Local Coffee & Tea Edit

It seems I cannot vacation anywhere anymore without checking out the local tea (and cupcake) places. I have what I call the trifecta when it comes to souveniers: tea, cupcakes, and jewelry, and I’m just not happy until the trifecta is complete.

The trifecta led me here. Granted, I had already purchased some tea at The Spice and Tea Exchange, but I was missing my kettle and therefore, nervous about temperature, so brewing anything finicky was out of the question and I was longing for a proper cup of tea.

We first got there one evening after it was closed. Sad. I saw through the window that they had a matcha latte and decided we had to go back. So we looked into the hours and planned to return.

I’m so glad we did! The matcha latte (my first) was excellent (then again, to what do I have to compare it?), although she could have mixed it a little better. My husband and I both got them iced and added a little splenda.

They also have loose leaf tea (and coffee) for purchase. I always assume those little bags are sealed so I didn’t even think about smelling them, but I realized when I got home that I could have, although I’m not sure if they would have appreciated that. They had a small, but nice variety. My two main beefs were that I couldn’t smell the tea (but I can’t do that when I order online) and that many of their teas have hibiscus which I don’t think I like. They’re also a bit overpriced at about $9 for 2 ounces (a few were more, a few were less) but they support local businesses and even have a tea dedicated to the nearby Mote Aquarium (and offer free coffee to Mote sea turtle egg protectors).

Overall, worth a stop (the scones looked amazing), but since it’s in a touristy area (Siesta Key Village) be prepared to pay tourist prices. Haven’t tried the tea yet so I can’t comment there.