Enchanted Tea Garden

Taking the notion of tea as a relaxing, healing beverage one step further, Numi Tea company has opened its first Tea Garden in Oakland, California.

Based on the concept of a holistically themed community gathering place, the Numi Tea Garden was designed to be an urban oasis, providing a tranquil venue for film, live music, theatrical performances, and community events. The setting also accommodates dance and yoga classes. Displays include original artwork from area artists, with handcrafted, eco-conscious furnishings inspired by artist, designer, and woodworker Matt Reynoso, who describes the tea garden as “an eco-conscious environment.”

The d©cor was motivated by the exotic images that appear on Numi’s packaging, along with art favored by co-founders Reem and Ahmed Rahim. It was Ahmed Rahim’s idea to recycle a collection of discarded tiles that were discovered in a city trash heap with the result being a collection of unique, handcrafted mosaic tables for the caf©. The Numi team combed the area for discarded building materials, even rescuing driftwood from the nearby bay. Finishing touches to the healing space include milk-based paints, water-based finishes, eco-certified, sustainably produced woods, and menu items approved by the Organic Beverage Alliance. The caf© features a selection of retail tea ware, light snacks and pastries, and the full line of Numi products, including their herbal teasons and delicate, flowering teas.

A specialty menu of tea-infused cocktails, called Mar-tea-nis, feature Square One Organic Vodka blended with herbal teas and organic juices. Next time you’re in Oakland, slip inside and sample a Rainforest Green-tea-ni, made with organic lime juice, Square One Organic Vodka, Numi Rainforest Green Tea, Numi Ginger Sun Tea, organic agave nectar, and a splash of orange liqueur but perhaps wait until yoga class is over before ordering. For more information call (510) 533-8720 or visit numitea.com