Anne L. Francis

Totally Tea-rrific

It's tea time anytime at Samovar Tea Lounge.

The chefs at Samovar create great treats for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner all day, every day. My breakfast/brunch favorites: fresh-baked cherry oat scones and the egg bowl: delicious tea infused brown rice, two perfectly poached eggs, a lovely ginger soy dipping sauce and your choice of grilled tofu, smoked wild salmon or duck. They also have yummy waffles and crumpets. Sandwiches, salads, and an assortment of dessert items are sure to please. Portions, while perhaps a bit small, are completely satisfying -- we've never left hungry. Check out their online menu to see more tasty offerings.

The vast tea menu -- with its six categories of white, green, oolong, black, pu-erh, and herbal -- may overwhelm the brain, so do ask for help. The staffers are very tea savvy and enjoy talking about their stellar teas. I'm completely addicted to the Moorish mint tea, "robust and rich", their menu says, with "cardamom, peppermint, ginger, black pepper, and a touch of green tea." Tea services -- Japanese, Russian, Indian, English, American, Moorish or Chinese -- with lovely food served on three-tiered trays are also available.

Samovar is located on the upper terrace of Yerba Buena Gardens in downtown San Francisco. Their outdoor garden seating is your best pick if you have a stroller or hyper toddlers and preschoolers in your party. Inside, you'll find a more intimate setting of small tables, with minimal space in between -- impossible for strollers in most spots. No boosters or high chairs are available, but the staff will offer you pillows to pile on an adult chair. Older kids will have no problems here. Bottom line: it's a great place to relax with your friends and family over good food and superior tea.

Samovar Tea Lounge
730 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA
415-227-9400
http://www.samovartea.com/

Stars: 4 out of 5 / Price: moderate to expensive