THE COLORFUL SANTA BARBARA: RENAUD'S

The most perfect macarons outside of Paris are just a few blocks from my home at a bustling little French Cafe, Renauds . . . It's a wonderful, dangerous situation.

THE HIP SANTA BARBARA: THE FRENCH PRESS

I first encountered Bryan Foehl, the pastry chef at The French Press, while he was helping run an outdoor dinner on the bluffs of the sea in Morro Bay. He seemed excited and into every bit of the eating experience, from the appetizers to the sweets. Now I'm hooked on his light and lovely pastry, served daily at my favorite Santa Barbara coffee shop . . .

THE EXTRAVAGANT SANTA BARBARA TEA: THE BILTMORE FOUR SEASONS

For the fanciest and most traditional tea scene in town, look no further than the Biltmore Four Seasons.

HIGH TEA & NIBBLES IN SANTA BARBARA

I've been on a quest these past few months to find the perfect little treats of our new hometown, Santa Barbara. Join me this week as I let you in on all of my spots for a good cuppa and nibble . . .

TEA OUTING: PORTO RICO IMPORTING CO.

After a few big shooting days in New York City, I had the pleasure of an afternoon to myself where I could just wander, windowshop and indulge in my senses. I bought a chocolate chip cookie from City Bakery and some pretzel croissants to bring back to Dave, had a beautiful brunch at Minerva in the West Village, then decided to dig into a few tea shops near by.

I walked by Porto Rico and recognized it upon entering as the spot where one of our beloved New Yorker friends, Marcia Tucker, would procure her stash of the finest Earl Grey tea. I think Marcia was the first person in my memory bank to really LOVE loose leaf tea and make the effort to prepare single, bold cups of Earl Grey while we visited from California. Marcia was an amazing vegetarian cook, perpetually composing artful pasta dishes late at night while my friend Ruby (her daughter) and I painted our nails or applied temporary tatoos in their SOHO apartment. Marcia was a luminary in her field of museum directors, she opened the New Museum after being fired from the Whitney and turned many contemporary art paradigms on their head along the way. She was a lovely lady and mentor, someone I'm so grateful to have known and shared several cuppas with.

Porto Rico, Marcia, I love you both.

If You Go:
Porto Rico Importing Co.
201 Bleecker St.
New York, NY 10012

TEA OUTING: BELLOCQ

On a blustery afternoon this past October, I was able to swoop into Bellocq, the most gorgeous, inspired tea atelier located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. After a big weekend of work and play near Boston, it was a delight to just be whole heatedly enraptured by magical place, sip specially blended teas and be hosted by the very inspired proprietor, Mr. Michael Shannon.

Simone and I were doing jazz hands from the moment we stepped through the very unassuming doors and into the cozy, yet superbly elegant tea room. I had read a lot about this special tea haven and it surpassed all of my expectations. The teas are delicate, flavorful and refined and they each have an origin story of being sourced responsibly from different merchants and gardens throughout Asia. The creators, Michael (who we got to visit with), Heidi and Scott, all have backgrounds in design and food. They share a passion for travel, friendship, gathering friends together over bubbling pots of old standby teas and exotic rare brews. Together they've created an over the top experience and story surrounding tea -- a narrative that is sensual yet accessible, intriguing yet familiar. To be frank, a visit here will give you a tea-gasm to be sure.

It was the perfect morning, with talks of Shubert and singing opera in the home or tea room, learning more about our favorite blends, making lists of which teas to purchase (stimulation overload!) and sharing in the connective powers that steam forth from a warm cup.

Thank you Michael and Bellocq.

If You Go:
Bellocq Tea Atelier
104 West Street
Greenpoint, NY 11222

Hours: Friday & Saturday 12-7pm
Sunday 12-5pm