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Judy Bindner   

User's reviews

  • Bottom of the Cup Tea Room

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    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.