Cafes
Tsaa Tea Shop
Tsaa Tea Shop is a little respite oasis on a busy strip of the Danforth. I manage to get through its glass doors just as the city around me seems to reach its breaking point; wind howling, cars honking, a man inexplicably scraping the snowless street with a shovel. But it all stops once I get inside.
There I'm met with cool, pale wood furniture, delicate teaware lining the walls, and light chatter from the groups of women occupying all but a few tables in the medium-sized space. There's a mix of different people in the breezy cafe; a man typing on his laptop by the window, two twenty-somethings sharing a table by the back, boomers by the fireplace, and three ladies discussing something fervently in Italian. Pretty good for a shop that's been open for just over half a year.
Luellie Ramos tells me her family has always been big tea drinkers and it was a dream of theirs to open their own business. Now, Tsaa Tea Shop at Danforth and Chester is family owned and operated. "Our tea comes from all over the world," she says. "And I'm still tasting new teas to add to our store."
Ramos estimates the shop has more than 100 teas in stock right now, many of which are special blends. "I did a lot of Googling," Ramos tells me. "And found a really good sommelier over on Queen Street who has made some fantastic blends for us.
Those blends include a hot cinnamon spice, chocolate rooibos, and organic second spring ($2.50), and others, such as the midsummer peace, which I'm told is especially good served chilled ($2.85).
Influenced by the nearby Big Carrot and other businesses in the area, Ramos and family decided to offer its signature sandwiches, such as its grilled veggie mushroom melt and smoked salmon sandwiches, with many organic ingredients and the option of gluten-free bread. And beyond the sandwiches and salads, Tsaa offers breakfast options, baked goods, bubble teas ($3.95-$4.95) and smoothies ($4.05).
After mulling over the tins of teas in front of me and Ramos' sister pleasantly indulging all of my questions, I opt for a cup of organic citrus and ginkgo tea. It has a mild flavour, smooth and a little fruity and great for memory, or so I'm told. Soothing enough--almost--to mellow my rush hour TTC ride home.
Photos by Dennis Marciniak
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silly question, I know, but tea shop owners seem to give dirty looks if you ask if their ornamental / decorative / sentimental teapots are for sale.
Maybe you want to change your misleading headline, which suggests an article on the proliferation of tea shops in Toronto, to better reflect the article's actual subject: a review of a cafe.
Just a thought.
I agree, misleading title.
While I love the places featured on BlogTO you guys really need to at least attempt a proper "review", we are not asking for NYTimes food reviews, because that's not what anyone is looking for here.
But be constructive, because if this "profile" was in any reputable publication, it would have to have to words " Advertisement" printed at the top.
The writer doesn't point out that many of the teas are organic. They also have no additives to them.
All of the food is made to order only...so if you order a sandwich...expect to wait...but the wait is definitely worth it.
By the way for those of you who don't know, Tea can detox your body from different things that shouldn't be in your body. They also serve java coffee at your request and perfect desserts that pair up with the tea or whatever you are drinking it with. They also carry ORGANIC and GLUTEN FREE pastries. Oh and who can forget their bubble tea and smoothies, DEPENDING on the sweetness level you can request them to make it sweet or less sweet!|
Tea can be served chilled as well which their blend is sooooo delicious. Midsummer peach and Apple Sencha are my favourite! The only thing is you do have to wait for the sandwiches because they are made to order, but gosh darn it the smoked salmon makes me drool, I really don't think that the pictures justify how great this place is.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST THEY HAVE FREE WI-FI PEOPLE! you can also study there!
My gosh thinking of all this makes me want to go there right now.
although they really should have a tags on them......
cheers!