Do you have a special hideaway? You walk in, and the stress seems to roll off your shoulders. The music flows into your soul, and your steps feel a bit lighter. Your friends might show up, but your enemies never would.
Jon (my hubby) calls them “Cela Nebul.” A refuge. A place resonating in perfect harmony with your spirit. You delight at the thought of going, and linger at the door when it’s finally time to leave.
It could be a tea house, a pool hall, a garden, a bar. You may have a special a window, a bench, a tree, a table, or a chair with your name on it.
Some of my hideaways serve tea…
Thai Tea from Thai Chef
This mystical tea-and-spice blend is topped with coconut milk or cream. The swirling patterns of amber tea and milk delight the eye as well as the tongue. Word class pad thai, pad see ew, rice custard, curries, and… well, everything.
His spice rack challenged even dedicated “thai hot” fanatics like my husband.
The tea and food were the genius of an award-winning chef from Thailand. He came over to open a restaurant which won awards here as well. The most humble man I’ve ever known. We shed many a bitter tear when he closed the place down to move back to Thailand.
Persian Tea from Shishkabobs
This delicious tea opens for the best falafel in town. Great gyros here as well.
Semi-educated guess: 2 parts Darjeeling, 1 part Earl Grey and a pinch of Orange Pekoe. (From WorldwideGourmet.com. I’m not the Sherlock of tea just yet)
My husband has asked the owner for years where he can get some. He and he keeps laughing and telling him: “You get it right here! Come back any time you want!”
Boba (Bubble) Tea at Bali Infusion Cafe
Sheer fun factor here. Softly-sweet tapioca pearls infused with thai tea flavor float on the bottom of your glass, waiting to be discovered. De-licious.
Jasmine Green Tea from Gypsies
Green tea overlaid with delicate floral notes of jasmine. All their loose teas are fantastic, and the eclectic atmosphere makes for a great tea-drinking experience. Hand-painted murals on the ceiling, funky furniture, stained-glass art, art-deco posters, and interesting people.
Green tea ice cream at In the Raw
This place is too much fun. Great energy, great chefs, great food. Try the edamame and the Id roll!
Green Tea from Starbucks with Soy Milk
I’m sure the purists will shoot me for this, but I’ll still enjoy it. 
I also enjoy their Mint tea – Refresh I think it’s called?
This picture has nothing to do with my specific tea.
It’s actually an adorable Bento of Starbuck’s green tea frappuccino.
Dragon Eye Oolong at P.F. Chang’s
I know, very mainstream, but this tea has such a harmonious flavor balance.
The smoky taste of Oolong lightened by safflower, peach and apricot. Heavenly.
Peach Nips from the White Lion
Stepping into the White Lion feels like stepping into an English pub… minus the belligerent Scots and thick smoke. Things have calmed down there a bit in recent years since a few boisterous Brits were kicked out – bit of a shame, I think.
The Scotch and Peach Nips tea still hold power to delight. Cottage pie, fish and chips, and wrapped sausages (with a healthy dose of HP) satisfy cravings for authentic, heart-warming food from over the big pond.
Shades of Brown
Coffee (and tea!) and art on Peoria. It’s been a while since I’ve had their tea, but I remember the cups are adorable, and I loved sitting in the rustic wooden chairs outside.
I’d love to hear about your hideaways. Have any insider tips?
