staying for tea at seven cups denver tea houseAugust 10th, 2011

the world is in such a hurry. but even before we entered seven cups denver tea house, the writing was on the wall that it would be different. instead of the usual tea-to-go signs, the graphics that greeted us as we walked toward the door were for tea to stay.

this is denver’s first and only chinese tea house, a three-year-old replica of the first seven cups which was founded in phoenix by a tea master. the little space in denver’s hip washington park neighborhood houses teas that you won’t find anywhere else in the country, and all but two of more than 80 are chinese (those two are japanese teas). it takes you into chinese culture through the teas… the décor… the little snacks of mocha and dumplings and steamed buns.

and then there is the passion for the teas, which are sourced from chinese tea masters. all are organic (although all are not certified organic). the staff is ready and willing to educate you on the different varieties in the front area, where you can view cakes of pu-erh and sniff a few rare yellow teas. (there are also tea tastings every friday and tea ceremonies every other wednesday.)

in the back, behind wooden screens, it seems like a secret room that shields you from the world outside. there are chinese chippendale tables and chairs, wood chests, red-tasseled chinese lanterns, hangings with chinese characters that adorn pale yellow walls, a bookcase brimming with books, sideboards with teapots and teacups, asian fans, and beautiful displays of ikebana that were arranged by our hostess, rebecca norton. settle back, and enjoy the calm.

rebecca recommended a pot of rare yellow buds tea (meng ding huang ya) from the sichuan province. it was exquisite, and this was a lovely stay-for-tea experience. we learned that the seven cups name originates from an ancient tang dynasty verse. part of the verse: “the fifth cup releases my muscles and bones become light.” and by the fifth cup we enjoyed, it was true.  

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