Worldly Teas Are Their World

Friday, as I was driving around Cool Springs, acquiring job applications from every possible retailer in the area, I noticed a little shop that I feel sure I have passed well over a thousand times in the years since it has opened. In fact, I passed it three times that day before deciding to stop in and see what it was all about. The shop is called World Cup of Tea. You can imagine what their specialty is.

Having recently cut sodas completely out of my diet entirely, I have been drinking tea instead. Being far from a tea connoisseur, I decided to try and broaden my horizons, and hopefully flavor options. Until then I had been limited to Starbucks tasty, but insanely overpriced, limited selection; and, whatever I could find in the tea section of my favorite grocery store.

I was unsure what to expect, other than a lot of stuff related to tea. It was a good thing I was not expecting anything in particular, because I was shocked enough as it was. I thoroughly enjoyed the establishment, don't get me wrong. The young gentleman with whom I spoke was not only very helpful; but was quite a joy to talk with as well. The decor and ambiance of the place were what took me pleasantly off guard.

Upon entering I saw that the entire right side was merchandise for sale with several display- only pieces mixed in. But, not quite the merchandise selection I did expect. Of course, there was a wide variety of tea pots, cups, mugs, saucers, etc. But, there were none of the "gadgets" I would have thought they would have. I saw no modern- day brewing machines or infusing pots. In fact, I do not even recall seeing a travel thermos. Although, the latter is something I could have easily overlooked. There were no boxes of pre- bagged teas such as what one would find in their local market. Rather, they have nothing but loose leaf teas which are for sale by the ounce. There is a board with little tins, each having a different type of tea in it, for customers to smell, look at, read a description of, and choose from. The prices per ounce seemed to me to be quite reasonable. Usually much cheaper than buying the typical box elsewhere. Each of the teas was very unique, and I'm sure that any and every one could find a flavor to their liking.

There was a relatively small counter in the back at which an order can be placed for tea by the ounce, or by the drink. It seems they can even make tea lattes, something I will be going back for very soon. There was also a display cooler with various types of edible goodies, all of which are perfect compliments to tea I am sure.

It was the left side of the room which surprised me. It was set up for seating, in the same fashion I would imagine a British tea room would look. There were two formal looking tables, one of which was sectioned off from the rest of the room by a white see thru canopy. Closer to the counter was what appeared to be a more relaxed seating area with a couch. I didn't pay a great deal attention because it was occupied, and I did not want to seem rude. Although the "tea room" side struck me as being modeled after something from an English monarchy, the overall decor was even more ecclectic. There was a very relaxing asian theme throughout much of the shop which, in my mind, perfectly balacned out the staunch formality of the British influences.

Overall the atmosphere was quite wonderful. The people were very friendly and knowledgeable, and the prices quite reasonable (something not often found in Williamson County). I am quite looking forward to another visit to this wonderful little boutique and sitting down to a warm tea latte and possibly a good book. But who knows, having noticed their offer of free wifi, maybe I will take my computer and write my next blog post from the comfort of their couch.