Remedy Teas by Karen Kirr

Nestled amid lush foliage, the door to Remedy Teas sits inconspicuously by the corner of 15th and Harrison on Capitol Hill. The experience inside, however, is far from inconspicuous. With light, bouncy beats spilling from the sound system and test tubes that teem with loose tea leaves dotting the bright, creamy green walls, Remedy Teas is anything but your stereotypical old-fashioned tea shop. And co-owner Chris Arnold wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We wanted to do something different,” Arnold said. “The café is a modern, fresh take on the tea shops of old.”

Remedy Teas, which opened in November of 2006, boasts more than 150 organic teas, along with lattes, tea smoothies, spiked tea cocktails, and other drinks that incorporate tea – an assortment to satiate even the most prolific tea drinkers. All the standards are available on the menu – white, green, black, oolong, rooibos, yerba mate – along with a bounty of wellness and botanical teas, and other seasonal and special blends.

Teas are available by the cup for those seeking a quick, cozy drink. For more substantial tea-drinking sessions and those willing to share, small and large pots offer the best value. Finally, for those who want to brew at home, Remedy Teas offers all of their teas in bulk by the ounce or pound. In addition, the café features a selection of sakes, champagnes, and organic beers and wines. A reasonably-priced menu offers patrons a smattering of fresh and delicious tea sandwiches, salads, pastries and other tasty treats.

This Asian-influenced tea café is the brainchild of Chris’ brother, Anthony Arnold, and Anthony’s wife, A.J. The couple conceived Remedy Teas while living in Kauai, Hawaii, where they worked at the helm of a trendy health food café. The trio worked rigorously to make the Seattle tea café, which got its moniker from Anthony, a reality. They pored over research on the steeping process and the various temperatures and precision involved with producing high quality tea, while also tasting teas of every stripe.

“We come up with our own tea blends and Anthony mixes them,” Arnold said, adding that the tea steeping process contrasts starkly from the coffee-brewing process in that it is much more intricate. “Tea is a learning process, so we are certainly not masters yet.”

Both the tea and the aesthetic, however, are thoroughly masterful. The Arnolds have given substantial thought to creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The interior of the café is angular and sleek, but welcoming – like the facade of a Macintosh computer. The furniture and dishware is cool and contemporary without being awkward. Spacious outdoor seating is available just outside the door along Harrison, and the café offers free high-speed Internet. There’s even a play area for children and kids options on the menu to accommodate families (or those who crave toy dinosaurs and coloring books).

“Anthony is into making it a modern, hip experience [for customers],” said Chris Arnold. “We wanted to take the intimidation out of tea.”

Far from intimidating, Remedy Teas’ staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and exceptionally friendly. A generous sampling platter greets café guests at the counter, where they can taste several freshly brewed teas. An extensive condiment bar (with organic and alternative sweeteners, vegan dairy options, and other embellishments) is available for customers to style and season their drinks.

Teas are numbered and categorized on the menu by type and caffeine potency to parallel the labeled test tubes and canisters in the store. The tubes are not simply for show; customers can pluck them from the holders to sample the scent of each of the various teas. Glass beakers placed along the walls also add finesse and function, sporting assorted flowers and colored liquids. Remedy Teas’ design clearly magnifies the scientific process, but also reflects the Arnolds’ own personal styles.

“We think the tea process is so beautiful, so we tried to highlight that,” said Arnold.

From the get-go, Anthony Arnold said he, his wife and brother envisioned unveiling the café in Capitol Hill.

“The concept and specialization for Remedy Teas germinated for many years, and Seattle was the only place we were going to do it,” said Anthony Arnold. “The goal was to bring tea to a new generation of tea drinkers, Seattle style.”

Despite being surrounded by coffee shops including Victrola and Starbucks, Chris Arnold insists that they pose little threat, since Remedy Teas serves a limited number of coffee drinks.

“People like our coffee, but tea is what we do.”

Without question, they do it well.

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