Gettin' It Right: David's Teas

Since we are officially in the full-blown summer season there are two drinks that have been added to my extensive beverage repertoire: Gin and (diet) tonics and iced tea. Used to be that after September, I never touched tea in any form. I'm a staunch coffee drinker and always will be, but I'm slowly being converted by the black magic of the David's Teas on the corner of Seventh Ave and Fourth Street. 

Picture it: December 2012, I'm Christmas shopping on the Avenue and see what looks like a tragically hip emporium of sleek silver canisters color coded and lined up along a stark white wall. I scoff and say to myself, "Shenanigans!" An entire store devoted to tea is ludicrous. It won't last. Besides flavored tea is for pussies. Then I scoff again and say to myself, "A-hole your darling 85-year old grandmother loves tea. Just suck it up, deal with the cuteness and get her some damn tea."

I walk in and even though the place is packed with Christmas shoppers a very friendly sales associate spotted me and could tell by my droopy stroke-like look of pain I was a fish out of water. She approached me gently and asked me if I needed help. I said, "More than she could give me." I laughed at my joke, she chuckled politely then proceeded to explain EVERYTHING I needed to know about the magic of brewing tea. She was cool too, not snobby or rife with attitude. I was digging the laid back vibe. I walked up to the register with a nice silver infuser mug, a canister of Cream of Earl Gray and a hot looking tea spoon for grandma. They wrapped it all pretty then asked if I wanted a cup of tea. I grimaced.

I asked what she suggested, she gave me a chocolate green tea with agave. I took it out of courtesy expecting to throw it away when I walked out. After one sip, I'm pretty sure I had a religious experience. It was super delicious and in one swift moment, I became a recreational tea drinker.

Since then I have been high-tailing it to David's Teas, like an addict getting my stash. I've learned all about the difference between black, white, oolong, green, rooibos, pu'erh and mate. I'm drinking the rooibos creme brulee as I type. I love it so much, I've freakin' given up dessert because of it. And you if know me, you know that's out right crazy talk. But the shit's that good.  

Now for some full disclosure: David's Teas is a Montreal-based company with close to 80 locations mostly in Canada. So if you're one of those shop local yocals I don't want to mislead you. And don't get me wrong, I don't love every flavor I've tried, actually some I don't like at all, but just having a little consultation with the super friendly staff will help you pick out something you'll love. Their choices are endless and now with summer in full swing, they have like 20 different ways to make iced tea so you can ditch the powder. 

David I have no clue who you are, but you have some damn fine teas.