BWW Reviews: PRESSTEA in NYC - Delicious Inspiration

Welcome to a new phenomenon, Presstea. Visit them in the West Village of New York City for a tea and a pastry program that you won't find anywhere else. And, if you are a staunch coffee drinker, prepare to change your ways. With drink selections like Formosa Macchiato, Rose Black Teapuccino, Mango Rooibos and Cape Town Latte, you can kick back and relax or take a moment to recharge in a charming, stylish atmosphere that is pure Zen.

Presstea has taken the entire process of making tea to a new level. By using a proprietary method of steam pressure to press tea leaves, they produce tea that is as dark and full bodied. You will be delighted by the rich flavor, aroma, and presentation of your custom prepared beverage.

Each Presstea drink begins with a signature blend of Wild Himalayan Black, Masala Chai, Formosa Green or Cape Town Rooibos. Their styles include classic Pressed Tea, Tea Latte, Tea Macchiato and Tea Cappuccino. The milk in these drinks can be whole, skim, almond or soy.

Presstea's other distinctive teas include White Chocolate Chai Tea, and Green Rose Latte. And, you can enjoy refreshing, signature tall iced teas and iced versions of their specialty drinks like Passion Fruit Green Tea, Mango Rooibos, Peach Black and Vanilla Chai Macchiato.

You may be wondering how this revolutionary idea in tea got started. We spoke with Co-owner George Kuan. Kuan grew up in a Taiwanese family steeped in the ancient traditions of tea. Born and raised in Jersey City, he recalled his grandmother making her own teas to extract the finest flavors.

As a first generation American and an entrepreneur with a strong interest in the culinary arts, he wanted to develop the tradition into something contemporary, a true reflection of the New York lifestyle. Kuan expressed a passion for his business saying that it started in "pursuit of happiness" and that he truly loves what he does.

With his cousins, co-owner Richard Chen and Patty Chen, he embarked on an interesting journey to develop Presstea. It began with visits to tea farms and plantations in Japan, China, Taiwan, India and South Africa, testing the soil for the nutrients and minerals required for the best tea and laying the groundwork for sourcing the finest, freshest, purest tea from each origin that they now use to create their own proprietary blends, after years of tasting and testing.

Presstea also features delightful homemade pastries that can accompany your beverages. All of them are completely original recipes and they are truly delicious and distinctive. Vanilla Chai or Earl Grey cupcakes are infused with tea leaves for ultimate flavor. Try their scones, cookies or cheesecake bars. They pair perfectly with Presstea's beverages. The pastry program also includes their Paleo Pastries that are wheat free, gluten free and dairy free without compromising taste or texture.

As a lunch or dinner selection, their Ramenrrito is an ideal meal, a fusion of different influences combining the best aspects of ramen and burritos. This wrap is absolutely delicious, perfectly seasoned; a generous portion that comes in several varieties including chicken and vegetable.

Retreat to Presstea. Once you do, we predict it will be one of your regular spots. While Presstea is now popular in its West Village location, we are hoping to see more and more locations.

PRESSTEA™ is located at 167 Seventh Avenue South on the corner of Perry Street, 212-888-6666, www.presstea.com and is open Mon-Thurs from 8:30am-9pm, Fri 8:30am-10pm, Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 9am-9pm. Takeout, delivery, private parties and catering are all available.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Presstea

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