Bottom of the Cup Tea Room
(2 reviews)327 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA 504-524-1997 Website
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TT
Kate
This should not be considered a tea room. It is a psychic shop that has some tea. They had many different flavors of tea behind the counter, but only brew three flavors which is all self serve. I asked if I could get tea iced they told me I could. Ten minutes passed so I assumed she had forgotten so I served myself some hot. When I went to the counter for my second cup she asked if I needed ice for it.
I paid for a 10 minute card reading but I was only with the psychic for maybe 5 minutes.
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Judy Bindner
A BIT OF HISTORY
Wilhelmina Mullen and her sister-in-law, Irene Mullen Grizzard, opened the Bottom of the Cup
Tea Room in 1929. The cozy New Orleans French Quarter establishment was the perfect choice
for afternoon tea, sandwiches and friendly conversation. Also on the menu were vastly
entertaining, and incredibly accurate psychic readings. The combination proved to be so
successful that the establishment, now housed in two French Quarter locations, has thrived after
nearly three-quarters of a century in the loving hands of the Mullen family.
FOREWARD
The current Royal Street location of the Bottom of the Cup Tea Room is well known as the home
of Julie, the ghost of a beautiful octaroon girl who died on the rooftop there. Although
metaphysical wares of the highest quality and psychic readings are available at both shop
locations, this review will concentrate on the Chartres Street location, where the tradition of
serving tea is now entrusted to Alys Mullen Breaux.
MY VISIT
Outside the door at 327 Chartres Street hung an intriguing sign bearing the likeness of a cobalt
teacup. The shop window was filled with mystically beautiful objects of art. As I entered the
Bottom of the Cup Tea Room, I was warmly welcomed by Jeanne Mullen and other friendly
assistants. The haunting voice of Enya was a perfect enhancement for all of the silver and
gemstone jewelry, prisms, crystals, charms, cards and other marvelous offerings that were
glowingly displayed.. Jeanne led me to the center of the store, where I was seated at one of two
round, white tables embellished with symbols of the Zodiac. I definitely felt a serenity within the
shop that was unique.
Next, I was introduced to Alys Breaux, a friendly and knowledgeable lady who loves her teas!
She carries over 100 varieties of loose tea, with plans to include more in the near future. I was
told that a website was brewing, but that telephone orders were always happily accepted. I was
introduced to a multitude of flavor blend teas, black teas, green teas, caffeine free Rooibos teas,
rare white teas, estate teas, floral teas, and others. I was intrigued by the hand-rolled Chinese
Beauty Rings green tea. They were actually tiny little O’s! I found the Angel’s Dream tea to be
absolutely intoxicating with its unique blend of wild blackberry and natural maple flavorings
enhancing a rich blend of large leaf teas from Sri Lanka, Formosa and Assam. Alys answered my
many questions without hesitation and with great enthusiasm. She was particularly happy to
show me her elusive whole flower chrysanthemum tea. Tea jars were displayed on two walls near
the tables. Costumed statues guarded the precious contents inside. A well-chosen selection of
porcelain teapots were available. My favorites, however, were the brushed stainless steel Henley
pots with built-in infusion baskets. A few other accessories, as well as a whimsical frog, were
arranged on the serving counter. High quality imported shortbread and cookies were also
available.
In addition to the teas, I was impressed by the selection of Elixir Tonics and Teas-all natural
blends of fruit and herb water or tea drinks in tasty combinations with no added sugars.
Adjunctive, palatable herbal formula extract drops were also available. I sampled the Power
Plant Tonic, a lemon-herb iced beverage that was revitalizing and delicious-like a light, only
slightly sweet lemonade. After a time, we were joined at our table by renowned psychic-and
delightful lady-Adele Mullen, along with another member of the family, the vivacious Terri.
Although I knew Mrs. Mullen had been interviewed on hundreds of occasions, she treated me as
though I were someone truly special. We conversed about every subject imaginable as I savored
a cup of hot Peony White Needle, a light golden tea that is very rare and delicate. Adele Mullen
mentioned that her favorite tea was the DragonMoon, a classic, regal blend of Darjeeling,
Cimbula Ceylon and Assam teas. Terri was sampling a hot yerba mate tea, known for its energy
giving properties. What a tea party! I had come to stay for a few moments and ended up staying
for three hours with some true Southern ladies whom I now count as friends..
Indeed, I enjoyed tea and enlightenment with the Mullens as well as with an exotic and very
intuitive lady named Yvonne who offered me a combination card and tea leaf reading that
amazed me. A recording was made of the session and presented to me. I was told that eight
carefully screened psychics were employed by the tea room at the two shop locations. I almost
hated to leave because the ambience was so perfect. Be assured that my future trips to New
Orleans will definitely include a visit to the Bottom of the Cup Tea Room.