A New Tea Party in Philadelphia: T-Bar Opens for Business!

I don't really enjoy coffee. Yeah, I know that's almost sacrilegious, but it just doesn't appeal to me. I'm not a fan of sodas either. Water, milk, or white wine for me, thanks! My only experience with tea has been a few occasions when I dressed up as the Queen of England and played tea party, but that's a story for another time.

T-Bar, in the magnificently transformed White Building is the perfect place for t-virgins, t-connoisseurs, and myself. Over 60 different types of tea have been selected and stocked by owners/sisters Julia Rugg and Susan Chu. Rugg is actually a tea sommelier, possessing innovative knowledge on the medicinal and recreational benefits of each tealeaf. She, and T-bar, have the fix for whatever is ailing you.

T-Bar has several different types of "house" blends to try from, all broken into three different categories. Steep, is the traditional loose-leaf tea served hot or cold. Shakes are usually steamed milk concoctions served iced or hot. Fizzs are served chilled on ice, mixed with sparkling Perrier. Well out of our depth, we let Susan and Julia guide us throw a tasting of their many favorites.

A little groggy from the night before, we started with the Awake (gingko leaf, shizandra berries, gotukol and pomegranate juice), it's promise of increased mental prowess and clarity seemed what we needed to navigate through the rest of the day. (FYI-Since our first visit, we've been back several times for this potion, it works!) Following that with a bit of the Powerplant (sweet tea vine, Asian ginseng, guarana, yerba mate, green tea) to revitalize, and we honestly felt 17 again.
But beyond a liquid pick-me-way-up, T-bar's Green Honeydew Shake was a t-rrific. Sweet and foamy with a hint of tapioca, it certainly blows away the Lipton's sitting dusty in our cupboard. Other favs were the Black Current, a bittersweet back tea with black currant leaves and Safari, a luscious mixture of green roiboss, honeybush, safflowers, rose hips and pomegranate. Having been part of the early '02 Chai Latte craze, we did test T-bar's version. Made with real chai tea, cardamom and cinnamon; it put the slush at Starbucks to shame. Once you've tried the real chai, you won't be happy with substitutes.

Along with teas blended to promote clarity, relaxation and revitalization; T-bar's space is expertly designed to create a smart space for chilling or working. Wireless internet, plenty of tables, and ample space make the spot a great place for a date or some homework or work-from-home. The staff is wonderful, a knowledgeable perky team prepared to help you trail blaze through the ancient mysteries of tea. While the British may have cornered the market on tea time, it should only be a matter of time before T-Bar sets the standards for our own Philadelphia traditions.

TBAR
$ 117 S. 12th St, 215-625-3926, tbarteas.com.