newjerseynewsroom.com

Novel Teas comes to Red Bank

BY MARGARET MORGAN

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Novel Teas resides in a former ironworks shop where the facade is very intriguing — a huge wrought iron gate next to an aged brick building with iron gridded windows. Walking inside, however, invites you into a place exuding warmth and intimacy. The entrance is a mini-boutique of tea-related items complemented by an array of gift items that reflect the personal charm of shop owner, Kim Widener.

Sixty varieties of loose leaf teas are offered on the menu: black, green, white, herbal, fruit, blends and flavored like chocolate mint, hot cinnamon spice and white vanilla grapefruit. The teas are served in an eclectic mix of antique china cups and saucers. Kim studied her tea knowledge under the tutelage of Amanda DePew in Woodstock, NY, who continues to be a consultant. The teas are all from Harney & Sons, one of the most prestigious tea companies in the world.

The idea for Novel Teas germinated mid-summer 2009 and by December, Kim had taken possession of the former ironworks shop on Bridge Street in Red Bank. Two months later, on February 9, Kim opened the doors to her tea retreat. The decor is relaxed with furnishings arranged in cozy conversational niches. Bar chairs are arranged at a long countertop where one can read or work on a computer. Kim has installed Wi-Fi for free use while customers enjoy tea when working or connecting on the internet. Above the countertop, Kim and a friend artfully covered the wall in newspaper prints and cutouts in a decoupage style.

The opening of Novel Teas has been a soft opening as Kim continues to develop her dream of creating "a place for people to gather — a communal atmosphere both educational and intellectual." Kim's desire was "to create a place that brought together my love of books and reading with a relaxing cup of tea in a warm, ambient atmosphere." She has succeeded magnificently in bringing together "Authors — Aromas — Gifts." Authors, you ask. Yes, she is planning regular author events.

Author appearances are: Tuesday, March 23, author, Kaylie Jones reveals her life in "Lies My Mother Never Told Me." Jones is the daughter of James Jones who wrote "From Here To Eternity."

On April 13, author Gretchen Rubin will talk about her book, "The Happiness Project," about every conceivable principle on how to be happy. Author events are held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Future plans for Novel Teas are tentative, but Kim's vision is to offer afternoon tea serving biscotti, scones and/or cupcakes. In warmer months, tea will be held in the rear garden featuring a pergola and, eventually, an herb garden. She also envisions customers enjoying tea while playing board games e.g. backgammon or chess. Grandiose plans are in the making for an intimate place of grandeur.

Novel Teas is located at 78 Bridge Street, Red Bank, NJ and is open Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.