San Francisco - October 24, 2005

Tea Time

Leland Tea Company Opens

Afternoon tea has a bad rap: sandwiches too dainty to enjoy, atmosphere too stuffy to get comfortable in, and service so snooty, you have to pretend to know blacks from oolongs.

Leland Tea Company, a new tea house on Bush, is perfect for tea lovers (Lapsang Souchong and flowering varieties will satisfy the most refined tastes), novices (pretension-free suggestions like mandarin green are happily provided), and everyone in between.

Its classy vintage decor evokes old-school San Francisco: exposed brick walls, hand-painted art nouveau frescoes, and dark hardwood floors (rumor has it the building once housed a brothel). Standard tea for two comes with sandwiches (that actually fill you up), a salad, fresh fruit, and an assortment of fresh-baked goodies from scones to biscotti. Not that hungry? Order a plate of cheese and crackers or fresh veggies, or keep it simple with a pot of your favorite herbal.

If you’re feeling inspired, head to the custom tea bar and create your own blend. They’ll keep your recipe on file so you can pick up your personalized loose-leaf whenever you fancy it.

Sounds just like your cuppa tea.

Leland Tea Company, 1416 Bush Street, at Polk Street (415-346-4832).

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