Time-Out for Tea in Marin

 

Marinites love a cup of joe, and the county has an abundance of coffeehouses and baristas — but what about tea? Tea can be equally stimulating and delicious, with nutrient-rich leaves that benefit body, mind and spirit. So for all tea lovers out there, or those who crave a New Year’s break from daily coffee, here are local spots to sip a different brew.

 

CROWN AND CRUMPET

A classic tea salon with a splash of cheekiness, this San Francisco spot is owned by Marinites Amy and Christopher Dean, who provide a vibrant and stylish setting for afternoon tea and private parties. 1746 Post Street, San Francisco.

KEY TEA HOUSE AND KAVA LOUNGE

Key Tea is a plant-centric place to savor locally grown tea, kava, kombucha on tap, chocolate, and house-made organic and vegan treats, along with weekly community gatherings. 921 C Street, San Rafael.

TEA FOUNTAIN

An award-winning one-stop shop with more than 350 varieties of naturally grown and fairly traded loose gourmet and artisan teas from around the world, as well as tea accessories and gifts. 363 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley.

WU WEI TEA TEMPLE

A full-service teahouse and kava bar featuring organic bone broth, housemade healing elixirs and Middle Eastern bites, with weekly live music, tarot readings and performances. 1820 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax.

 

 


Lynda Balslev

Lynda Balslev is an award-winning food writer, editor and recipe developer based in the San Francisco Bay area. She authors the nationally syndicated column and blog TasteFood, and co-authored the cookbook Almonds: Recipes, History, Culture (2015 Silver Medal Winner Independent Publisher Awards). She is the 2011 recipient of the Chronicle Books Award (Recipe Writing) to the Symposium for Professional Food Writers, and a 2018 Fellowship Award recipient to the Symposium for Wine Writers at Meadowood, Napa Valley. Lynda’s writing and photography have been recognized by the New York Times Diners Journal, the Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post and more.