Popular Wallingford Teahouse

You don't expect to have to wait for a table at a neighborhood tea shop, but Teashop Kuan Yin in Wallingford (on 45th) has been full several times lately when I've stopped by with a friend to

have a cup of my favorite Black Ceylon tea ("Nuwari Estate...fresh, bright, and slightly floral, brewing to a golden red...best without milk.") and hear the lastest.

Ever since the teahouse opened on 45th Avenue in the popular, walkable Wallingford main shopping area in 1990, Teahouse Kuan Yin has been serving specialty tea and filling orders from far away. When current owner Marcus

Gramps became propriator in 2006, he innovated in various ways, adding gifts and bringing gelatto and many yummies to the teahouse. The serene atmosphere, both Eastern and yet very Seattle, is the perfect place to spend and hour with a friend catching up or planning your attack on the holiday rush.

Open at 9 a.m. every day of the week and open until 10 p.m., 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, it's

also a nice place to go after a movie at the Guild 45th Theater just down the street. Besides the wonderful assortment of tea, Kuan Yin serves light meals and deserts, has live music some weekends (check their calender) and wi-fi which makes it a popular work and study spot (really it's just down the street from the U District!).

Wait, there's more! Oasis Gallery sponsors the art, so there is always something new and interesting to see, and they are part of the Wallingford Saves program, which means a receipt from a participating Wallingford merchant will get you a $1 discount on your pot of tea! Try the Teahouse Kuan Yin website for more information and inspiration (click "home" to see the catalog!). Oh, and if you're by yourself and in the mood for an armchair adventure while you warm up and have tea, why not visit the Wide World Books and Maps bookstore a block away and pick up something to read while you sip your favorite brew...it has the distinction of being the first travel-only bookstore in the United States.

Enjoy!