Something other than Coffee
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
In a city over-crowded with coffee stands and shops, Koots Green Tea is a quiet, tranquil, breath of fresh air. The Koots chain has its roots in Japan and carries nine varieties of green tea. From Bancha - often known as "twig tea" - made from the tea stalk itself to Matcha - the finely powdered tea made from young green leaves - that is used in the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
Not only do they offer the traditional teas, they offer updated recipes such as smoothies and lattes - made with your choice of milk or soy milk. Some of the drinks they feature:
Iced mint pearl tea: Iced sencha (made with green tea leaves), black pearl tapioca and a hint of mint,
Matcha latte: Organic matcha and steamed milk - one of my favorites.
Matcha chocolat: White-chocolate chips whisked in green-tea powder with steamed milk and whipped cream
The store has a small alcove - tatami seating area as well as a bar that wraps around two walls, and cafe table with a bamboo like top with chairs covered in a kimono pattern.
Various confections are available such as green-tea iced scones and green-tea muffins and slices of cake. Also offered are some distinctly European styled cakes and cookies available, like the slices of Lavender Citrus cake and the pressed almond cookies - sliced, toasted and held together by chocolate.
Sushi rolls are also available for those wanting a more substantial snack or wishing to lunch there.
Judging by the number of patrons I've seen there with their laptops, I'm guessing that they offer WiFi as well. I'll have to check next time I'm there.