I woke up this past Saturday with a stuffy nose and a feeling of disorientation. I decided not to go to dance practice in fear of getting my instructors baby sick. That would have been bad. Very, very bad. My plan was to ingest as much tea as possible to combat this growing sickness. I was NOT going to have some little cold stop me. A few short minutes later I decided to try out this little tea and spice shop in the neighborhood of Takoma in NW DC called SiTea.
I know of this place due to my brief week attending classes at Mamasita Dance Studio just a few doors down. A friend of mine tried one of their teas and had rave reviews about it. I was eager to try, mainly because I loved the atmosphere at the dance studio – tranquil, warm, and inviting. I figured it would be the same at SiTea. I can tell you that I was not disappointed.
My mood was not too good before I walked in the door. It improved a few notches once I was inside. The Electronica booming through the speakers gave the shop a true lounge feel that I loved. The decor immediately put me at ease. No tables. Well, at least, not the traditional restaurant table and chair setup. Just a cozy sitting area with sofas and arm chairs. Coffee tables, end tables, and animal print storage ottomans completed the look encouraging shared conversation and experiences. The shop was run by the Lady Diva herself, Dane Figueroa Edidi who made my first visit there very special. It was perfect.
Since I was feeling a bit under the weather, my first tea was their Rescue Me blend which I believe came from the green tea family with a few magical additions of their own including cinnamon. I sipped on that while I did some serious journalling. I felt how the tea opened up my sinus passageways allowing me to breathe easier. Later I decided to try their “Tea of the Moment” which just happened to be their Black Magic Woman blend. It was a chai tea made with Almond milk and a few other key ingredients to make it sexy as hell. The taste was heavenly. I complimented the tea with a couple of their delectable treats: A samosa and Caribbean Jerk chili, both vegetarian. I assume both recipes can be found in Dr. Sunyatta, the shop owner’s, cookbook just released this past September. After sampling these dishes I am seriously considering the purchase.
One thing that I can tell you is that I WILL be returning. I’m also trying to make my way back to the dance studio as well. Both places will surely help me on my path to my own personal enlightenment. If I get healthy and fit along the way, all the better!
Oh, and in case you missed the various links throughout the post, here is a list of resources for you. Please check them out, say hello, and partake in the goodness as much as you can. It’s totally worth it. BELIEVE ME!
- SiTea Enchanted Teas & Treats
- Mamasita Dance Studio
- Queen of Spice: Sexy Vegetarian Cuisine with Sunyatta Amen
- Dane Figueroa Edidi
*Image of SiTea Logo compliments of www.siteaspice.com*