Cafes
Herbal Infusions Tea Co.
Herbal Infusions Tea Co. has just moved into a little loft space on Adelaide west of Spadina, but it is already spreading the word about some of the best teas you've never heard of.
The little cafe opened just six weeks ago and already boasts an impressive wall of more than 100 varieties of black, green, oolong, white, pu-erh and herbal teas. "This area needed tea," owner Dan Johanis tells me as he slides a rolling ladder across the wall of glass canisters. "It's a great location with lots going on, but there was nowhere to get a good cup."
Johanis doesn't fit my preconceptions about what the type of person who'd run a tea joint would be like. Previously in finance, the tall and brawny Johanis used to be an ardent coffee drinker until he started discovering the merits of tea. "Smell this," he instructs, as he puts a jar of lapsang souchong under my face. "It smells just like a campfire." It really did.
Johanis started a website selling bulk tea, which he ran for several years before deciding to open up his store. And here now, along with your cup, you can probably get an explanation about the merits of each tea from Johanis. "Mate teas have properties that are similar to caffeine but you don't get that crash," he says as he pulls out a canister of mate sweet orange tea. "And white teas, like this white champagne raspberry, are really good tummy-tamers."
Herbal Infusions takes bulk orders, prices which generally range from about $5-$7 for 50g. It also sells flavoured cane sugars ($5.25 for 50g), which can be paired with certain teas to create unique flavours. Along with regular steeped teas ($1.75 or $2.25), Herbal Infusions offers tea lattes ($3.30 or $3.95) and tea frappuccinos ($4.25 or $4.60) made with either regular milk or soymilk. I walked out with an orange cookie black tea latte (which was pretty much like warm orange cookies in a cup) and a newly wavering devotion to my once-faithful cup of Joe.
Writing by Robyn Urback. Photos by Dennis Marciniak
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Go in, and try and talk to him about his products, and you'll realize quickly, he doesn't have a clue!
He basically bought tea, and put it in jars.
HE knows NOTHING about the industry, nor tea.
This place is a big 'ol fail.
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Five stars for sure!
For those of you haven't visited us yet and are in the neighbourhood I invite you to come on down to meet personally with me so I can share my knowledge -- and I’d be happy to offer you a free steeped tea or latte for your time!
I appreciate everyone's feedback - and of course everyone has their own opinion. I personally have sourced our teas from various suppliers and maintain close relationships with some of the estates directly. With regards to our glass jars - there are a few elements that will harm tea and herbs - air, light, moisture, and temperature. We have opted to display our teas in frosted UV coated jars to minimize light damage but also to showcase the wonderful varieties, inclusions, and texture that these blends have. The actual turnover rate on the jars is very quick so a little exposure to light during the day for a few days isn't going to harm the leaves in my opinion. 90% of the tea that we have is stored out of sight in a temperature and moisture controlled environment, void of light and little oxygen.
Hope this little insight is helpful, and thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts! It's still in the early days for us folks so we’re happy to consider your feedback as we go. And remember you can always stop by for a cup and let me know what's on your mind.
Cheers!
Dan Johanis
The space was intimate and cozy, my boyfriend and i both enjoyed it very much, we're definitely going to go back.
Contrary to the views expressed by "mrs.neighbourhood" and "T", I found the owner, Dan, to be quite knowledgable in regards to his product. During my visit, Dan walked me through a selection of teas, explained each blend, and allowed me to sample the ones that piqued my interest. One of my favorites was called Cacao - it tasted like chocolate. I had never heard of it before. The woman who works there was also very helpful, well-informed, and friendly. She sold me on the almond tea - another winning blend in my humble opinion.
The uncommon herbal teas seem to set this places apart from the other tea shops that I frequent.
Don't let a few gauche comments keep you from visiting this little hideaway. It has a relaxing vibe, a unique and diverse tea selection, and friendly, knowledgable staff.
Five stars… and a double rainbow. That's my vote.
F.
Fully recommended!!
As a 1st time tea drinker it's really intimidating deciding what to order and if it will suit my Tate. Right off the bat the owner offered to find a tea for me. It was fast, simple and self explanatory...then he made me the cup. To my surprise it tasted marvelous!
I might not have a sophisticated palette but I do have firm opinions about what I like and don't. And I like Herbal infusions. I was not overwhelmed by the variety or intimated to buy random tea. The tea was steeped for me.
Overall the atmosphere was gentle and relaxing. But what truly made this shop shine was the experience. The owner Dan really did give me an enjoyable leeway into tea. I believe I'll come here again.
1st timers, this is the place to go!