Tea and champagne on West 12th Street



 A stretch of West 12th Street that was looking a little sad after the closing of Bluni-Rea hair salon and Day-O just perked up, with this week's opening of  The Tea Set Organic Tea and Champagne Room, 235 W. 12th Street, just West of Greenwich Avenue.

Owner Jacques Doassans, who left the real estate business in France to follow his penchant for tea, was on hand today to welcome curious new customers.Specializing in teas from around the world that Doassans imports and in some cases blends, the tea room will feature all-organic fare, including a champagne tea, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner created by chef Jean Louis Dumonet. The champagne is from Pommery and all chocolate products are by Jacques Torres.

In addition to offering an online mail-order service, Doassans has opened retail tea outlets throughout the U.S.; a hair salon, Red Market, in the Meatpacking district, and a spa in New Hope, PA, according to his website. Noting his location right across the street from Equinox gym, Doassans told me he is planning to add smoothies to his menu -- good call!