In a city where searches for "tea" yields "milk tea", I had
almost given up hope for a reasonable tea parlour*. Enter Victoria Boyert and her mother's British-style tea parlour, Satori Tea Company, where over 70 kinds of loose-leaf tea are offered along with a "tea atlier".
Four years ago, I first walked into Satori and was utterly charmed by its eclectic interior design and Victoria. [She is
really knowledgeable about her tea, for those who want some guidance. Ask and you shall receive.]
After experiencing their service, my friend and I made a pact to return every single time we were in the Bay Area. And we have.
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| Sweets from the second visit: red velvet cupcakes and warm heritage scones paired with a pot of Vietnamese black tea |
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| The staples: heritage scones, clotted cream and lemon curd |
Satori has changed a lot over the past few years; I have noticed new employees and policies, menu edits and website variations. Don't misunderstand me, these consequences of a thriving business are fabulous but I believe the quality has degraded.
This is no longer a place where we can leisurely sip tea and nibble on fancies while catching up. Instead, we feel rushed and obligated to order our usual, as "new" additions may prove unfavourable. Such a shame, because we truly enjoyed Satori.
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| A beautifully quirky set-up but disappointing in quality |
Come for the loose-leaf tea and perhaps indulge in a scone. I cannot vouch for their rotating baked goods, crumpets or clotted cream but their lemon curd still appears to be tasty. Satori Tea Company is a bit pricey, but is on par with the other tea room* in San Jose.
For parking, remember to park in the garage
across the street marked with "Pv" or "Parking Validation"! Your wallet will thank you.
For more photographs and candid thoughts on what I ate, click
here,
here,
here or
here for the diary entries.
Satori Tea Company
37 North San Pedro Street
San Jose, CA 95110
+408 292 1502
*
Lisa's Tea Treasures, to my best knowledge, stands to be the only other competitor.
Thanks, Greg!
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