VOICES Publishing from the AAJA National Convention
Want to find some zen amid bustling Midtown Manhattan? Radiance Tea House & Books (158 W. 55th St.) may be your destination. It offers a natural way to de-stress. It’s not just about tea, but soul searching in the Chinese culture and tradition.
Soft light from the ceiling splashes on the long wooden chairs. Shelves of books about tea, in English and Chinese, stand behind the tables. Big red pillars, long Chinese wall paintings of mountains and trees, and wooden furniture with no cushions have always been the symbols of the Chinese culture. NYC Dining labeled the store the only Chinese-style tea house in New York City.
This land of peace offers traditional hour-long Chinese-style ceremonies, where you’ll get to sample three brews ($35). There are more than 100 varieties of tea, including white, green, oolong, black and herbal, labeled by country of origin. Radiance also hosts regular group tastings to teach you how to steep a pot at home ($15).
Owner Lillian Song says tea is a unique reflection of the Chinese art and life.
“Tea is more than just a drink. Its culture goes back thousands of years and has long been associated with poetry and arts,” Song said. “Tea is a culture that engages one to relax the mind, soothe the body and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of what nature and life can offer.”
Artsy lunch combos are offered at its sister restaurant, Radiance – Fine Asian Cuisine on 208 E. 50th St.
The Chicken Noodle Box ($11.95) is a combo of cold noodle and shredded chicken breast and sesame sauce. It comes with edamame, dumplings, Asian salad and rice. The Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Rice Box ($14.95) has baked salmon with mushroom and onion, steamed bok choi, Edamame, dumplings, Asian salad and rice. And the Shrimp Avocado Rice Box ($14.95) has shrimp, avocado with cream miso sauce. It comes with dumplings, Asian salad and rice.
