French tea salon The O Dor [1] offers a heady take on a humble brew. The Paris-based company, which has been providing tea drinkers with loose-leaf elixirs since 1842, makes teas as beautifully packaged as they are flavorful. Locally, the teas are available at Belltown boutique Polite Society [2], whose staff members are happy to brew a press pot of the pricey tea and offer a complimentary cup to customers.
The O Dor's green, black and rooibos loose-leaf teas are made from high-quality ingredients harvested in Marseilles and Provence. The addition of dried fruit, flowers, nuts and other elements infuses them with vibrant colors, flavors and aromas. Hanami Imperial, a green tea blend historically reserved for members of the Japanese royal court, incorporates delicate pink cherry blossoms. The Venice-inspired Place Saint Marc black tea is laced with vanilla, strawberry and flowers. And Toupet de Légume (Vegetable Sauce Tea) dares to pair black tea with pepper, red currant, zucchini, tomato and rose petals.
The teas are charmingly packaged in a rainbow of candy-colored canisters. Each glossy, hand-painted tin holds just over three ounces of tea and costs between $25 and $35. Good news for repeat customers: Refill bags run just $13 to $15 apiece.
Polite Society is at 1924 First Ave.; 206-441-4796. Visit the boutique online at www.shoppolitesociety.com [3].
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