The first teahouse in Seattle (unless you count the Japanese Tea Garden in the Arboretum, which has such limited hours) and an oasis of "East/West" calm in the middle of Wallingford on 45th.
Named for the Chinese goddess of mercy (as well as an eponymous black tea).
Cozy, intimate, relaxing, particularly in the autumn. Don't stop in very often, but I have always had a pleasant experience. I recall first coming here probably at least 20 years ago.
Every once in a while, it is nice to "take time out" from Starbuck's )or whatever your favorite coffeehouse is) and, instead, dive into an independently run teahouse such as this. It is neither a traditional Japanese or
Chinese teahouse but still has its own blended ambience.
Nice selection of high-quality teas. Live instrumental music in the evening. Unpretentious.
Recommended reading:.
The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura
See also
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=teaculture290&date=20071029&query=Kuan+Yin+teahouse
more