Kitchen Design Trend: Tea Brewers
Coffee roasters are elevated to rock star status these days; meanwhile, tea seems even more unhip than usual in America, where we've never really taken to that other hot beverage that's so popular in the rest of the world. True, even the strongest cup of tea won't stand up to java's rocket fuel, but beyond the criteria of getting more bang for your cup, the time-honored brew is experiencing a renaissance of late, even in coffee-mad America.
At Le Palais des Thés, which opened its first Manhattan location this month, a loose-leaf white tea, touted for its high antioxident levels and a subtle, more refined flavor, may set you back as much as a good bottle of single-malt scotch. And there's an art to brewing the perfect pot of the stuff too (using whole loose leaves, versus single tea bags is one step in the right direction). But first, you need the right tools. Here are five stylish vessels to get the job done.
Bodum's classic see-through Assam Tea Press ($35), now with a stainless steel filter, is ideal for gauging the strength of your brew.[/caption]
Beauty in simplicity: Onyx-colored ceramic teapot with a leather-wrapped handle by Heath Ceramics ($190). [/caption]
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Arzberg teapot in 2013, Crate & Barrel is releasing limited edition vessels every month, each one made in collaboration with a contemporary artist. Pick up this fishy-looking one by Paola Navone in September ($200). [/caption]
No, it's not a microphone: For tea by the cup, try Normann Copenhagen and Made by Makers' new silicone tea egg ($18) is an easy-to-clean update on those flimsy metal handheld sieves.[/caption]
