The Libations Librarian

Today’s post celebrates tea.  Yes, tea – I did warn my readers that not ALL of my posts would revolve around alcohol. Some will….probably more than some…but tea, glorious tea!

Tea’s preparation?  Ostensibly simple.  Boil water, place tea leaves in water, steep, strain, drink.  But the possibilities!  White tea?  Sweet tea (a true abomination)?  Black tea?  Herbals?  Dobra Tea on Exchange Street in Portland, Maine, has truly stepped up their game to not only produce a great tasting comestible, but also creates a cozy and beautifully aromatically tasty experience.

My spouse and I ventured to the top (Congress Street end) of Exchange Street last weekend, something we rarely have time to do.  Generally, tourists spend the bulk of their time closer to the waterfront, leaving Dobra a seemingly hidden gem.  The scent of freshly brewing tea drew us in; however, the atmosphere held us hostage.  Tea fanciers are met with an initial chai scent, the cardamom warmth infusing the doorway.  Seating ranged from bistro tables, to couches, to a small platform reminiscent of a Japanese dining area.

Everything on the tea menu  is made to order.  Basic iced items, like the oolong I ordered, were pre-made.  When asked, the “tea-rista” (my creation – English is an evolving language, right?!) added a small amount of honey, just enough for a hint of sweetness, rather than the sugar shot of Southern Sweet Tea (abomination).  My partner “went for it”, ordering an iced chai with soy.  (Food allergies are accommodated as Dobra had everything from normal dairy to soy to rice milks.) . We happily strolled up to Congress with our bevvies to meet a group exercising their right to free speech (aka protest).

Dobra does have food menus, but we didn’t partake.  Portland’s food scene is amazing and eclectic!  If you haven’t read the Bon Appetit article, please do so immediately.  We had already reached repletion upon entering Dobra, so stuck with our teas.  If caffeine is a requirement, take a walk to Dobra!