Listen up tea snobs — if you love tea, get yourself to Luv Tea. Nestled in the West Village, this Zen little shop is a sanctuary from the hustle of the city streets. And while it’s cute and a great spot to burrow down into with a good book or a catch-up with a friend, that’s not the sole reason you should check out this particular tea house. The real reason? The Tea Master Jaesy Wang and her physicist apprentice Wan Di are probably the most passionate tea lovers you will meet.
The shop focuses on world-ranked Oolong teas sourced from Jaesy’s family tea farms in Taiwan. Teas are seasonal and the menu is divided into five sections: Taiwanese Oolongs, Signature Cold Drinks, Herbal Blends and Hot and Cold Milk teas. I’m a huge fan of the Earl Grey Milk Tea. And ever the nosher, their milk tea macarons and pineapple cakes are fabulous additions, too.
If it’s your first time there, consider booking a Tea Service. You can choose your own tea adventure or have one suggested based on your palette. The tea is then served at multiple steepings, and the depths of flavors are highlighted with each steep. The tea gurus will walk you through exactly what you are tasting and why, as well as share interesting tid-bits about the history and science (yes, there’s a science) behind the tea, too. While there may not be scones involved, it’s much more educational than any afternoon tea service you’ll get in the city, promise.
If the tea service peaked your interest, sign up for one of their many classes. Ranging from beginner to advanced and even tea internships, Luv Tea is truly the NYC spot to go if you want to be schooled in the art of tea. Pinkies up, New York.DETAILS:
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
