Tea Spot

We made an impromptu stop at Tea Spot in the Waimalu Shopping Center when we picked up lunch nearby.

It was a really warm day, so it was the perfect stop.

OREO Milk Tea with Boba

Strawberries Smoothie with Boba

Chocolate  Smoothie with OREO

Tea Spot offers smoothies, milk teas, milks, and fruit teas, and you can add a variety of toppings (extra charge) such as boba, rainbow jelly, brown sugar boba, fresh fruit, and a cheese cap.

Prices are quite reasonable and the service was very friendly!

Definitely stop in for a drink to beat the summer heat!

Tea Spot

98-020 Kamehameha Hwy w 104

Aiea, HI 96701

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Tea Chest Hawai`i's Wellness Teas

Below links are affiliate.

Ever since I tried Tea Chest Hawai`i's wellness teas, I became a fan.  My fave is still the Mana, with its vibrant, floral hibiscus flavor and immune-boosting properties, but I've grown to love the `Olena and all of its anti-inflammatory properties as well.  

They recently came out with a new tea - Nanea, which was crafted to help ease anxiety & stress.

Nanea, which means "tranquility" in Hawaiian, contains chamomile, ashwagandha, cinnamon, lemongrass, moringa, and mamaki.

The chamomile was quite strong, and it took some time for me to get used to the flavor, but it was very pleasant and soothing to drink.

I stocked up on all the teas, as my new daily ritual is to drink one of these Tea Chest Hawai`i's wellness teas (never thought I would be a tea drinker!).

Have you tried the wellness teas?  What's your favorite flavor?

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New Wellness-Focused Organic Herbal Tea Blends from Tea Chest Hawaii

The pandemic has caused a lot of businesses to pivot, and Tea Chest Hawaii is no different. Prior to the pandemic, the company was mostly supplying hotels, restaurants, and airlines. Fortunately, despite those industries having to drastically reduce operations or shut down, Tea Chest Hawaii's online ordering became an essential source of business.

Based on consumer feedback, they produced new teas focused on wellness - perfect for the challenging times that we are currently facing.

The MANA Tea - for Immunity is made from organic cinnamon, black tea, hibiscus, peppermint, spearmint, and locally-grown moringa and mamaki.

I loved this tea. It smelled and tasted amazing, I drank it hot, but I imagine it would be lovely as a refreshing iced tea. This vibrant tea is the ideal way to start your day, and I love that the ingredients help to give my immunity a boost, especially during this crazy time.

The `OLENA Tea - for Inflammation is caffeine-free. The tea consists of turmeric (`olena is turmeric in Hawaiian), organic ginger, black pepper, and organic lemongrass, as well as locally-grown moringa and mamaki.

The turmeric and ginger flavors are quite prevalent, but the tea is still very smooth.

There's nothing like a soothing cup of Tea Chest Hawaii's new wellness teas to start your day or help you wind down from a busy one.  

Visit https://teachest.com/ for more information.  

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Visit Portland: Tea Bar

My daughter has been on a milk tea kick lately so I made it a point to find a great boba place while we visited Portland.  Fortunately, we didn't have to look very far.  Located within walking distance of our hotel in the Pearl district, we found the Tea Bar. 

The Tea Bar is a spacious café with a very clean minimalist design.  What won me over was the quality they instill in their drinks.  Their milk teas are slow brewed over 24 hours using premium organic teas, grade A tapioca pearls, and rBST-free local dairy.  We looked over the menu and my daughter decided on the peppermint boba milk tea while I had the ginger lemon tea toddy.  Both drinks can be served hot or cold.

I loved the milky taste of my daughter's milk tea and I thought the boba pearls were perfectly prepared.  I also loved my drink which not only tasted great, but was made from an immune boosting tea - perfect while travelling!  The ginger lemon tea toddy is made with organic chamomile, cold-pressed lemon juice, fresh ginger, cayenne, and raw local honey.  When served cold, the sparkling water makes it taste like soda!

Great café to enjoy your drinks while working or studying or just taking a breather like my daughter and I did together.          

www.drinkteabar.com

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Visit Maui: Sip Me

On a friend's recommendation, we went to check out Sip Me for some coffee and tea.  Located in Makawao, Sip Me serves organic and local coffee, espresso, juice, smoothies, pastries, and more.  The cute café is a great place to relax and recharge while catching up on email or convo with friends. 

We visited two days in a row because we liked it so much.  I had coffee the first day, but the second day felt like I needed something a little more healthy and opted for some fresh juice.  I ordered "Purify Me" which is made with red beet, orange, apple, lemon, ginger, turmeric, and a touch of cayenne to purify your blood, liver, and kidneys.  I loved it!  I really enjoyed the kick the cayenne gave and I did feel better after drinking it.  Now I know why people love fresh juice! 

Sip Me also offers other interesting health elixirs like ginger beer and ginger & turmeric made from fresh ginger grown in lush upcountry Kula.  Regular as well as gluten free treats are on the menu and look delicious.  Be sure to check out their Pay It Forward wall where patrons can donate to cover future purchases for others. 

They are open from 6am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 7am to 4pm on Sundays.  Street parking and lots of room to sit and chat.  Free wifi and excellent service!

Sip Me
3617 Baldwin Ave.
Makawao, Maui

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Taste Tea's Specialty Mixes and New Menu Items

Disclosure: A complimentary gift card was provided for review purposes.

Nat, who introduced me to bubble drinks, also was one of the first to tell me about Taste Tea. In fact, she recently went to Taste Tea on Wheels to indulge in a bubble drink.

I had never been to Taste Tea, but knowing how much Nat liked their bubble drinks, I was excited to give them a try.

I was honestly a bit overwhelmed looking at all the options, but as soon as I saw "Ice Cream Milk Tea," one of Taste Tea's Specialty Mixes, I knew I had to give that a try, since I love all things ice cream!

You can choose your add-ins (I opted for Big Tapioca), and also choose your sweetness level, ranging from None (0%) to Extra (120%).  I opted for light (30%).

The Ice Cream Milk Tea was super yummy and refreshing, and I liked that it was not overly sweet.

Taste Tea also has several new menu items, including Cold Brew Iced Coffee, Coffee Milk Tea, Ice Cream Coffee, and Strawberry Iced Tea.

I got one of the new menu items, the Strawberry Lemonade (also at Light sweetness), for the kiddos. They loved it! The lemonade was tasty - not too sweet, not too tart, and they enjoyed slurping up the small tapioca!

Strawberry Lemonade with Small Tapioca

Taste Tea also offers a variety of sweet eats, which we couldn't resist.

Lavender Macaron

Tiramisu

Lilikoi Cheesecake

The employee who helped me with my order was super friendly, and despite how busy it was at Taste Tea, our drink orders were done very quickly.

Taste Tea is the perfect spot for a refreshing drink and sweet bite!

Taste Tea
1391 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 951-8288

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Boba Cha New to Pearlridge Downtown

Yay for another milk tea joint inside of Pearlridge Mall!  Boba Cha is located in Pearlridge Downtown near the escalators to the food court. 

When it comes to milk teas, I hardly ever stray from the original black milk tea with boba.  The texture and the sweetness of the boba is most crucial to me and I was very happy that the boba at Boba Cha is delicious!  The milk tea itself was on the sweeter side so I recommend customizing the sweetness to your tastes.     

Their menu is extensive so whether you're in the mood for a milk tea, a cookie monster frap, a sour plum lemonade, or just a plain iced coffee, they have you covered!  Two drink sizes are available and prices range from $3.25 to $6.50.  Boba Cha is a must stop for a yummy and refreshing treat.   

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Treat Your Valentine to Dessert at The Tea Farm Café

I don’t know how I even came upon it, but while I was scrolling through Instagram, I saw it and I fell in love.  It was the prettiest picture of an ice cream fondue set:  a pot of melted chocolate surrounded by bowls of the cutest ice cream hearts in vanilla, chocolate, and green tea.  I was smitten.  I thought about it all the time.  I told my sister about it one afternoon and like me, she was instantly swept off her feet (it must be in our genes).  Love makes you do crazy things and so that afternoon we packed up 5 children, including 2 month old twins, and headed to the Tea Farm Café in Puck’s Alley.

The café is clean, cute and relaxing.  A sofa in the back was the perfect place for us to enjoy our fondue party.  When I checked in using my Yelp app, I also got a free pot of tea!  Score!  With over 80 teas to choose from, it might take you awhile.  We wanted something low in caffeine so I picked a white peach tea.  It was divine and the scent was beautiful.

The ice cream fondue came with 15 pieces of ice cream hearts, assorted brownies and marshmallows, and chocolate for dipping.  You also have the option to build your own fondue set by adding more of any existing items or other items like strawberries, bananas or bacon.  The $25 set was just right for us and the kids loved it.  I’m not going to lie, it did get a little bit messy so if you bring children, bring some wet wipes to make your life easier…and cleaner.

The service was excellent.  Our server was the nicest and really left me with a great impression.  We all look forward to returning for this super fun treat and also to try their S’mores set.

Currently, they are running a promotion for Valentine’s Day!  On February 13 and 14, a $40 presale ticket will get you and your sweetheart an ice cream fondue set and tea to share.  As a bonus, you’ll be able to take the tea set home.  For more information, go to their website.

Open daily from 10am to 10pm (11pm on Fridays and Saturdays) the Tea Farm Café is also available for parties!

The Tea Farm Café
2600 S. King Street, Ste 106
808-945-2679

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Visit New York: Laduree, Home of the Famous Macarons

Ladurée is a French luxury bakery and sweets maker house created in 1862.  They are one of the best known makers of macarons in the world.  Since I’ve never been to Paris, a stop at Ladurée was a must on my 2 day trip to New York.

I loved everything about the Ladurée shop in SoHo.  From its pastel green storefront to the show cases filled with beautifully decorated pastries and macarons.  The desserts are mesmerizing, but if you can manage to walk by you will find a café with small tables and blue velvet seating where you and a friend can chat over lunch or tea.

In my case it was tea.  The tea selection is wonderful and I enjoyed a cup of black coconut tea with a lemon macaron.  It was all so sophisticated, ladylike, and French.  I loved it.  This would definitely be a place I would frequent as often as possible. 

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Save Your Third Sunday For Afternoon Tea at the MW Restaurant

Being that the MW Restaurant is one of my favorite new places to dine and I am huge fan of Michelle Karr-Ueoka's desserts, I nearly flipped when I heard they would be hosting Afternoon Tea the third Sunday of every month.  I am after all, Afternoon Tea's biggest fan and I enjoy getting fancy for an afternoon of girly-ness and delicious bites.  

I braved the rain brought by Hurricane Ana to attend the October Afternoon Tea and it was unlike any high tea I had experienced.  Set in the modern restaurant, they forgo the tiered presentation and the usual tea sandwiches are replaced with beautifully plated gourmet bites.  The tea has a set menu ($35) that changes monthly but is filled with amazing petite sandwiches, savory bites, scones, and sweets.  But if that isn't enough, you can add on extra options and also upgrade your tea to a premium tea or mimosa.

At this tea, the petite sandwiches and savory bites included:  spam sandwich, duck pastrami, kamaboko sandwich, spaghetti and meatballs, somen salad, chicken club sandwich, and Ho Farms butternut squash.  I also opted to add on the devilled eggs and caviar for an additional $8.  The savories were in a word, incredible.  The bite sized portions were bursting with flavor.  I enjoyed every single one of them.  I never knew I was a fan of duck or caviar.    

  

The fromage blanc scones were served with yuzu curd and Hawaiian pineapple relish.  Yum!  

The variations of the pate choux (light pastry dough) included:  tiramisu cream puffs, pumpkin pie profiteroles, banana cream pie gateau st. honore, strawberry haupia paris breast, lemon meringue eclairs, doughnuts and andagi.  They tasted as wonderful as they looked, but there were so many that as much as I wanted to, I could not finish.  Thank goodness for takeout boxes!  

This tea was excellent and the first time I left so stuffed.  My friends and I enjoyed ourselves so much that we vowed to be back.  Don't wait too long to make reservations, November and December are already full, but we got seats for January.  Hope to see you there!  

MW Restaurant
1538 Kapiolani Blvd.
808-955-6505

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Low Tea at the Stage's Lime Lounge

I love to relax with afternoon tea.  There’s just something so charming about enjoying sweets and savories while sipping on fragrant tea.  Stage Restaurant in the Honolulu Design Center now serves Low Tea in their Lime Lounge.  Low Tea is typically served on low-sitting tables, offered during the afternoon to satiate your appetite before dinner.  While I think having tea on low sitting tables, like at the Kahala Veranda is very lady like and intimate, I rather enjoy tea seated at a dining table.  I think it’s more spacious and comfortable and I don’t have to worry about keeping my legs crossed the entire time.  But I digress.   

Stage currently offers their Low Tea service on Wednesdays with seating at 2:30pm and 3:00pm and beginning October 11, 2014 will offer Low Tea on Saturdays with seating beginning at 11:30am.  The cost for the Low Tea service is $38.95 per person and you can upgrade to the Tea Royale which includes champagne for $54.95 per person. 

The Low Tea offers 6 selections of tea which includes offerings of black tea, oolong tea, green tea and white tea.  If you would like a truly decaffeinated tea, ask for the Lemon-Mamaki which is an herbal tea they serve at the restaurant.  I selected a white tea named White Mischief, a blend of pomegranate and guava.  The aroma was subtle, but sweet and I enjoyed the fruity notes in the hot tea. 

We started with the assorted tea sandwiches which included wasabi crab with bacon and avocado, black truffle egg salad, madras curry chicken with apples and currants, prosciutto & brie pâte à choux, cucumber "namasu" sandwich with dill cream, and a cured salmon pastry puff.  My favorites were the curry chicken and the truffle egg salad, but all the bite sized sandwiches were delightful.  

The petite sweets that were offered were a chocolate decadence cake, Greek yogurt panna cotta with oatmeal crumble & mixed berry coulis, vanilla bean cookie butter macaron, and honey lavender crème brulée.  I really enjoyed the crème brulee and the macaron.  

The sweets were accompanied by very delicious cranberry scones served with devonshire cream, lilikoi-yuzu Curd, and orange apricot marmalade.  It’s a good thing they are generous with the scones because I ate more than my share. 

Although the late afternoon time slot makes attending the tea a little difficult, the menu and the girl talk were well worth taking a couple hours of vacation time.  Glad to see they will be serving the tea on the weekends later this month.  I think they should also consider adding a non-caffeinated tea to the menu as well as offering an iced tea variation.          

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Ballet Hawaii's Peter Pan Tea Party at Mariposa

Just as promised, my daughter and I were transported to Neverland with a magical tea party yesterday at the Mariposa restaurant in Neiman Marcus as a part of Ballet Hawaii’s special party package that included the tea party, VIP theatre seating with choice of performance day and parking at the Blaisdell.

The details that went into transforming the restaurant space were amazing and the tea menu itself was delicious.  My daughter loved her keepsake crocodile dressed in a pink tutu and was enchanted by the bottle of pixie dust.  We look forward to attending the ballet and I would definitely recommend attending any of Ballet Hawaii’s future tea parties. 

Don't miss the show!  Ballet Hawaii presents a full production of Peter Pan, featuring choreography by Septime Webre, artistic director of The Washington Ballet, for three performances only on Friday, August 8 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, August 9 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, August 10 at 2:00 pm at Honolulu's Blaisdell Concert Hall. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via the Blaisdell Center or at ticketmaster.com

 

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The Monarch Tea Room - Grand Opening Celebration June 21

If you're looking for a quiet place to read a book and enjoy some coffee, to work on your laptop (free Wi-Fi available) and enjoy some decadent sweets, or to enjoy some afternoon tea, The Monarch Tea Room, located in the Native Books/Na Mea Hawaii at Ward Warehouse, offers the perfect setting.

Named in honor of Hawaii's monarchy, with numerous photos of Hawaiian royalty throughout the room, The Monarch Tea Room is tucked away in the back of the bookstore, so it's easy to miss this hidden gem.

However, ever since its soft opening on June 2, word has been spreading about this charming little shop.

Owners Liza & Shakkel Yunis, who moved to Hawaii from London, wish to offer all guests "a heightened emotional experience" by offering premium, luxury teas, delicious sweet and savory bites, and excellent service.

Liza's passion for tea is obvious (she has a Tea Masterclass Certificate) and she, along with the friendly and enthusiastic staff members, are ready and willing to answer any questions about the teas and food items available.

I was fortunate to attend a media launch event, where I was able to try some tea and cake.

I opted for With Open Eyes tea, which was fragrant and had a pleasant strawberry flavor.

I also indulged in some sweet eats, which included delicious miniature cupcakes and lilkoi bars.  Macarons, triple layer brownies, and more are also available.

Savory menu items include a Bacon Muffin with Cream and Hawaiian Pepper Jelly, and a Lilikoi Chicken with Coriander Sandwich.  I'd go back just to try that Bacon Muffin!

Afternoon Tea (12noon to 4pm) is $28 for one person, $36 for two.

The Grand Opening Celebration of The Monarch Tea Room takes place this Saturday, June 21st from 10am to 3pm.  There will be live entertainment, tea brewing & sampling stations, a monarchy competition, and more.

My girlfriends and I are already planning Afternoon Tea at The Monarch Tea Room.  We all can't wait!

The Monarch Tea Room
1050 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 1000

Honolulu, Hawaii 96814

(808) 330-8853

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RumFire's Spiked Afternoon Tea

RumFire offers a Spiked Afternoon Tea menu from 1pm-4pm daily, allowing you to sip on tea cocktails and dine on light fare all in the presence of beautiful Waikiki Beach.

From top left counter clockwise: The Little Saigon Slider; Housemade Scone; Tatas; Desserts (from L to R: Red Decadence, The Tart, Chocolate Addiction)

I had The Little Saigon Slider - Tamarind Marinated Chicken with Young Papaya Salad, and it was very delicious.  I also had the Tatas, which were tater tots with White Truffle Oil and Parmesan Cheese.  These were good too, but it took a VERY long time to for me to get them - much later than the rest of the meal (the server said the order for the Tatas got mixed in with another order).

The desserts (were VERY small - you could literally eat them in one bite), and it seems pricey for $5, but it also comes with a yummy scone.  I had the Red Decadence, which was indeed very decadent - it's a good thing it was small because it was just the right amount of sweetness for me.

Sliders, sides, and desserts are $5 each a la carte, and tea cocktails are $10.  For $20, you can get a tea cocktail, 2 sliders, a scone, and a dessert - that's a great deal!

RumFire's Spiked Afternoon Tea is the perfect way to spend a lovely afternoon with friends.

RumFire
2255 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI, 96815

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