now,” says Grace Newbold, assistant tea bar manager at Bubble House in University City. “People are getting away from coffee, and tea is better for you.” Recent studies have credited tea for doing everything from preventing cancer to promoting a healthy heart and curbing arthritis. Green tea contains high amounts of powerful antioxidants called catechin polyphenols.

Many converts simply relish the taste.

In Philadelphia, you can fi nd tea lattes, fruit-fl avored drinks with tea and tapioca and even martini-inspired tea drinks. Meanwhile, traditionalists can still get a strong, steaming “cuppa” in posh surroundings. Any way you sip it, the city is in the midst of a major tea party. And it shows no sign of stopping. Here is a sampling of what the area has to offer tea drinkers.

Teahouses and retailers

Bubble House

3404 Sansom St, 215-243-0804

www.thebubblehouse.com This popular establishment helped launch the modern tea-drinking revolution in 2001 with bubble tea, a Taiwanese import made with tea, fruit fl avoring and tapioca balls, which give the drink its whimsical name. The restaurant also serves loose-leaf black, green and herbal tea, chai and Frostea—a slushy drink made with tea. “We have a lot of teas that have health benefi ts,” says Newbold. The recently expanded Bubble House also features a restaurant and lounge, with a bar serving alcohol.

House of Tea

720 S 4th St, 215-923-8327

www.houseoftea.com Like an Old World apothecary shop, this slim space is lined with cubbies in which jars of tea reside. Blends have exotic names such as China Black Orchid, Formosa Jade Oolong and Kiwi Strawberry. It was founded by the late local legend Nathaniel Litt, who was at times a magician, clown, architect, chef and tea purveyor. Maybe there is something to the idea that tea promotes energy.

Premium Steap

111 S 18th St, 215-568-2920

www.wayneteasalon.com Premium Steap moved from the suburbs to Rittenhouse Square in 2005. The new Zen-like space is devoted to more than 140 loose-leaf teas. The varieties—all the shop’s own blends—include Golden Needle from China, East Friesian Blend from India and Sumatra, and Lavender Earl Grey from India and Sri Lanka. White and green teas are the most popular. Labels detail each tea’s fl avor and benefi ts, and customers are encouraged to open lids and take a whiff. For a twist on the French favorite, try Thé Au Lait—hot tea with frothed milk.

Ray’s Café & Tea House

141 N 9th St, 215-922-5122

www.rayscafe.com Ray’s specializes in Taiwanese tea, entrées and pastries. Owner Grace Chen says interest in tea has grown 80 percent since the café opened in 1989: “People understand tea better now.” Along with Taiwanese blends, the café brews up to 15 other teas, including English Breakfast and chamomile.

Remedy Tea Bar

1628 Sansom St, 215-557-6688

www.remedytea.com Inspired by a trip to London, the Kammerer sisters opened Remedy in 2005. Their slogan, “serving the hot and the cool,” is apt. Fashionistas fl ock here for a caffeine buzz or an herbal remedy. Blended drinks include the Mar-Tea-Ni, a Cosmo-like creation made with passion berry, iced tea, cranberry juice and lime juice. Cool Green, made with green tea, ice, skim milk and vanilla, is very popular.

A Taste of Britain

40 Berkley Rd, Devon, 610-971-0390

www.easyelegance.net Anglophiles will adore this elegant hotspot. Loose-leaf tea, served in bone-china cups, is accompanied by all the traditional foods, including Cornish pasties, sausage rolls and scones. You can eat in or take out.

Afternoon tea establishments

Dessert

The Italian Market, 806 S 6th St, 215-923-9733 This sweet spot is known for its epicurean desserts and European-style ambiance. Afternoon tea features all the trimmings, including savory fi nger foods, fresh-baked scones and mini-sweets.

Swann Lounge

Four Seasons Hotel, One Logan Square, 215-963-1500 www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia Among the most refi ned dining spots in the city, the Four Seasons also delivers a sumptuous afternoon tea. Choose from “Social Tea” or “Royal Tea,” with the royal treatment apparently being the addition of a libation such as sparkling wine. Both teas feature scones, fi nger sandwiches, desserts and fruit tartlets.

Mary Cassatt Tea Room and Garden

The Rittenhouse, 210 W Rittenhouse Square, 215-546-9000 www.rittenhousehotel.com Inspired by its namesake artist, this lovely salon invites guests into a serene enclave with formal garden views. The daily afternoon tea features scones, pastries, sandwiches and signature brews, including Vanilla Bean, Earl Grey Organic, Bombay Chai and Green Tea Tropical.

The Ritz-Carlton

10 Avenue of the Arts, 215-523-8000

www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/philadelphia Soaring white marble columns punctuate the Rotunda, the hotel’s neoclassic lounge, which offers a lovely afternoon tea that includes sandwiches, pastries and champagne.