GAN BEI
(Translated as "Empty Cup", similar to "Bottoms up" or "Cheers")

"The Essence of the Tea is the Essence of Life"

Move over coffee houses, the new drink of fashion is TEA!  Offering a healthy, revitalizing alternative, tea bars are THE place to be and in St. Louis, there is only one...Cha Yoon Elixir Tea Bar, located in the heart of cultural trends, the Central West End.

Cha Yoon opened a little over three months ago and has gained rapid popularity.  Its focus is on presenting the idea of drinking tea in a new way: in a fun, colorful, approachable, unique and cultural experience.  Not formal or formulaic, Cha Yoon offers a casual, yet novel presentation, using colored teapots and beer glasses, rather than the traditional drinking vessels.

Owner, Jay Yoon was born in South Korea, where he lived for ten years, before moving to St. Louis, where he has made his home for the last twenty years.  A former massage therapist, he wanted to continue in a health-related profession, while owning a business that created an enjoyable experience for all. So after two and a half years of research in the tea business market, Cha Yoon was born. His motivation was to "...create a place similar to a coffee bar, yet for tea, the beverage of the new millennium".  Being the first to introduce this new cultural trend to St. Louis, Cha Yoon offers a great variety of caffeine-free, premium hot and iced, high-grade Asian teas.  Included on the menu are Specialty House Blends, Herbal Tonics, Chinese Connoisseur Teas, and Bubble Tea Lattes.

House Blends (ranging in price from $2.75-$3.25): the highly-recommended Signature drinks of Cha Yoon are the Tower of Zen, the Spirit of Zen and Japanese Flower Tea.  The Tower of Zen and the Spirit of Zen, both served iced in classic pilsners, loaded with vitamins and minerals, offer a refreshing vitality. The masculine Tower of Zen is made of South American green tea, flavored with green apple, while the feminine Spirit of Zen, made from Jasmine green tea is flavored with peach.  The third signature drink is Japanese Flower Tea, preferably served hot, it is chockfull of an edible floral combination, including rose, hibiscus, green tea, chrysanthemum, and several Japanese wildflowers.

Gan Bei Herbal Tonics (ranging in price from $3.00-$4.00) provide revitalization for optimal health with a combination of Chinese Herbs formulated within the tea.  Varieties include Yin From the Cold, Ginseng Sling, and Virtual Buddha.

Chinese Connoisseur Teas (ranging in price from $1.60 per cup to $5.00 per pot), can be purchased by the cup, by the pot, or to go. The flavors of jasmine, green and oolong tea are familiar. A popular pot is Buddha's Finger, made from a high-grade Chinese oolong tea.

Bubble Tea Lattes (price $3.00, plus .50 for pearls) are fun tea drinks, added with non-dairy cream powder and natural flavors.  The optional "pearls" or "boba" are small, chewy tapioca balls.  Currently, there are thirteen flavors including, green tea macha latte, plum, mango, star fruit, taro, and Thai tea, with more flavors to come in the future.

A fine and healthy compliment to Cha Yoon's wide variety of teas is their sushi bar, offering a simple menu.  Please note, that sushi is only available from 11am-2:30pm and 5-9:30pm, Mondays-Saturdays and 5-9pm on Sundays.  If it is dessert you desire, they serve up a scrumptious, creamy Green Tea with Lemon Hank's Cheesecake, made exclusively for Cha Yoon.  Other desserts include Earl Gray and plain Hank's cheesecakes, scones, low-fat muffins and cookies.

Cha Yoon Elixir Tea Bar is not to be confused with the traditional-styled tea- house setting, instead it combines both western and eastern influences in a relaxing, contemporary atmosphere. With bar lighting and a full front window, plenty of light shines through this peaceful place.  Decorated in colorful, yet subtle and warm shades, with a soothing, non-intrusive musical background, Cha Yoon offers a calm setting for any occasion.  Whether you choose to sit indoors and enjoy the choice of tables, bar or sofa seating, or you choose the outdoor café seating, both compliment the atmosphere of the culturally-rich Central West End.

If enjoying an afternoon or evening of tea makes you yearn for more, then do not despair for you can take a little bit of Cha Yoon home with you. The Tea Bar sells beautiful clay teapots, accessories, bulk teas and gift certificates.  All teas on the menu, with the exception of the Bubble Tea Lattes and the Herbal Tonics, can be purchased in bulk, loose-leaf, 2 oz. Packages. 

NOTE: Don't miss Cha Yoon Elixir Tea Bar to be featured on Focus St. Louis, Saturday, June 29th, 9pm, on WB channel 11.

Cha Yoon Elixir Tea Bar
4 North Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone:  (314) 367-2209	Fax:	(314) 367-2510

Hours of Operation:		Monday-Thursday    11am-10pm   (sushi 11-2:30, 5-9:30p)
				Friday-Saturday	11am-11pm	(sushi 11-2:30, 5-9:30p)
				Sunday		5-9pm		(sushi 5-9p)