With classes in full swing and midterms looming in the not-so-distant future, the time has come to finally crack open the books and hunker down to study. But if you're like us and find the libraries a touch too depressing and the thefacebook consuming all of your study time at home, it may be time to venture off Grounds to do your cramming. The Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar, near the east end of the Downtown Mall, very well could be the perfect place to complete your studies -- all while getting your caffeine fix and curbing your appetite with delicious, inexpensive food.
The Bazaar offers over eighty varieties of teas, as well as appetizer platters, ethnic entrees, salads and homemade desserts. The teas hail from all over the world and come brewed and ready to drink by the pot. Any taste will be satisfied here: from fiery Chinese reds to mellow Japanese greens, the Bazaar will have it. If you're a tea novice, the incredibly knowledgeable staff will make great recommendations. We tried several varieties: the earthy, pungent House Darjeeling, light and highly drinkable Chinese Green Pekoe Tips and the Moroccan Mint. The Mint, a house specialty, was excellent: gunpowder green tea leaves burst with fresh mint flavor and were lightly sweetened with brown sugar -- both strong and refreshing.
Teas also can be found on the dessert menu. In addition to sumptuous homemade tortes and cakes, the Tea Bazaar offers tea-flavored milkshakes. The Chai milkshake was our favorite: who would have thought that spicy Chai and creamy vanilla ice cream are a match made in heaven?
Their food selections are also great for refueling those beleaguered brain cells. We recommend the Goatherder: an appetizer platter ideal for sharing that comes with homemade hummus, toasted spiced pita wedges, dried and candied fruits, nuts, olives and cheeses -- the perfect companion to a great cup of tea and a good book. We also enjoyed the Moroccan tagine: chickpeas, almonds and dried apricots in a tomato sauce served with flatbread, tamarind chutney and basmati rice. The aromatic dish was robustly seasoned, but not so much that it overwhelmed the palate. The Tea Bazaar's menu is very vegetarian-friendly: Only one dish, a tuna pita, was not meat-free.
The main reason to frequent the Tea Bazaar, however, is the atmosphere. This upstairs nook is cozy with couches and settees, and the tea bar resembles an old apothecary shop with large glass canisters lining the wall, packed with their many tea varieties. Origami cranes hang like chandeliers, candlelight flickers throughout the room and an eclectic art collection lines the walls. The clientele couldn't be more different from the crowd at the Alderman stacks -- instead of stressed-out studiers, you'll find mellow Charlottesvillians mingling and relaxing while sampling shisha from the hookahs provided by the Twisted Branch.
So the next time you have a midterm to study for, skip the crowded, anxiety-filled library. Grab a pot of tea and a light meal, and settle in to study. Only the Tea Bazaar could make hitting the books this enjoyable.
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