Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Healthy stuff available at Teavana

Cancer survivors usually get prescriptions for chemotherapy pills, maybe even for vitamins. In Fayette County, some oncologists are now prescribing the fresh, healthy, antioxidant rich teas found at Teavana.

Located in The Avenue in Peachtree City, Teavana The Teahouse Cafe & Gifts has been drawing customers in, not just for delicious and nutricious teas, but also for tasty lunches.

"Our top seller," said co-owner Susan Grundy, "is the house chicken salad." The tasty combination of chicken salad with toasted almonds, onion, celery and red grapes served on a bed of spring lettuce with a berry garnish is available for lunch from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. during the summer, along with a host of other salads, sandwiches and soup of the day.

Grundy's favorite choice is Roast Beast, tender roast beef sauteed with red onions in madeira and truffle sauce with melted provolone served with red potato salad. At $9.99, it is the highest priced lunch item at Teavana. Salads, including Greek, Very Berry and Oriental are only $6.75.

Special arrangements for catering or groups until 9 p.m. can be made in advance.

But it's the tea that grabs you, the tea that keeps you. More and more, Grundy shares, tea is being recognized for its health benefits (see chart).

"Teavana stocks over 100 different kinds of high-grade loose leaf tea," she said. "We carry all the tea accessories necessary to brew this wonderful beverage as well as knowledgeable staff to guide you through the selection process."

Tea is served in pots or cups to go, with rare tea priced higher than premium or regular. Loose tea for brewing at home or work is also sold by two ounce increments. Two ounces of black, green and rooibos teas will make 20-30 cups. Two ounces of the heavy fruit blends will make 10 to 15 cups.

The desserts are not to be missed. A visit is required to know what's available, as the sweet temptations change by day and week. Brownies and authentic baklava are usually available. Whole pies and cakes can be ordered in advance.

Along with co-owner Mo Shahheydari, Grundy works to make Teavana a place where customers can enjoy a quiet lunch together, use the free DSL hook-up, find unique gifts for friends and, of course, drink delicious tea. As Confucius said, "Tea is the elixir of life that warms the heart, heals the body, and frees the spirit."

These teas are good and good for you

Black teas: cleaning plaque from the arteries and teeth, lower cholesterol, antioxidants.

Oolong teas: digestion, lower cholesterol, antioxidant flavonoids.

Green teas: essential oils, antioxidant flavonoids, digestion, lower cholesterol, stimulate mental alertness, normalize blood pressure, detoxify the skin, prevent cancer.

White teas: decaffeinated option, high antioxidants, helps colds & flu viruses.

Rooibus (South African Red Bush tea): antidepressant, 30 times more antioxidants than green tea, plus vitamins, minerals, proteins, naturally caffeine-free.

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