Teatopia
2606 Cherokee Street, St. Louis, MO 63118
314-553-9402
teatopiastl.com
It is commonly known that drinking tea can better one’s physical health, such as aiding with digestion and reducing inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases. What is lesser known, however, is the benefit of taking tea for one’s mental health. Reginald Quarles, founder of Teatopia in St. Louis, is breaking the stigma of mental health issues one cup at a time.
With an affinity for tea and a master’s degree in clinical mental health, Reginald excitedly envisioned combining the two to create something that had never been done before. “I knew that I wanted to open a tea place,” Reginald shares. “I didn’t want English or Japanese style—somewhere where everyone is invited, and no one has to put on a façade. From the music and lights to the processes, everything would be designed to help you relax and ease off stress and anxiety.” As a young child, Reginald found comfort within his mother’s “tea stash.” Occasionally, he would sneak into her treasured collection and, one time, even accidentally consumed four cups of a detox tea, something he will never do again.
It is safe to say that tea is not only a beverage or a hobby for this tea shop owner, but rather a deep-seated passion and a way of life. That passion emerged into a fruitful business in 2017.
Every detail of Teatopia is intentional in nature. From the abundance of green—a color said to evoke feelings of refreshment and peace—in the logo, chairs, and plants scattered around the store to the process in which tea is taken, no tea leaf has been left unturned. “Teapots are set up so that people can be a part of the process,” Reginald explains. “Envision a bamboo tray set with a timer for managing the steeping and the loose-leaf tea that has been chosen. This is meant to be a time of ease and reflection. One of my biggest hopes is that once you get to the time the first sip reaches your lips, nothing is stressful.” The entire experience from the moment that someone walks in the door to the last drop of liquid that is savored is meant to be rejuvenating and pleasurable.
For your tea, consider choosing one of these tempting varieties that hail from all over the world: milk oolong, matcha, jasmine pearls, silver needles, or 2nd flush Assam. A varied assortment of black, green, and white teas is available, along with herbal tisanes that are popular. Additionally, creative tea-infused smoothies serve as both a unique beverage for tea devotees as well as an interesting gateway into the tea world for those who are unfamiliar. Nine refreshing, vegan-friendly smoothies utilizing oat or almond milk—Green Dream (a black tea base with mango, pineapple, and spinach), Tropic Bliss (pineapple, mango, and coconut), and The Cherokee (a choice of mocha or vanilla imparted with bananas, peanut butter, and black tea)—are sure to satisfy. And if you haven’t quite satiated your tea fix with an elixir of sorts, tasty salads, wraps, and more will delight your pal- ate. A handful of toppings and spreads on the menu, like a tea-infused vinaigrette that accompanies select salads and yummy cream cheeses imparted with Lapsang Souchong and matcha, provide delicious new ways to interact with tea.
Teatopia, an extraordinary eutopia for tea, beckons for locals and visitors alike to come, sip, eat, and stay awhile. The essence of the business, a pure promotion of indulging in slow moments and taking the proper time to appreciate your surroundings, completely contradicts the hurried culture of today, which is what makes it stand out in a world of fast transactions and thoughtless caffeination. The beauty of a nice cup of tea is not always found in the tea itself, but as Teatopia proves, sometimes it lies in the slow transformation of leaf to liquid.
Teatopia is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with hours on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
