Numi Tea Garden- Brewing a Thousand Stories

Sometime you enter an establishment and feel immediately at home- like someone had been expecting you all along, thrown a pot of water on the stove, and set the table just for you. This was my experience today at the Numi Tea Garden in Oakland.

Following an excellent breakfast at Rick and Ann's in Berkeley and a brief walk through of a metal recycling facility in the pouring rain, my friend Robin (Spencer Environmental) and I decided to pop into a renowned tea garden just off the freeway. Surrounded by clutter and noise, Numi is a welcome oasis in the industrial sector of Oakland.

Natural light fills the earth-toned space as we took a seat on hand crafted chairs and comfy couches, and stenciled above my head the words In Each Cup Brew- A Thousand Stories promoted pondering. The tables are made from gorgeous finished stumps and casually face a modest stage in the corner. The staff was super welcoming and not afraid to deal with our terrible pronunciation and numerous questions.

Numi is best know for their Certified Organic Puerh (pronounced 'pu-err') Teas, an ancient Chineas healing tea with vast health benefits & rich taste. Numi's Puerh is harvested from 500 year old wild tea trees in the Yunnan mountains of Southwestern China.

The leaves undergo a "secret" fermentation process which not only yields a superior taste compared to younger pruned bushes- but aids in cancer prevention due to elevated levels of antioxidants, reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, provides Vitamins B,C , E, P, K & GANA, and rejuvienates life. While I can't claim to be a tea connoisseur or aficionado- I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and taste of the robust Chocolate Puerh which we enjoyed until caffeinated to the gills.

In addition to the Puerh options, Numi's extensive list of teas includes a plethora of White, Green, Black, Oolong and Flowing Tea, balanced by an unassuming food menu featuring A Light Feast of Gormet Food Offerings from various local food purveyors. We snacked on a bowl of pistachios and dired mango and a killer Muhammara spread. I'm eyeing their organic muffins and scones for my next trip.

Next time you and a friend are looking for a great excuse for a lazy afternoon of shameless relaxation and worldly pondering, this is the place to go. The zen garden also holds monthly community events featuring local artists, films, and world/jazz/experimental music. Check them out- or at lease pick up some of their outstanding tea the next time you are in the east bay.