Tea, one of the most consumed beverages.

Next to water, Tea is consumed by more people, than coffee. It is said to be very good for one's health with natural soothing properties. There are a wide variety of types of Tea - herbal, black, green, Chai, White, caffine free and those with caffine. There are also many different brands of tea - Tazo, Lipton, Organic, Assam, Celestial Seasonings, and many countries that grow tea. Foremost among them are China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka - once called Ceylon and at one time the main exporter of tea. These countries have since been joined by India, who is now rated, as one of the top producers of tea,

Growing tea requires a hot, humid, tropical climate with acidic soil and lots of rain, which these countries have. Missing from the list, is Great Britain, which does not meet the standard for growing tea, never-the-less there is a Tea Plantation at Tregothnan Estate - in Kent which started growing tea, perhaps to meet the demand for - what is the largest tea drinkers - in the world.

Being a tea drinker myself, I am always looking for restaurants that have a emphasis on the art of tea making, and living in southern California, I narrrowed the field down to a few good teahouses.

Royal/T, 8910 Washington Blvd, Culver City. This is not your every-day teahouse, the ambience is influenced by a Japanese subculture, but with waitresses dressed in french maid costumes. They combine a Cafe with art space and a retail shop - which sells home decor. Open for lunch and afternoon tea, where patrons can indulge in Japanese inspired sandwiches, salads and deserts and one of their special brews - Royal Matcha Milk Tea and Darling Darjeeling.

A more traditional teahouse is Chado Tea Room, 79 N. Raymond Ave. Pasadena. They have over 300 varities of tea - who knew there were so many - a full afternoon tea service with delicious food, and of course, everyones favorite, shopping in their extensive gift store. Their special brews include - black tea, green tea and flavored tea. For those who are not going to be in the Pasadena area, they also teahouses in Los Angeles and Hollywood.

The other side of the southland - San Diego - there is Halycon Tea, 3009 Beach Street, San Diego. Located in the historic South Park, they feature 60 varities of high quality tea from Masala Chai (for the morning) to Restful Calm (for the evening). No food is served here, the emphasis is on tea, the staff likes to share information on how tea is produced, and how to select the right tea for the time of day and the season. They also have regular events for free tastings and tea and chocolate evenings.

This tea lounge, Tranquil Tea Lounge at 106 W. Wilshire Ave, Fullerton is downtown and features 95 varities of loose-leaf tea. Located next to the Metrolink station, it is open all day and serves food as well as special brews of tea - Black and Green. Beside serving food and tea, they host special events, and showcase local artists artwork (which are also for sale). When you visit try their tea smoothies or tea floats.

Lavender Lounge Tea Company, 104 N. El Camino Real, Suite B, San Clemente, is a unique place with a wall of tea - a choice of more than 100 loose-leaf teas. They have daily tea tastings, and free refills of the featured teas each day. As they are not far from the white sandy beach in San Clemente, they like to name their special brews after "famous surf breaks".

A great way to relax is with a cup-a-tea, whether you stop off in youjr favorite teahouse, of brew the stuff yourself at home; whether it's organic, or herbal, take the time to enjoy your favorite cup of tea.

Many hotels and restaurants have - what they call, high tea, but tradition shows it should be called "low tea", as tea is usually served at low tables, usually near a sofa or in the living room, and accompanied by tea, scones, jam and cream. Tea time is usually perceived to be from three to five P.M.

The menu, for tea time, has also shown some changes, now in addition to, bread and cakes, many places have added "tiny sandwiches, appetizers, cookies, shortbread and sweets". Whichever way your tea time goes, you will be glad you took the time to enjoy your favorite cup-a-tea.

Photos from commons wikimedia