TEA OUTING: BELLOCQ

On a blustery afternoon this past October, I was able to swoop into Bellocq, the most gorgeous, inspired tea atelier located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. After a big weekend of work and play near Boston, it was a delight to just be whole heatedly enraptured by magical place, sip specially blended teas and be hosted by the very inspired proprietor, Mr. Michael Shannon.

Simone and I were doing jazz hands from the moment we stepped through the very unassuming doors and into the cozy, yet superbly elegant tea room. I had read a lot about this special tea haven and it surpassed all of my expectations. The teas are delicate, flavorful and refined and they each have an origin story of being sourced responsibly from different merchants and gardens throughout Asia. The creators, Michael (who we got to visit with), Heidi and Scott, all have backgrounds in design and food. They share a passion for travel, friendship, gathering friends together over bubbling pots of old standby teas and exotic rare brews. Together they've created an over the top experience and story surrounding tea -- a narrative that is sensual yet accessible, intriguing yet familiar. To be frank, a visit here will give you a tea-gasm to be sure.

It was the perfect morning, with talks of Shubert and singing opera in the home or tea room, learning more about our favorite blends, making lists of which teas to purchase (stimulation overload!) and sharing in the connective powers that steam forth from a warm cup.

Thank you Michael and Bellocq.

If You Go:
Bellocq Tea Atelier
104 West Street
Greenpoint, NY 11222

Hours: Friday & Saturday 12-7pm
Sunday 12-5pm