A cup of tea is an invitation to relax.-At Té House of Tea the invitation is open.

Whether pale and delicate or dark and earthy, a cup of tea is an excellent way to unwind.-With the opening of Té House of Tea, Houstonians now have a place dedicated to the fine art of tea.-

Owners Connie Lacobie, a native of Hong Kong, and Alyson Bell, a native of Ireland, blend both east and west in their new tea house. Light wood tables and an Asian influenced décor blend with French jazz music and shamrock-bedecked tea cozies, creating a comfortable, relaxing oasis in which to enjoy a spot of tea and a bite to eat.

At Té all teas are Fairtrade certified and organic when possible.-A wide variety of tea is offered, from familiar black and green teas to rarer white teas or unusual tisanes.- If you aren’t sure what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to ask.-The owners are happy to explain any of the tea selections.

Hot tea is served by the pot, and the loose tea leaves are placed in a strainer set just inside the lid, which allows for better steeping than tea bags. Pot sizes are single, double or large enough for the table ($2.50, $4 and $8). Two varieties of iced tea are offered daily. The popular strawberry hibiscus is a cheery red color, and sweet with a hint of sharpness.-It’s addictive.

If you’re hungry, Té offers light meals and snacks.-Don’t miss the curried chicken salad ($7.50), a mixture of shredded chicken breast, almond slivers and apples in a light curry dressing. It’s served over a bed of mixed greens with apple slices, cherry tomatoes, celery and a side dish of zingy apple chutney.-It’s a generous meal.

The soups change daily ($2.50 and $3.50).-The simple and soothing chicken noodle soup is Asian-influenced, with glass noodles and a hint of lemongrass.-

The paninis ($5.50) are a good way to go if you’re in the mood for a sandwich.-Made with herbed focaccia, they’re warm, gooey and delicious. The bacon, brie and tomato panini is made with a chipotle mayonnaise that sneaks up on you with a surprising bit of heat.-The chicken, brie and cranberry panini combines just the right amount of sweet and tart.-

Most sandwiches are available on a baguette ($4.95) if you prefer.-And all sandwiches are served with a generous side salad topped with a tart balsamic vinaigrette.

Té is an excellent place to visit for breakfast. An authentic crepe pan in the back is the source of the delicious freshly made crepes.-The ham and provolone crepe ($2.50) is simple and light, and makes an easy, quick breakfast.-Or try a scone ($2.50) — the blueberry scone is loaded with fresh berries.-For a healthier option, try the muesli ($3.95), served with yogurt and a generous assortment of dried fruits, including apricots, raisins and figs.-

Crumpet fans should make a point of stopping in to give them a try ($2.95).-Toasted and loaded with butter, they’re addictive, too.-They taste particularly authentic and a chat with the owner confirms that they are indeed imported from Great Britain.-They’re the perfect accompaniment for that cup of tea.

If you’re in the mood for sweet bite, there are plenty of options.-Some desserts are made on the premises, while others are prepared by an outside pastry chef.- The nut bars ($2.50) are dense, chocolatey and loaded with nuts — choose from almond or pecan.-Be sure to try the lemon tart ($3.50), bursting with bright, sharp lemony flavor in a nutty crust. It’s a winner.-

It’s easy to while away the time at Té House of Tea.-The comfortable ambience invites you to sit back and slow down.-Customers pop in for a quick spot of tea and end up chatting for hours with their friends.-Which is how it should be.

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