The town’s abuzz this week as the University of Illinois begins fall semester classes. All that learning makes me thirsty for a cup of brain booster tea at Walnut Street Tea Company. Champaign tea shop’s brain booster tea is an herbal blend of rosehips, bilberry leaves, rosemary, green mate, tulsi leaves, and orange pieces. Served at a sippable temperature from a pretty kettle, the brain booster blend was floral and herbaceous. The rosemary tasted subtle, and the tea’s smooth, delicious flavor was excellent on its own though the shop has cream and sugar available. Moreover, the tea’s name implies improved brain function, which is big if true. My brain booster tea cost $4 as do all the hot teas.
If brain boosting with tulsi and green mate doesn’t sound enjoyable, Walnut Street Tea has other hot tea flavors like Earl Grey, English breakfast, Princess of Walnut Street, tranquility green, peach oolong, pear goji melon, almond crème brûlée, and more — all served with a tea kettle, dainty tea cup, and saucer.
Though it’s available to go, sip tea at the tea store. The shop at Village Green has indoor and outdoor seating but not that much though; it’s a cute small business after all. If the couch by the window is open, cozy up there for tea time. The menu has more than hot tea: iced teas, hot coffee, hot cocoa, and RegCakes gluten-free treats, too.
For more about Walnut Street Tea Company, check out my review of six tea blends, Matt’s pandemic interview with the owner, and the tea shop’s website.
Walnut Street Tea Company at Village Green
2510 Village Green Place
Champaign
W-F 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sa 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Su 1 to 5 p.m.
