The Teahouse is a joint that makes even a die-hard coffee drinker start rethinking the whole hot liquid of choice thing. First off, this is a beautiful and relaxing space, with white walls hung with the whimsical art of Chase Melendez. Ample outdoor seating, floor seating, cushions, chairs, you name it; there's a place to perch with your book, your friends, your wireless computer. Service is friendly, laid-back but efficient and, while the place is always buzzing with activity, it still has a decidedly Zen vibe going on. The tea offerings are impressive. Dozens of Darjeeling, Assan and other teas that, taken as a whole, represent an entire world of tea: Jasmine blossoms from China, Golden Nepal, South Africa Rooibos, leaves from the Xingchen village of the Fujian province. Priced anywhere from $2.50 to $3.50 per cup (just as costly as your Starbucks' latté, but your karma will feel better), the menu also contains information on how to brew tisanes and teas yourself, should you choose to buy in bulk. Of course, a proper teatime requires a snack. The Teahouse offers a small sandwich menu (BLTs, Mahi Mahi, baked ricotto to name a few), as well as salads. A light salad was one of the best around, served with mozzarella, mixed greens, toast with olive tapenade and feta. As for a real teatime, scones with clotted cream are available, as is bread pudding with chocolate or caramel sauce and fresh-baked cookies. Om.
821 Canyon Road, 992-0972. $.
SFR Pick:
Fresh mozzarella salad.
