Bosie Tea Parlor 05-09-2011

Location: 10 Morton St.
Time: 1pm
People: BLee, SaSha from Tea Happiness and myself

Feelings: My parents are visiting from Osaka, and they are staying at our tiny Brooklyn one bedroom apartment. As I write this, I have no space to move. Checking work emails and looking after parents and a baby--I would not recommend this for anyone, but it is nice to catch up with my parents and see them cuddle CK. When I feel like I am about to lose my mind, I think of the serene afternoon I spent with my friends at Bosie Tea Parlor in the West Village. Serenity now!

When BLee mentioned that her yoga teachers opened up a tea salon, I was eager to visit with her and my tea connoisseur friend SaSha. The interior was simple and classic à la French tea rooms, and I enjoyed the selection of utensils and also appreciated that there was no music. We could really concentrate on the flavor of tea and our conversation while admiring the pretty table setting.

SaSha and I ordered a pot of tea, tea sandwiches and macarons separately, but the afternoon tea set ($25) that includes a pot of tea, tea sandwiches, tea cakes, macarons and scones is definitely a better value. Always brilliant BLee ordered the set, and her bill of course came out to be smaller than mine while her stomach was more satisfied.

My organic rooibos tea was earthy and subtly sweet, and although I enjoy more of a bitter flavor from tea, it brought a peaceful experience. It was pleasant to find that each pot was prepared so skillfully. Making tea is really an art form.

The macarons, beautifully crafted by the former patissier from Bouley and Ladurée, were delicate and exquisitely chewy. The darjeeling flavor had an impeccable combination of sweet and bitter, and it was an ideal treat for the tea. The thyme from the tea sandwiches with egg salad also helped bring out the earthiness of the tea. There are not many tea spots in the city with freshly made classic tea sandwiches, so this was indeed a rare opportunity.

With classic triangle tea sandwiches and buttery scones, I felt like one of the ladies who lunch. It was a delightfully relaxing afternoon. I may be in a chaotic situation now, but my mind can always go back to that serenity thanks to Bosie.