Suited to a Tea

Me neither. But somehow it worked. Not only did I get into the university of my choice, my prediction came true — sort of, at least. In 1992, I was a true bean believer. This was back in the days before there was a Starbucks in every neighborhood, back when I thought I was cool for wearing a "Coffee is god" button on my black leather jacket. Coffee was a beverage with an attitude, suitable for beat poets and existential philosophers and punk rockers.

Tea, on the other hand, struck me as a genteel liquid quietly imbibed by British aristocracy or Buddhist monks. I thought of it as a stay-at-home drink, and was too antsy for it. Never mind that before adolescence, I'd spent countless childhood afternoons sipping tea with my grandma.

The truth is that while adolescence triggered a longtime love of a good dark roast, I've been a tea fanatic for even longer.

Don't tell my punk rock friends. Or maybe you should. Funny how something so timeless and homey could suddenly become hip. (As usual, we're behind other cities in this trend, but better late than never.) Until recently, tea wasn't something you went out for — except, perhaps, a fancy high tea at a posh resort. But the newest crop of tea-centric spots in the Valley plays on the popularity of coffee, offering a variety of exotic brews with cafe-style lunch menus, plenty of pastries, and the kind of atmosphere where hanging out is encouraged.

The Urban Tea Loft
11 West Boston Street, Suite 2, Chandler
480-786-9600, www.urbantealoft.com
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Open just a couple of weeks, The Urban Tea Loft is the newest on the scene. And so far, it's very promising.

First off, I like the setting. It's part of San Marcos Plaza, Chandler's own walkable square of shops and restaurants. (Jeez, this burb's got more dining action than any single block in downtown Phoenix.) There's a small patio out front, and comfy chairs and tables inside, arranged next to shelves of packaged tea, teapots, and accessories. The vintage vibe of high tin ceilings is complemented with warm, contemporary décor.

The tea menu, presented along with the lunch menu, doesn't appear to be all that expansive, although it turns out that any of the teas displayed on the retail shelves can be ordered to drink on the spot. Actually, there are dozens of choices. I took my sweet time drinking a small pot of vanilla-scented tea, thanks to one of those insulated plastic tumblers that makes the liquid look like it's suspended in midair. Even the last sip was piping hot.

Classic high-tea sandwiches, like cucumber or watercress, are an option here, as are scones, croissants, and biscuits. Mostly, though, the menu comprises casual lunch fare, including homemade soup, baked potatoes with a variety of toppings, salads, and sandwiches, including a hefty one with aioli, lettuce, tomato, and thick slices of roasted turkey on toast, with a sesame-tinged side of red cabbage and carrot slaw.

Of all the spots I visited, this is the one I'd come back to even if I wasn't in the mood for tea.

Tea Dreams Modern Tea Room & Boutique
(in the Gilbert Town Square)
1090 South Gilbert Road, Gilbert
480-497-6633, www.shopteadreams.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to an employee at Tea Dreams, the place has already become a popular bridal shower destination in its four months of existence. That's no surprise — this is the girliest eatery in town.

Walk through the front door, and you're standing in a trendy boutique, surrounded by stylish tops, shoes, aromatherapy candles, and accessories. The restaurant is on the other side of the wall that partially divides the space.

Bubblegum pink and glossy brown banquettes line the dining room, which is sparely decorated, except for crystal mini-chandeliers above each table. There's no sign that says "Women only," although pink napkins and plates send the message loud and clear.

A handful of quiches and salads make up half the menu. But $15 for a mediocre honey Dijon chicken salad topped with half-warm meat and not-ripe avocados? No, thanks. That said, a generously sized "small" pot of tea is worth the three bucks, and the apricot/white chocolate/pecan scones are tasty. I don't see myself coming back here for a meal, although it would make a fine pit stop for tea and sweets.

Tea Infusion Tea Bar and Café
(in the Tempe Marketplace)
200 East Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
480-967-1141
Hours: Monday though Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It was downright refreshing to find this little indie business tucked amid the chains at the new Tempe Marketplace.

Don't expect a full-on bohemian refuge from corporate America, though. Tea Infusion takes plenty of cues from that slick coffee behemoth Starbucks, from streamlined seating to a shelf of colorful teapots for sale. Wi-Fi service gives customers reason to linger, but if you're too busy to savor a whole pot of organic peach rooibos or smoky lapsang souchong black tea, get your brew to go in the kind of disposable cup usually used for lattes.