Subtle Tea   

121 Madison Ave # 3
New York, NY 10016
212-481-4713
www.subtleteastore.com

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Inspired after numerous trips to Asia, a textile man opened this hip New York teahouse not for the traditional silk road set but for the iPod generation. Part cafe and part retail shop, the biggest draw at this modern rustic hangout is obviously the tea, which is offered as loose-leaf by the ounce, iced, or in a hot cup to stay. Over forty loose-leaf teas are available, from jasmine green to South African red cappuccino cream with caramel to a fruity herbal tea called Carnivale that's made with dried fruits and popped popcorn. The 'teaespresso' made from golden yunnan is very strong but not bitter, and one frappe infused with green concentrate is like drinking five cups of regular green tea, in terms of its anti-oxidants and anti-aging qualities (they also sell health products like skin lotions and candles). If that's all more info than you care to know, kick back at the large communal table, charge your iPod at the station, mooch off the free wi-fi and chow a simple ham and cheese sandwich.