The Leader

Issue date: 11/8/06 Section: A&E

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Quaint, peaceful and calming are just a few words to describe Milwaukee's finest spot for tea, The Anaba Tea Room. Located at 2107 E. Capitol Dr., the charming and serene environment will capture you and take you away from the busy urban life for long enough to enjoy a cup of glorious Rishi tea, made from scratch scones, and scrumptious soups and sandwiches.

I was welcomed personally by head of wait staff, Natalie Poulton. She describes Anaba as, "a place to come and have an experience, rather than just getting food." "An experience" is an understatement for the encounter I had. I was treated with extremely friendly and welcoming service, an aspect that will keep customers coming back again and again.

The word Anaba is Japanese for "a little-known, but pleasing spot." I couldn't describe it better myself. The atmosphere is quiet, warm and intimate, complete with water fountains, lighted candles and green plants. It is certainly a relaxing Get-a-way spot.

The Anaba Tea room, which has been open now for almost three years, will celebrate its three-year anniversary this month. Owned by Deborah Kern, Poulton describes as "the best person in the city to work for. She literally built this place from the ground up, bought the building and completely renovated it."

Anaba features Rishi tea, a Milwaukee-based company, which gets its tea leaves directly from the ancient tea forest of Jing Mai Mountain in China. Over 60 kinds of tea are offered at Anaba, including many varieties of green, black white and caffeine-free teas.

An appealing trait of Anaba is that all of their delicious food is homemade right at the restaurant, including soups, scones, various desserts and tea sandwiches. Each day for lunch, which is served between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, two different soups are offered along with a sandwich. Also, a vegan soup is always available every day.

Moonstruck chocolates, a company based out of Oregon, are only available at one place in the entire city of Milwaukee, and that is at the Anaba Tea Room. The prestigious chocolates have been featured in Oprah's O Magazine and have also been found in gift bags at both the annual Emmy and Academy Award presentations. The decadent truffles come in all varieties including caramel apple and milk chocolate.

Anaba also showcases live music every Sunday with guitarist Don Linke and every first Sunday of the month, a guest musician is featured. Anaba is opened Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For a distinct and one of a kind experience, visit The Anaba Tea room and take a mini vacation from that tedious homework.

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