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| Summer Tea and a Scone |
Not for the first time, and certainly not the last.
In love with a place. A restaurant to be more specific. A tea salon, to be exact.
What's a tea salon, you ask? Well, obviously it involves tea. But when I think of a salon, I'm thinking of a place where you get your hair and nails done. A full service place of beauty. But when I searched "salon" on the internet the definition was quite different. According to Wikipedia (I know, I know, not necessarily good information but go with it!), a salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine taste and increase their knowledge of the participants through conversation. Such salons also included the aim to please or educate and were commonly frequented by people of like minds. So, let's put it all together. The Zen Cha tea salon is obviously of Asian persuasion/theme and of course they market tea. However the salon also has a goal of educating guests about teas from around the world, under the direction of an inspiring host, server or tea ambassador.
My first visit was very much like my second, so I'll combine them for the purpose of this review. My friend Terri and I like to get out of the building for lunch from time to time. To be honest, there is nothing good to eat within 2 miles from the office. Therefore, we often venture out and land in Bexley where there is good eating and free parking. The first time we visited Zen Cha, it was closed despite posted signage suggesting they should be open. So, we went next door. We returned about 3 weeks later, and voila! It was open for business. We were greeted by a host whom we'll call Mr. C. Mr. C stated he would be our host for the day. Because it was our first time, he told us about the full selection of teas offered, how best to drink (hot or cold) and foods that would pair well. Mr. C. had more tea knowledge than the 2 of us could digest in one sitting and we were very vocal about that. Terri and I had a great time questioning every detail and our host was a good sport.
THE FOOD
Terri and I browsed the menu before our visit (the joys of the internet!). Eventually, I orded the Beef and Blue Cheese sandwich with the Summer tea on ice. Terri had the Ginger Beef salad (can't recall the tea, sorry!). She also ordered dessert early, in the form of a cinnamon and orange scone. We both indulged in the scone, which was quite delicious, surprisingly moist and full of flavor.
My sandwich was just as flavorful. The beef was tender, the blue cheese dressing was light and the cabbage offered a nice crunch. A small green salad accompanied the dish. Nothing to rave about but still good. Terri on the other hand enjoyed the Ginger Salad. She ate it all so I can vouch for her that it was quite tasty. It look quite beautiful. The last time we went, we both ordered the Beef and Blue sandwich. It was just as good the second time around. Since it's still summer, I again enjoyed the Summer tea. The Summer tea is a fruity blend of jasmine, green tea and lots of fresh cut fruit. The fruit (kiwi, pineapple, pear) floats prettily beneath the ice. It is the epitome of REFRESHING! I will try something else next time, but right now that tea hits the spot!
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| Ginger Beef Salad |
The remaining menu selections look pretty good too by the way. During our last visit, Terri ordered the Smoked Salmon Crostini appetizer. I'll be honest. It looked pretty and scary to me at the same time when it arrived. There were 4 bits of crusty bread on the plate, with salmon, some sort of dijon sauce and cranberries on top. Although I was skeptical at first, it turned out to be a very good combination. I'm sorry I didn't photograph it! In any case, I mentioned the Asian persuasion earlier but the Zen Cha menu is not limited in that way. There are are other influences as well. Entrees such as Miso Ramen, Hojica Shrimp, Russian Caravan Medallions, and Chocolate Beignets are also featured on the menu.
AMBIANCE
So, I've discussed the food. Let's talk ambiance. My first memory is that Zen Cha has a lovely bathroom, with probably the most beautiful sink I've ever seen. I need to take a picture of it. I found myself wanting to stay in there and play in the water. I didn't though. Really.... The restaurant itself is kind of dark but cozy at the same time. There is a large window up front with two tables. It's the perfect lunch venue and would make a lovely, date night if you should find yourself there in the evening.
There is a small section of shelves featuring tea-time tools and every thing you could possibly want to know or learn about brewing and drinking tea. It's definitely fun to look and laugh at tiny tea cups that hold about 3 sips of tea, but cost more than my bedroom furniture.
PRICE/SERVICE
Here's the hitch. Full tea service at Zen Cha is about $5.95 on average. This includes a fair sized pot/carafe of the selected tea and the tea-time talk with the host. Remember, it is a "salon", education is involved and they would like you to become a "like-minded" lover of tea. The lunch menu is on average $10 or less. But it adds up quickly should you include an appetizer or tea. My most recent tab was $20 and that was because I also ordered edamame. So, I won't be going there every day but once every couple of weeks is doable. It's also important to note that the highest item on the menu is only $18.50. Not bad for a date night choice.
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| Beef and Blue Cheese |
I told you service was good. Mr. C was far more attentive than our most recent server. That was ok however, because we were engaged in conversation and constant interruption may not have been welcomed. The only issue I have with service at all is that we noticed that the wait times at Zen Cha can be quite long. We arrived at about 1:15 and left at close to 2:30. The place was in no way crowded. The first visit was closer to 2 hours (all that artistry and education I suppose!). Having some familiarity with the menu cut down on some of the time but not quite enough. So make sure you have some time to spare if you go.
LOCATION
Zen Cha is located in the heart of Bexley and there is also the original salon which is located in the Short North of Columbus.
In sum, Zen Cha Tea Salon beckons me regularly. I'm serious. Beckons. It calls out to me at least once a week. Even suggests I bring my journal and stay awhile. And sometimes, I cave and go... Salud!
