Samovar

 

Samovar is a fabulous tea lounge and restaurant in San Francisco.  The atmosphere is very tranquil and cozy, decorated with lanterns and silk pillows.  I recently went to their downtown location at Yerba Buena before seeing a dance show, and remembered how much I love this place.  They have a variety of tea services that are each based in a different country's tea traditions.  There is the British plate with quiche, scones, jam and black tea.  The Chinese service comes with smoked duck and dumplings.  The Russian Tea is served with beets, white fish and caviar.  My favorite is the Japanese service because it comes with the salmon, rice, nori, soup, kale and the most delicious seaweed salad, with a sesame-miso dressing that I must learn to make!  They also have a Moorish, Paleolithic and Indian tea services.  I love the celebration of the diverse tea cultures.  The menu is also well labeled with gluten free and vegan options.  When I was there this weekend, I noticed they have a brunch menu that I must try next time.  Check out the various locations in the city!