Infusion Tea Inc   

America's love affair with the coffee bean is in no danger of being threatened by the tea leaf, but the recent popularity of such beverages as herbal, green and chai tea is raising awareness among consumers bent on living healthier lifestyles. The husband-and-wife team who runs this cool and cozy teahouse on the more tranquil end of Edgewater Drive is banking on the patronage of College Park's diverse denizens, and with nearly 30 varieties from which to choose, teatime's stodgy image gets a much-needed makeover here. From the floral aroma of the passion fruit green tea to the hard-edged ember-like flavor of the lapsang souchong, there's a tea here for all tastes. The rainforest mint yerba mate, a rejuvenating tea popular in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, makes an ideal early morning pick-me-up, as does the refreshingly soothing wintermint rooibos. The malt flavor of one of the finest Indian black teas, the Assam, will appeal to fans of chai -- just be sure to let it steep for five minutes for a full-bodied taste. Complementing the pleasant chai, the tearoom's chi is made equally pleasant by the hardwood floors, green- and lemon-colored walls and soothing folk-rock tunes playing overhead. Local artists display their works in a small corner of the room with mini-exhibits rotating every six months. There are a few tables inside in hippie-chic surrounds. A perch on the streetside patio is even more inviting on a perfect Florida morning. There's a modest menu of organic sandwiches (yes, cucumber is one of them) and flatbreads. Vegetarians will find a lot to like here, too -- salad selections made with organic greens come with tasty toppings such as dried cranberries and toasted pears. Plus, tea paraphernalia -- everything from pots to infusers -- are available for purchase. If you're not sure what tea you'd like to sample, just ask to take a whiff of the giant glass jars that contain the exotic offerings.