Though winter officially began a while back, from now until February, the weather is just going to keep getting colder. There's a hard freeze in the forecast for Thursday night, and since the week isn't quite over, I don't recommend you warm yourself with a few too many hot toddies just yet. The solution: Tea.
If you're not a regular tea-drinker, you may not be aware that Houston has a wonderful selection of teahouses and tea purveyors, from the fancy British style (finger sandwiches included) to the hippie-dippy (complete with vegan pastries) and everything in between.
So next time you're feeling chilly, head to one of these eight places for a cup of something warm and soothing and, as always, calorie-free!
8. Serenitea Tea Room Sugar Land is the perfect place for a tea room. Not 'cause Sugar Land is awash with tea drinkers, but the name is just spot-on because many people sweeten their tea with a little sugar. The tea room at Serenitea looks like how your grandmother might design a business, but don't be fooled. The owner, Archana Pyatt, really knows her stuff. Six days a week, she serves up breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in an old-fashioned yet charming atmosphere. The breakfast menu includes scones, frittatas and blintzes, while lunch is all about salads and cute little sandwiches. There's also a great tea selection at super-reasonable prices. I recommend the special: four teas and two scones with lemon curd and clotted cream for only $12.95 per person.
7. Crossroads Collection This little shop in old town Spring is more retail than restaurant, but the owners recently opened a Secret Garden-esque tea room to invite shoppers to sit for a spell. The rustic Victorian décor (complete with dollhouses and dainty fringed lamps) is ideal for private tea parties and baby showers; back in June, Crossroads Collection even held a royal baby shower for the soon-to-be-born Prince George. In addition to delightful finger food and a large selection of tea, Crossroads Collection sells everything you need to make tea, from brewing baskets to tea spoons to magazines for tea-devotees.
