Afternoon Tealuxe: A Remedy for the New England Winter
February 2, 2007
Let’s face it—Boston has definitely seen better, warmer days than what we have all endured over the past few weeks. And when temperatures drop below freezing, the majority of us tend to curl up in bed and refrain from stepping outdoors. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with staying on the hill for the next couple of months, but a specific remedy can help us counter the effects of winter’s frost and may perhaps even lure us into the depths of Boston.
Tea, as either a cool or hot beverage, has been enjoyed by numerous civilizations for thousands of years. The Chinese first started drying plant leaves for brewing herbal remedies more than five thousand years ago. The English also place notable emphasis on the role that tea plays in their daily lives: the popular practice of afternoon tea has spread in its influence over time, as one could find a prix fixe afternoon tea session at the Four Seasons Hotel for around $60 per person. Fortunately for us, a local tea café called Tealuxe dedicates itself to sharing the experience of drinking exquisite tea for a fraction of that price.
The first Tealuxe was established in Harvard Square in 1996. Located at 0 Brattle Street, Cambridge, the single-floored café is small yet cozy, dark but surprisingly energetic. The wall of tiny cabinets behind the serving counter leaves you in awe with variety. The dark wood décor and high ceilings offer a grounded, though spacious, feeling, and the quiet murmurs and the sounds of tea being poured tea are enough to warm your soul. Another Tealuxe is located near Copley Mall on 108 Newbury Street in Boston. Though more spacious than the one in Cambridge, the Boston branch embodies the same charm but with more patron traffic. Each of the two locations holds distinct personalities and thus provides a different tea-drinking experience.
The variety of teas offered at Tealuxe is astounding. With over sixty types of teas categorized as flavored (black and green teas), seven varieties of Earl Grey, English, chai, herbal infusions, and medicinal teas, customers are at liberty to pick and choose the size, potency, and even the combination of teas they wish to drink. Among the flavored teas are sweet melon & white tea, mandarin cinnamon, and pear & green tea. Earl Greys flavored with raspberry, blue flower, and the house special Harvard Square varieties. Jasmine teas are imported from all over the world, including the Chinese Yin Hao blend and the more Western composition of vanilla and black tea.
A noteworthy chai tea that is immensely popular is the ginseng green tea chai, which helps replenish the body with energy and guards against the cold. Herbal infusion teas represent a more diverse facet of tea-consumption, and tea-goers can choose to try the chamomile classic from Egypt or experiment with the aphrodisiacal tea, a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and jasmine. Individuals feeling a little under the weather are recommended to take the daily detox-herbal tea, which helps with various illnesses and hangovers. Should the selection process become convoluted or difficult, the Tealuxe tea brewers and staff are more than happy to help. They are extremely friendly and are even willing to talk briefly (up to ten minutes) about teas, their effects, and the staff’s personal recommendations.
After choosing t a small pot ($2.99 to $3.79, depending on the type of tea) or a large pot ($5.49 to $6.99), the tea is retrieved from a tiny wooden cabinet on the wall behind the counter where it is stored along with hundreds of other teas. Hot water of proper temperature (not boiling) is poured into the teapot, and a strainer is left to separate the leaves with the water. Patrons are then given a special timer and are instructed to set it for a specific time depending on the type of tea, the desired taste, and the size of the pot. Once the timer runs out, customers are only obligated to lift the strainer and pour their own cup of tea. Some teas are potent enough to endure a second brewing—should this be the case, Tealuxe is more than happy to supply the hot water at no extra cost.
To go along with tea, Tealuxe offers a good selection of pastries to suit your tea routines. Freshly baked tea cakes, crumpets, scones, muffins, and sweets—including dessert—and more line the countertop. The scones in particular are well suited to accompany tea; the semi-dry texture pairs wonderfully with any tea on the menu. The Newbury Street Tealuxe offers more extensive dining options as permitted by space. There, savory items are available all day, including European-style “toastites,” sandwiches grilled to the proper crispiness ($5.95 to $6.95). Pther, panini-like snacks, include the delectable Williamsburg, which is composed of ample slices of baked ham, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh plum tomatoes, dijon mustard, and garden greens with tea vinaigrette ($5.95). For vegetarians, Tealuxe offers the Verona sandwich of fresh mozzarella cheese, plum tomato, basil, and garden greens ($6.96).
In spite of the tempting menu that Tealuxe offers for hungry patrons, tea still remains the central theme of Tealuxe cafes. Tea enthusiasts, busy businessmen, pretentious fashion gurus, fatiqued college students, and all patrons of Tealuxe are bound for an unfathomable taste test and a terrific treat for their body and soul.