Teaism

Review by schellhm on May 4, 2004

Many people I respect adore this awkward, uncomfortable place and its overpriced, tiny servings of shortbread and bento boxes, but I don't understand the appeal. If you want to sip obscure teas and nibble small meals in some non-chain, Ching Ching Cha (in Georgetown) is inexpensive and charming. The neighborhood near Teaism abounds with better Asian food. Anyone merely desperate for the video-game pleasure of negotiating a staircase and searching for a table while carting an unbalanced tray could walk a few blocks to Zorba's and at least interact with staff members who won't sneer at you if you mistakenly ask for some kind of tea they consider inauthentic. The two things that make it worth supporting Teaism: 1) Teaism encourages local poets, and 2) this branch has managed to survive the advent of Starbucks next door.