Tea Shop - Miansai Tea Bar

On a stroll through Soho I went into Miansai, a jewelry boutique fronted by a tea shop which opened in December 2013. I was tipped off to its existence by an Oh, How Civilized post.  Coincidentally, 33 Crosby was the former home of the pop-up In Pursuit of Tea shop!

The tea choices - sourced from Tea Chai Te - are great! Black, green, masala chai, puer. And even kombucha on tap. I ordered an iced papaya and pineapple tisane. Although the tea did not taste like either fruit, it was bright, tart, and refreshing.

I also like the shop's decor. The copper cups would showcase matcha really well, I think. And as a plantphile, I was drawn to the staghorn ferns on the wall.

I'll be back - so many teas to drink.

P.S. For another perspective on this tea bar, read the Tea Happiness review.

Afternoon Tea: Press Tea

I'm back with an afternoon tea review! Back in February, I accompanied Jee to Press Tea for afternoon tea for two.  Read Jee's review here.

Reservations are required for afternoon tea at Press Tea. I chose an iced rooibos while Jee selected a hot green tea, also served in a tall glass.

After a long wait, the three-tiered tray arrived but it was worth the wait. We began with two types of scones - apricot and cranberry - which were served with clotted cream and jam. My tea was vegetarian so my sandwich was meatless. The eggplant and ramen wrap was delicious! Jee and I shared chive and cheese and mushroom and cheese turnovers. The sweets were blueberry cheesecake, two madeleines (cardamom, matcha), and a gluten-free brownie. The blueberry cheesecake is still my favorite pastry at Press Tea.

This unconventional afternoon tea service at Press Tea is priced well at $22. Make your reservation by emailing info @ presstea.com.