Ippodo tea house

This tiny place hidden in between two buildings, not far from Grand Central, is only providing Japanese green tea from a matcha base. They have “here” or “to go”, ice or hot.

I chose “to go” and ordered an ice matcha slushy for $4. It tasted really good! They have different type of matcha, some bitter, some sweeter, depending on your taste.

This teahouse was first created in Japan with several stores in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and opened one abroad in New York City.

It takes only 2mn to make the tea and for the busy people in Grand Central, you will have a “to go” in your hands in less time than you think.

I also discovered there was a Japanese restaurant on the 2^nd floor but I was mostly interested in there tea.

http://www.ippodo-tea.co.jp/en/shop/ny.html

Radiance Tea House & Books

It’s Tuesday 10am, I’m in the middle of the business area in midtown. As I am pushing the door, I can hear a traditional Chinese music. There is only 1 customer.  It is surprisingly peaceful.

I sat at a table for once and this time I ordered an ice tea, as the weather was too unbearable to drink a hot tea. As a difference from some other teahouse, this one provides particular home made ice teas served in a carafe. There is a special summer selection of a dozen different ice teas. If you feel fruitier, sweeter or anything else, don't worry you will find the tea that suits your taste.  You also know what is inside (flowers, raspberry, honey etc.) but especially you can see on the menu the benefits of each tea: weight loss, skin purification, blood cleaning etc. That also can help you to choose your tea. I thought that was a great idea.

Unfortunately, I haven’t found this teahouse very warm although I appreciated the place very much. I couldn't understand as the waiters were speaking Chinese, but it seemed they were quarreling. Both of them were fighting to get the customers. The customers could easily feel they were over watched. I didn't know if the lady was new and if she was watched by her boss but I found it ridiculous, annoying and disrespectful to behave that way in front of the customers. I hope it happened only once.

Besides that the tea was very good, I hope you will have the chance to try. 

http://www.radiancetea.com/