As I mentioned in my last post, my family and I just returned from a glorious trip to Washington, D.C. My husband thinks we went to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, but I know we went because I had a laundry list of tea places to stop by. That said, let me get right to it!
Teaism Penn Quarter – Really cute cafe with an adjoining retail shop and within walking distance of the White House. We actually went twice, so the first time we went I had a Chai and the second time I tried their Sencha Okabe. Both were delightful and even though it was sweltering I chugged them both. In fact, we even bought a couple of ounces of the Sencha so we could make tea in our hotel room. It has quickly become one of my favorite greens!
Founding Farmers – This restaurant is owned by farmers and the food they serve is sustainable and delicious. Not a tea-specific location by any means, but the place is super cool and their tea options were unique. I have no idea who they source through, but I tried the Farmer’s Blend served via an iron kettle and the tea was totally enjoyable.
Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant – We decided to do a little travel outside of DC and Mount Vernon seemed like a fantastic place to visit. After our tour, we popped in for a quick bite and I was a little disappointed to see that their only tea offerings were bagged. Considering Washington’s love of tea, I guess I expected something grander. That said, they serve their tea by the pot, and I liked the little silver pewter pots.
On top of these three options for hot tea, I am pretty sure I drank a dozen gallons or so of iced tea – some sweetened, some plain. All thirst quenching and hydrating – which is important for a desert girl in 90 degree/90%-humidity-type weather.
Being that I really was there to celebrate my anniversary, I think three tea spots during a six-day trip is pretty good! Still on my list to visit at a later date … Capital Teas and Ching Ching Cha!
Glad to hear tea is represented well in D.C. I love the Founding Farmers restaurant concept. Lot of similar venues in Portland Oregon. It would be interesting to learn more about their tea blend. I like that they carried on with their theme by serving unique teas. Happy Anniversary. Tell your husband that an anniversary celebration vacation doesn’t include kids – it’s supposed to be romantic – even though you have very cute kids:)