Tea Mecca

For tea lovers an absolute must visit is Le Palais Gourmet in Beverly Hills, California. With over 250 loose teas and herbals (many of which are certified organic) and a beautiful expansive minimalist setting, it is truly "tea heaven."

Just take a look at all the cans of teas and herbals on the walls ! You can purchase your loose teas by 1/4 pound minimum. Typically, the prices start around $12 and go up to $160 per 1/4 pound for a tea called Gyokuro (a rare shade grown green tea). Le Palais Gourmet specializes in green teas with frequent shipments from Japan. They have just received the new Spring '09 harvest from Japan (Shincha) which are eagerly awaited by tea connoisseurs around the world.

Amazing displays and beautiful gifts always inspire and are hard to resist ! While not a tea room, there is a tea bar which seats six and you can take tea-tasting classes on Saturday mornings (be sure to call and register in advance as they are typically booked). With proximity to major restaurants up and down Canon Drive, you can make a day of it. Don't forget to stop at the Beverly Hills Cheese Store which is a block away!