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I had my first cup of Metolius Artisan Tea while brunching at Chow. While the meal itself was good & satisfying, memories of it have mostly fallen to the wayside- except that mug of tea! I can still taste rich cream wrapping around fragrant leaves of malty black tea, scented with Madagascar vanilla beans, bergamot, and soft blue bachelor’s buttons. The tea (which I later purchased at a local grocery store, because I couldn’t accept leaving Bend without my own supply) is sourced from small production farmers in Yunnan, China, and speaks to Metolius Artisan Tea’s dedication to quality and crafstmanship. I’ll let you in on a secret- the last time I had an earl grey as fine as Metolius’ is when I overpaid for Mariage Freres’ French Blue (readying myself for the pitchforks…) which was just as gorgeous, but not nearly as fragrant, nor as affordable as Metolius’ earl grey. (Cue googly lovebug eyes) Metolius also crafts and sells oolongs, mates, reds, whites, greens, florals, herbals, and chocolate-flecked teas, in addition to tisanes, spices and herbs. The company sources from small production farmers, both in the local community, and worldwide, and favors natural ingredients over synthetic flavorings or extracts to perfume its teas. A decade ago, I would have cried upon reaching the last few leaves of earl grey in my tin, but the future is now (!) and the world wide web ensures that I’m never more than a few clicks away from a fresh tin of Metolius. Speaking of, I’m off to order some now…

TranquiliTea – Menu with Prices – 1400 Kempsville Rd, Chesapeake

This is the worst experience I’ve ever had at a tea shop. I visited TranquiliTea on two different occasions, both of which were within normal operating hours and yet the shop was still closed. Before I attempted on the third occasion I called and the shop was still closed but the owner agreed to meet me at the shop (she had been home with her 15 year old sons that had a cold). The shop is cute and has an open layout, however, the inventory was extremely limited, and all of the teas come prepackaged so that you can’t see or smell the leaves. This is odd for a tea shop. Despite my utter disappointment up until this point, it gets worse. I paid $26 for 100g (3.5 ounces) of Earl Grey. For anyone moderately aware of typical tea prices, this is unheard off. A good tea is typically three to four dollars an ounce, her markup put the tea at $9 an ounce. Doesn’t end there however, it’s really the gift that keeps on giving… when I get back to work to check out this $26 tea, I opened it up and it’s a vacuum sealed bag directly from the whole seller!!! I then go online because I have to see just how much this tea was marked up, I create an account online because you don’t have to be a business, and see that the exact earl grey I purchased is sold for $16.04 for a 500g bag!!!! I pad $26 for 100g. So essentially it’s $3.20 per 100g . So yeah, TranquiliTea is nothing more than a brick and mortar middle man. A hustler, a swindler, a bamboozler… I’ve been hoodwinked and I’m outraged. For the love of all things good, steer clear, save yourself a trip and either frequent Quintins Tea Emporium in Virginia Beach, or just go to www.jenierteas.com because that the supplier that TranquiliTea uses. This is egregious. A total violation of ethics and common decency. I do not recommend this shop, or agree with the business practices. I’m not sure if there are any laws against markup, I understand that profit must be made and that markups are a part of business, but this type of price gouging has got to be a violation of at least ethics.

Stardust Tea Spice and Beads – Menu with Prices – 850 Hillwood Blvd #7, Nashville

LOVE this place! When I used to visit Nashville I would always make sure to stop in here to pick out a variety of teas! Now that I’ve officially moved here, Stardust Teas is most certainly my go to! They have a wide variety of different teas (from herbal, to green, and to black). My favorites are the Tummy Tea, Gingerbread Tea, & the Decaf Blueberry Black Tea. What I love most about the herbal fruity teas is that they aren’t overwhelming with the artificial taste (not that they’re made with any artificial). The owner & his wife was very sweet! I enjoy conversing with them every time I stop by. They also sell spices which smell fantastic, but I have yet to try any of them (will soon). In the back of the store, they sell beads, and handmade jewelry. I bought a crystal necklace, and it’s beautiful! The silver hasn’t tarnished, and it’s still shiny as ever! If anyone is ever into trying new teas or even spices definitely take a look at Stardust! The owner is knowledgable of each product, and you can even smell the tea/spices (to get an idea) prior to purchasing! They also accept all forms of payment!

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market – open October through May – Menu with Prices – 3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale

I am not a big Farmers Market person, and I’ve only been to a few other ones in the Phoenix area, but this is my favorite one. I like the VARIETY of vendors that they have. There’s several unique, local products here that you just don’t find at other Farmers Markets. Honestly, I’m not sure if the produce is any better/there’s more of it compared to other Farmers Markets, but what they have is always fresh and there’s a good variety. This is an especially great Farmers Market for already made items (breakfast, pastries, etc…). There was a begniet lady there last time I came (wish I can remember her name…I lost her card) who made such yummy pastry! One thing about this Farmers Market is that it’s very compact & stands are very well organized, which is something I like. The lot it’s set up on isn’t THAT big (compared to other Farmers Market lots I’ve been to), but there’s deceptively quite a few vendors. Also, because they are right in Old Town a lot of local restaurants in the area set up stands here to sample food (and hand out coupons).

Dragonfly Tea House – Menu with Prices – 4250 Cerrillos Rd Unit 1204, Santa Fe

I’ll start by prefacing that I know the owner Beverly from the past and see her from time to time. She was an artist who’s had her work in Santa Fe’s DT Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. She left her 9-5 job to pursue her dream to start her own small business. I would stop by the mall periodically to see if she had opened. I was so happy to see this young woman is now on her way as of a few days ago. Now to an honest review. I like tea. Teas offer many health benefits. I visit San Francisco’s China Town tea shops anytime I visit. I’m impressed with her assortment of teas and the many ways to enjoy them. Note-this isn’t your big box supermarket OTC tea. You can have a fresh cup of tea to go, or sit and enjoy in the front sitting area. She can package your favorite teas by the ounce to enjoy at home or work. She offers some foodie items as well. She tells me she will be opening sitting rooms in the back for parties of 2-6 people. She let me check out some of the rooms. I’ll post some pics. My recommendations for teas: 1. Matcha Green Tea Latte 2. Peach Apricot White Tea 3. Sparkling Sugar Plumb 4. Cream Earl Grey They can be served hot or cold. Look up green teas to see their benefits. Matcha is in particular very good for your digestive system, reduces blood pressure and some studies even say it offers cancer fighting effects on the body. I buy it in bulk and now I have a source in the southwest side of town I can trust. You can’t always trust online products. Well I’ll end this review by saying I hope the Dragonfly Tea House rocks and people will discover and enjoy what it offers. I know I will.

Feng Cha Teahouse – Menu with Prices – 113 Marshall St, Syracuse

If you come here, better ride in a FRIEND’S CAR Cause your belly skin won’t break, but it will really BEND FAR Forget the Matcha Fad, you can put it in your TREND JAR Forget your Spiked Smoothie, cause this is not a BLEND BAR I cut Barbie’s credit card, so now I have a SPEND SCAR But it wasn’t a real fight, only a PRETEND SPAR Buying lots of Boba is the way to my GIRLFRIEND’S HEART And I borrowed masking make up from JEFFREE “LEND” STARR But if you’re in Syracuse and wanna know who your FRIENDS ARE Friends don’t let friends drive Boba Drunk from FENG CHA! What to get: Everything is good! But what is the best stuff tho!?: Brown Sugar Milk Tea (ask for lots of extra Brown Sugar) And: Fresh Lemon Black tea is phenomenal, amazing, might need extra sweetness, might not. With Fengs like this, who needs enemies? Actually this Feng is a BFF (Best Feng Forever). Feng Cha in Syracuse was nothing short of spectacular. It’s actually my favourite location out of all the ones I’ve been to so far (including several in Canada, Texas, and elsewhere). I really like this franchise, and it is one of my favourites, and for me to say that this is my favourite location is saying quite a lot – especially considering that the ones in Dallas and Houston are so freaking awesome. If they made kebabs, they’d be Feng Char. If they could turn back time, they’d be Feng Cher, and they’d be frequented by Gypsies Tramps and Thieves and would disown their lesbian daughter. Just kidding about the daughter babe! I got you babe! We’re big fans of the Feng Cha franchise. Barbie likes it a little more than I do, it might be her fave franchise after Tea Top. All locations have some of the friendliest service and best decor of the major chains. High-class, cozy, very feng shui, and reminds me of Tea House Formosa in Atlanta in some ways. Which you probably haven’t been to so why did I name drop it just now #NameDrop #Why #Did-I. Actually I think that’s exactly why they’re called Feng Cha now that I think about it. Because their place looks very Feng Shui! And I wouldn’t sit on the floor if I were you. Just plop yourself in a comfy Feng Chair. Or kill all the customers with a gun (all guns should be outlawed), and you’ll get the Feng Electric Chair. But yeah this is the best one I’ve been to. I’ll definitely be back here again. I’ll be bringing Barbie here as well. I had such low expectations when I walked in because it was half an hour before closing and they told me that they could still make drinks for me, but it made me feel bad because I think they were just about to close up early. I was so grateful because I had come such a long way. They were out of black tea which is the only thing that I really like to get. They kept trying to persuade me to get Earl Grey or Green and I assured them that I don’t like green tea and I’m not really a fan of Earl Grey either – but they convinced me to try the earl gray straight up like sweetened black tea, and it was surprisingly shockingly really good, because I never usually like Earl Grey. So, I told them they could go ahead and make the lemon black tea with Earl Grey and the regular bubble tea with Earl Grey. It took them seven or eight minutes to come up with the drinks but once they did I was blown away. Every step of the lemon in every sip of the milk tea was Paradise. These were the best boobs… I mean Bobas… I’ve had in a long time. They keep the place pretty clean. I guess the employees are not afraid of the odd Feng Chore. If you want to dance with the Stars, you can do the Feng Cha Cha. And if you write on their blackboard, use the Feng Chalk. And if you come in dressed like a Dallas Cowboys girl, fake tan and fake hair and fake body parts on show, then other than Barbie thinking you’re a mirror and me asking you out, you’ll be able to Feng Cheer. Definitely one of my favori

Gryphon’s Tea – Menu with Prices – 4709 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh

I am an addict to their tea. I start to panic when I realize I’m running low on my two favorites, the Vanilla Black and Earl Grey. Since the shop is on the opposite end of town from where I live, I stock up with a good amount. Seriously, when I asked for 10oz of each, the person working didn’t believe me at first! So why do I like the tea so much? It’s super flavorful and is strong enough that those flavors come through balanced, but aren’t overwhelming. It’s probably the best early grey I’ve ever had, seriously! Everyone who works here is so nice too! They’re happy to talk tea with you, which I love. They have over 100 different blends on hand, so there’s something for everyone in terms of black, herbal, green and more. They even have a matcha blend, for those who are on that kick (not a fan, but I know a lot of people are). They also have a small amount of retail you can buy. Great gift options for tea lovers! My tip would be if you have your heart set on a certain tea, call ahead. Sometimes they run out… Especially if you have a fave and order a good amount. They also can brew up tea if you want something on the go! If you’re a tea lover, you have to go here stat!

Starland Cafe & Catering – Menu with Prices – 11 E 41st St, Savannah

I can’t believe it took us 7 months to discover and try this spot. tucked away in Starland District , this spot is a local gem for sure. Plenty of seating inside and when weather allows great outdoor seating. The earl grey sweet tea was delicious and different from traditional tea you get everywhere else. I got the goat bomb and I think it was the best tomato bisque I’ve ever had. Their ciabatta bread is delicious and they grill it perfectly to dip in your soup. My husband had the special panini and loved it. I definitely want to try the kitchen sink salad next time. The owner was there and incredibly welcoming and hospitable. It’s IN a house and they literally make you feel welcome in to their home as they make you lunch. Can’t wait to go back and try everything!

Blue Bottle Coffee – Menu with Prices – 4001 Piedmont Ave, Oakland

Blue bottle was cute… as a small location in JLS, just passed downtown Oakland. It was a small, privately-owned Oakland-local company. Today, blue bottle is not small, not private, not cute. While they market themselves as a “little guy”, they are (now) owned by the tycoon conglomerate company, Nestle. Blue bottle has zero personality or “story.” They just sell expensive coffee at roughly $5. It’s good, but so are the other S E V E N coffee shops on piedmont. In case you miss this (Piedmont)Blue bottle, don’t worry… there’s another Blue Bottle a half mile down the road on Broadway (really not kidding). Despite how they market themselves, they are not local, or privately owned. This store on Piedmont is paying premium cost for retail space on a street where small-businesses continue to slowly shut down, and large boring chains (like this) are opening. Piedmont has several local coffee spots now being smothered by the Starbucks, Peet’s and the recent Blue Bottle. Soon I’m sure we can look forward to Chipotle and Target… Please don’t support Blue Bottle. Too many actual local little guys are already here, and have great coffee. Support local business, especially when it’s better. Blue Bottle does not have a sense of community.

Westover Farmers Market Menu with Prices 1644, Westover Library Plaza, 2944, N McKinley Rd, Arlington

I can’t believe there’s only 2 reviews for this farmers market. I find almost everything I need here. There is good quality meat of all different types (beef, bison, pork, chicken etc.) and a variety of cuts. I even can find organ meats here which can be hard to come by in a grocery store and they are grass-fed and/or pasture-raised. They have a wide variety of fruits and veggies and even fermented food. Another plus about this farmers market is finding a parking space is easy and it is never crowded. Even though you might spend more on some of the products than you would in a grocery store it’s nice to know you are supporting local farmers and getting a better quality….which in my opinion is worth it.

Artisan Foods Catering, Inc. – Menu with Prices – 5100 Sheridan St, Hollywood

Artisan Foods, Always Fabulous! Mini mac & cheese, matzoh ball soup in tiny tea cups, slider bars, right from the oven chocolate chip cookies….these are a few of my favorite things. I’ve hosted 2 Bar Mitzvahs and 3 Banquets catered by Artisan Foods, and my only regret has been that I yet to have another occasion to plan with them. Brad Friedman and staff are the most wonderful people to work with. My guests have raved about the food and continue to mention it years after the fact. Artisan is not only about the food though, their service is gracious and accommodating. Even the youngest of servers cater to each guests needs, whether its a chair-bound elder to whom they deliver a plate of curated appetizers or pointing out all the suitable options to a vegan guest.This is a testament to the level of service you can expect with Artisan.

Heavenly Special Teas – Menu with Prices – 5012 N Market St, Spokane

I love having a place where we can go for high tea. They have a nice assortment of teas, the service is great. I did not give them 5 stars because, for me, their teas are overpriced (they also sell loose teas), and when I first went there soon after their opening, I was told the teas were all organic. The last time I went in to purchase teas, I noticed that if I took them at their word instead of reading everything, I would have found that only a handful of their ingredients are organic. Perhaps it’s changed since then. Not sure. They also had a promotion where you could have tea mailed to you. I think it was like monthly. The cost was way too much. I asked about this and was told that yes, there is no benefit to having teas shipped monthly if you live in the area.

Churchill’s Fine Teas – Menu with Prices – 2681 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati

We grew up on tea. Ice tea in the Summer. Hot tea in the winter. However, I was not aware of all the subtleties of of teas and the variety. We boiled water threw in some Lipton tea then drank it. Being in the health field I am particular interested in Herbal Teas. Who has not heard of the health benefits of green tea in particular? Their teas are mostly loose teas ground coarse.This is what is recommended for maximum health effects. Coarse teas retain their essential oils better than finely ground. This is where I go to get my all my teas. A large variety and a very knowledgeable staff.