Bellocq Tea Atelier - Oh How Civilized

I made a note to visit Bellocq Tea Atelier ever since I saw and tasted their beautifully packaged teas at Haven's Kitchen a little while back. They're located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn so I made the trek out there for a visit recently. I took the L to the Bedford stop and instead of taking a cab or car service, I opted for the 20 minute walk. Taking the G to Greenpoint will get you much closer, with just a two block walk. Walking down West Street, I spotted brown double doors with a white sign. I walked by it at first, unsure if it was the shop entrance since I was expecting a storefront. Once inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the shop. It's flat out gorgeous. I walked through a small foyer to enter a light filled room showcasing all their teas. One wall is stocked with their tea offerings in bright yellow large tea canisters. Opposite that wall is a table with their small travel canisters on display.

I met Heidi, one of the owners, and she offered sample tea tastings of any of the teas on the wall. I was looking specifically for a black tea so I got to try five different ones before I decided on the Ceylon. For each tea tasting, she would take one of the large yellow canisters off the wall, give me some information on that tea and allowed me to take a whiff. They all smelled fantastic. Into a cup with some loose leaf tea, she added hot water and let it brew a bit before serving them in small glass cups. After I finished sipping the tea, she would start the process over again with another cannister off the wall. It was nicely paced and relaxing and I got a good sense how each one tasted.

I got the Atelier size of the Ceylon ($9), which is packaged in a small brown paper pouch. The next size up would be the travel caddy – the cannisters on the table. They also design and sell their own tea strainers.

The whole experience was so pleasant, relaxing and informative, I felt like Heidi was my personal tea guru/shopper. It was definitely worth the trip out there. 

They also offer a $250 tea tasting in a private room, connected to the main room which can last up to three hours for one to six people.

Note: They're only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 

LOCATION: Bellocq Tea Atelier | 104 West Street, Greenpoint, NY | 800.495.5416

Thank you!

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