Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Tea Infusion

A hidden little oasis at the Tempe Marketplace for a fresh splash of tea. ©2011 ANVidean

The Grounds (location)
Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. #1064
Tempe, AZ 85281-4927
(right across mall walkway from Barnes & Noble)
480.967.1141

Tea Times (hours)
Mon–Thurs:   10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Fri–Sat:         10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sun:               10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Folk taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi and delectable fare. ©2011 ANVidean

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)
Knowing about this little tea place is like a your own, secret, tea lover’s “tree house” in the middle of a mall. I’ve taken to fancying it for my writers’ tribe meetings because of the intimate environment, boffo tea selection and assortment of tasty munchies.

Tea Infusion is busy, but quiet; tiny, but comfortable; and emphasizes tea, not coffee (very refreshing to find once in a while).

A wall full of leaves and a case full of sweets. What's not to love?! ©2011 ANVidean

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)
They offer an amazing assortment of teas – more than 90 varieties, served up by a knowledgeable staff of baristas. Plus, their lunch fare includes a number of tasty, fresh-made sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Perks (what I really like!)
As I said, it’s a pretty quiet place, but people come in and out to use the free Wi-Fi, and to buy bulk tea and accessories, as well as imbibe delectables.

The most delicious tea I’ve tried is there is the Cookie Monster herbal tea – a blend of caramel, fruit, and almonds – which passes as a liquid version of an oatmeal raisin cookie. Can you say, “Coo-oo-ookiee-ee-ee?!”

My fav’ sandwich so far is the Tuscan Chicken piled with moist chicken, tangy goat cheese, pesto and veggies. Yum!

The Grind (what I would change)
A cover over the blender to mute the periodic noise would be helpful.

Share a cuppa (the stories)
The owner is mysteriously missing from any online mentions, but a card I picked up at the shop says it’s Christine Dilorio. The shop opened in 2007.

Yelp rating:
4 stars

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I love connecting people and ideas, so I’ve been creating small villages my entire life. Really, what better places can writers and musicians find to create “village” than independent coffee/tea shops? I wrote most of my Rhythms & Muse novel in coffee/tea venues, so it seemed natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet not posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!