A Passion for Food - Bellocq Tea Atelier

Thanks to A Passion for Food's Kathy YL Chan for the article!

Now this is how I like to spend Friday afternoons. Never mind the black skies and pouring rain outside. We're safe in here, inside Bellocq Tea Atelier. Lisa and I met the proprietors - Michael and Heidi, at the 2011 International Gift Show earlier this summer. We've been meaning to stop by their Greenpoint Tea Atelier ever since.

The design of this space makes for a gorgeous apartment, and they didn't forget a single detail be it fresh oranges or cardamom pods. Both welcoming and soothing. Elegant, no doubt. Composed of two rooms - one for private tastings (complete with a pale pink couch) and another for retail, where you can also taste before selecting a tea.

And that we sure did, sipping cup after cup of tea. I lost track of how many we tried, but we spent nearly two hours there, learning so much. There wasDragonwell from Zhejian Province in China. A Siam Basil Lemongrass.Hindu Holiday - like chai meets South African rooibos. And the White Wolf, almost masculine with notes of cedar and black currant. They certainly know how to do it in style at Bellocq.

We went home with a pouch each of No. 12, Le Hammeau. I wish I could transmit the scent of this tea over the internet! But you'll have to count on words and imagination.

Organic lemongrass meets lemon verbena, chamomile, lavender, rose petals, mint, and sage. My favorite herbs and scents tucked tidy into a tisane. Am back home, and it's still raining. Cheese plate for nibbles - don't forget toasted walnuts, dinner delivered soon. Kettle on for a pot of Le Hammeau and a good movie for tonight.

P.S. Paulie Gee's is just two blocks away from Bellocq, so stop there for an unforgettable pizza (dinner only) after visiting the tea atelier!

Bellocq Tea Atelier
104 West Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222
1 (800) 495-5416

(Open Friday + Saturday 12-7pm)

Thanks for the post APassionForFood.net !