Cafe and bookstore. Wide selection of teas, including a large number of herbal/nocaf teas (which more coffee-centric cafes don’t have). Cozy place to sit and work or chat. The only lack is that if you come by in the evening the food selection is mainly sweet pastries, apparently the bagels and croissants run out fairly early.
(FYI: If I have a low numerical rating + “Would recommend” it means it’s a good quality tea but has something I personally don’t like. It’s not you, it’s me.)
Smaller and less deadly than its sister Chimera (“kai-mera”), the Chai-mera makes mischief by over-brewing tea, burning unguarded leaves, and kidnapping small livestock. It is typically found in the backs of cupboard and sometimes under beds where, if not aggravated, it can serve as a delightful foot warmer.
TEA RATINGS: My version of Steepster’s emoticon rating:
90-100 :D = One of my all-time favorites / a cupboard staple.
75-90 :9 = Pretty tasty!
50-75 :) = Quality tea but not to my taste OR Might drink again if gifted.
25-50 :/ = Ranges from drinkable to decent. (Wouldn’t go out of my way for it, but might finish what I have.)
01-25 XP = Down the drain with ye!
SEARCHING FOR: a good herbal or noncaf (no hibiscus, please).
I sometimes include a TRAVEL NOTES section about whether a tea stands up to rugged use (won’t overbrew in a thermos, can make a decent cup with hot tap water, etc).
