As those of you who live in NYC might know, There are a burgeoning number of Japanese and Asian-fusion businesses opening in the East Village. I personally see this as a welcome event- I can now get all the pre-cooked eel I want, as well as numerous kinds of rice, prawn crakers and other foodstuffs that are quickly seeming like a necessity. Still, my joy increased right around Christmas when a new business opened- Cha-an, which calls itself a Japanese teahouse, on 9th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
Last week was my birthday and I felt like checking it out. It didn't hurt that one of the nearby stores had half-price coupons for any purchase. I went on Friday, and ended up going back two more days in a row- and it seemed worth it, even without a discount. Cha-an is located on the second florr of a non-descipt bouilding- the sandwichboard outside marks the spot. There's also a menu outside so you can get an idea of what to have with your tea.
The owner did a really nice job with this place. Dark wood stairs lead up to the restaurant, which was small but comfortable. There was a counter very similar to what one would find in a sushi restaurant, and then several tables, including one that was in an alcove. There's also a regulation-size teahouse set up. According to one of the waitresses, the restaurant will soon be taking reservations for tea ceremonies.
The restaurant was very quiet when I went there around 4pm. It became a more crowded after 5:30, mostly with Japanese neighborhood types. I ordered the afternoon tea set, which consisted of two sandwiches, a pot of tea, and a dessert plate for $18. All the desserts are made on premises. Everything was fresh and delicious- I really loved the salmon sandwich, and the lotus root on my other sandwich was so good that I want the recipe. For those of you who are wheat-intolerant, I'm pretty sure that the cookies in the dessert platter use soy. There's also an a la carte menu, and you can just order tea.
How are the teas? They have a good selection. You can have a Darjeeling Namring second flush, matcha, or Keemun, as well as a wide variety of other teas. I enjoyed the Darjeeling a lot, even though I have to admit that my favorite is Margaret's Hope. I thought the Keemun was good also. If I have any complaint, it's that the teas are usually served in glass teapots with tops that have to be held as you pour. I plan to go back on Friday and try the matcha. I found this place to have a very relaxing atmosphere. Most pots of tea will set you back about $6-$9, depending on what you order. I have a feeling that I will just about be living at this place, as it's convenient and I tutor nearby.