Enchanted Tea Garden

Taking the notion of tea as a relaxing, healing beverage one step further, Numi Tea company has opened its first Tea Garden in Oakland, California.

Based on the concept of a holistically themed community gathering place, the Numi Tea Garden was designed to be an urban oasis, providing a tranquil venue for film, live music, theatrical performances, and community events. The setting also accommodates dance and yoga classes. Displays include original artwork from area artists, with handcrafted, eco-conscious furnishings inspired by artist, designer, and woodworker Matt Reynoso, who describes the tea garden as “an eco-conscious environment.” The décor was motivated by the exotic images that appear on Numi’s packaging, along with art favored by co-founders Reem and Ahmed Rahim. It was Ahmed Rahim’s idea to recycle a collection of discarded tiles that were discovered in a city trash heap—with the result being a collection of unique, handcrafted mosaic tables for the café. The Numi team combed the area for discarded building materials, even rescuing driftwood from the nearby bay. Finishing touches to the healing space include milk-based paints, water-based finishes, eco-certified, sustainably produced woods, and menu items approved by the Organic Beverage Alliance. The café features a selection of retail tea ware, light snacks and pastries, and the full line of Numi products, including their herbal teasons and delicate, flowering teas. A specialty menu of tea-infused cocktails, called Mar-tea-nis, feature Square One Organic Vodka blended with herbal teas and organic juices. Next time you’re in Oakland, slip inside and sample a Rainforest Green-tea-ni, made with organic lime juice, Square One Organic Vodka, Numi Rainforest Green Tea, Numi Ginger Sun Tea, organic agave nectar, and a splash of orange liqueur—but perhaps wait until yoga class is over before ordering. For more information call (510) 533-8720 or visit www.numitea.com   

—D.B.

Jan/Feb 2008