Palo Altans get break from corporate coffee

Customers ease into hectic holiday season with visits to brand-new Neotte's Tea Bar where refreshing tastes of China, India come alive

posted November 22, 2005

by Ariel Agaju of Campanile

November is upon us: Jack Frost is nipping at our noses and torrents of holiday shoppers are emerging on the leaf-lined streets of University Avenue.

When the weather outside is frightful, a calm sanctuary where one can cuddle up in an armchair with a steaming cup of tea seems to be what everyone looks for and three-week-old tea bar Neotte is just the place to go.

Neotte, a fashionable, low-key Chinese tea bar, located across the street from Borders, fosters good health through teas specially blended upon ordering by CEO Matthew Hui. According to Hui, there are hundreds of different varieties of Chinese tea, and he wanted to introduce them to the Bay Area.

Currently, Neotte only offers six different kinds of custom-blended tea, which come either hot ($1.50-$2.00) or iced ($2.50-$3.25) with the option of adding milk ($2.25-$3.25) and tapioca pearls ($0.25).

Many of the teas have health benefits, such as reduction of blood pressure and cholesterol, assistance with digestion, strengthening of the immune system and control of body weight.

White tea, made from white peony and silver needles, carries a sweet floral taste and smell, is rich in anti-oxidants, prevents colds and cancers, and is anti-stress, which is a helpful quality for students doing homework at the bar.

White tea is the least processed and rarest of teas, drunk primarily by tea connoisseurs. It offers consumers a smooth, mellow and flowery taste.

For those fatigued from a hard day's work, Jasmine Dragonball (a green tea), which is made from dragon well and jade sprouts, is advertised as having "awakening" qualities among others.

The most remarkable tea Neotte carries is Eight Babes herbal tea. Described as an edible garden, Eight Babes is served with flowers, small fruits and herbs floating in it and tastes grassy and fruity.

Other teas offered at Neotte are Black tea, which prevents blood clotting and relieves diabetes, Red tea, which is rich in vitamin A and prevents halitosis, and Oolong tea which is made from Iron Goddess, Phoenix and Bao Zhong herbs.

Neotte also has a pastry case filled with traditional Chinese pastries, cookies and lemon squares.

Like its tea, Neotte's earth-toned décor follows an Eastern theme; it is simple and free from distractions, making this the ideal place to sit and study, listen to music or just unwind.

Eight small tables are scattered across the hardwood floor and diffused light comes from orange lamps hanging from the ceiling. Sunlight is filtered in through the glass front wall of the bar and framed pictures of antique Chinese teapots are lined up across one side of the mint green painted walls.

Duos of large, comfortable armchairs are nestled in the two front corners of the bar between the glass doorway and the walls. These chairs are undoubtably the best places to do homework or have an intimate conversation with a friend, because of their secluded location, complete with wood endtables and chic lamps. Additional tables and chairs are stationed outside for those who prefer to embrace the cold.

So leave that cup of joe at Peet's and take a break from Starbucks' painfully sweet frappuccinos and vanilla lattés this holiday season. Instead, curl up with a cup of steaming herbal tea and watch the rain fall through the glass panes that rim Neotte.

With its interesting flavors, health benefits and relaxation qualities to boot, Neotte tea is coffee's best substitute. The calming atmosphere and soft music make it a great option for those who want to leave the stress of holiday shopping behind.

<b>Neotte Tea Bar</b>

Address: 429 University Avenue

Price Range: $3-5 per person

3 out of 4 stars