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Dining Out
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www.theconnectionsnj.com Gourmet Tea Retailer & Cafe Global Selection Of Loose Teas & Herbs Fast Casual Dining - Menu Includes Homemade Scones Boutique Style Shopping - Designer Brand Teaware, Gifts, and Accessories In Shop Events - Tea Tastings & “The Spill On Tea” Workshops Custom Requests Are Always Welcomed Book Your Tea Time Event ONLINE Now! 710 Somerset Street | Watchung, NJ 07069 Triangle Shopping Center 908-481-4327 www.theteacompanycafe.com Bring in Ad and Get 10% Off in-store purchase only Informal Dining Est. 1903 THE TAVERN ON MAIN Open 7 Days a Week Mon-Sat 11:30 AM -10:00 PM - Sun 11:30 AM -9 PM 908-647 -6919 www.TheStirlingHotel.com Come Visit Our Morristown Location STIRLING TAVERN 150 South Street, Morristown 710 Somerset St., Triangle Shopping Center Watchung, NJ 908-481-4327 By: Kaylynn Ebner A good cup of tea is warm and soothing. But, Sammarah Jackson, founder of The TeaCompany Cafe in Watchung, doesn’t settle for good; her sights are set on perfection. Jackson feels the perfect tea-drink- ing experience combines customer edu- cation, superior product quality, and a welcoming, modern ambience – and this is exactly what tea novices and con- noisseurs alike can expect from The TeaCompany Cafe. When Jackson first learned about loose teas, she was intrigued. “I did some research and realized it was an untapped area,” she states. “I decided to learn all about the history of tea, try new blends, and open a business to share my passion.” She started by earning certifications through the Specialty Tea Institute and the International Tea Masters Associa- tion. With her knowledge of tea history, sourcing, and cupping in hand, Jackson began teaching certification courses and managing a mainstream tea store. But the sales-driven store was miss- ing something for Jackson: a personal- ized, customer-focused experience and the true inner warmth that a good cup provides. “It wasn’t the experience I wanted to offer. I knew I could do bet- ter,” she says. Thus, the seeds of The TeaCompany Cafe were sown. Jackson spent four months designing the perfect tea store and cafe, and opened for business in June 2017. Sip (and Nibble). Jackson hand- picked every offering, importing all-natu- ral teas from high-quality suppliers (since only two domestic tea plantations exist). “I spend a lot of time, energy, and care into sourcing my teas,” she states. “Quality is extremely important to me. I don’t put just any tea on my wall.” Jackson puts her education to work cupping loose tea for customers, a multi-step process that combines art, science, and skill. Her offerings include hot and iced single-state teas (whites, blacks, greens, oolongs), blends (such as black tea with apple, butterscotch and sunflower), herbals, rooibos (straight or with natural blends in fla- vors like tiramisu!), and fruit teas. Cus- tom blends and bubble green tea are also offered. The TeaCompany Cafe sells freshly made breads, scones, soups, panini, sal- ads, and more. High Tea reservations for couples and small groups are available. Shop. Customers can also shop for the perfect tea blend to take home, or special, creative gift items for tea lovers. Learn. Jackson’s business is a hub for tea education. “There’s so much infor- mation about tea that people don’t have access to. I want to share that with them,” she says, noting she has become somewhat of a “tea-tender.” Customers come in to chat about their personal journeys and health, and to find healthy teas to help support a healthy mind and body. Tea tasting and educational events are planned for 2018. Experience. Customer care is a top priority for Jackson, who wants every- one to feel at home in her modern, yet cozy cafe. “I want customers to feel welcome and to say, ‘Wow. A lot of thought and care was put into what The TeaCompany is giving me.’” Given the popularity of this new business, it’s clear Jackson has achieved her goal. The TeaCompany Cafe Opens in Watchung