Being out in Salt Lake City, UT for a conference, I gathered up a bunch of like-minded tea fans and hit the Tea Grotto. We had a truly superb time.
The decor is funky, Asian-inspired, not British tea shop. There are a number of small tables with pillow-topped stools plus an alcove with a table and pillow-strewn benches. The group of 20+ of us invaded the place around about 6:30 p.m. and pretty much took it over with only a little room to spare. Despite there being only one person on duty, he managed to juggle all of us and our orders and questions extremely well.
The Tea Grotto is not really a place for sit down food. There are some light snacks on the menu, things like a hummus platter and pot stickers, as well as a few different types of pastries. But, the Tea Grotto has a relationship with the restaurant next door, the Pig and Jelly Jar. We ordered from the restaurant and they brought us over food while we camped out in the Tea Grotto. This worked out exceptionally well, for all that it seems like a logistical nightmare.
(By the way, the Pig and Jelly Jar serves some of the best strawberry shortcake I've ever had. But that's not why we're here.)
The Tea Grotto has a large tea menu featuring a remarkable breadth of tea, including bubble teas and chais. Many of the loose-leaf teas are also available in its on-line store. All of the individual orders were brewed right there in the cup or the pot (as is right and proper).
I sampled two of the teas: Sweet Amber Oolong and the Melon Passion.
The Sweet Amber Oolong was a strong, smoky and slightly sweet tea, with nice layered flavor. I liked it enough that I picked up a package to bring home. I will likely steep it for slightly less time, and maybe add a tiny touch of honey. I certainly had no problem with the very strong brew last night, after having gotten to the airport at 4 a.m. Eastern time.
The Melon Passion (which I also purchased to bring home) was a light, bright, only slightly sweet fruity tea. I definitely got "passionfruit" out of it. Somewhat less so melon. But by that point I was also eating dinner and strawberry shortcake, so my palate had other things on its mind.
I also purchased the Fig and Lavender black for trying at home.
I'm going to ask some of the folks who joined me to chime in with reviews of the teas that they tried.
Samples of nearly all of the loose teas (in dry form) were available for smelling while I was trying to decide what to taste. Our host (whose name I have unforgivably forgotten) was very knowledgeable and able to advise me about what I might like based on my stated preferences.
I highly recommend the Tea Grotto to anyone who finds herself in Salt Lake City. It was fun and friendly, with a great selection of truly interesting teas.
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