“A cup of tea is a great excuse to share great thoughts with great minds.” -Christina Re
Zen Dog – aka Larry, or “ZD” – is the creative mind behind Zen Dog Tea House. Part tea house, part artist boutique, soak up the good energy and positive vibrations at Zen Dog Tea House.
Located in the Ballard / Crown Hill neighborhood in Seattle, Zen Dog welcomes people into his home that has transformed into a business that showcases tea, art and statues portraying some of the most wonderful Eastern deities.
About Zen Dog. I don’t know where to begin? Besides his friendly and welcoming demeanor, the man is nothing but a swirling ball of good vibes. Although what he touches doesn’t necessarily turn to gold, his simplistic and cheerful personality touches everyone’s heart.
Upon entering the red gates that are surrounded by trees that have dangling lanterns, ZD will “escort” you the wooden Chinese tea table where you can eye ball a menu of different teas.
Black, green, floral, herbal, moon blends – you name it, he’s got it. Zen Dog selects teas grown in natural and pristine areas in China and Taiwan and that are free from pesticides and chemicals. He prides himself on the quality and the process of sipping tea.
Every tea guest has the opportunity to select a certain tea for tasting. After breaking off a piece of tea off the “cake,” ZD washes and infuses the tea with multiple douses of hot water. While the tea steeps, ZD will hand you his Iphone so you can select the type of music you’d like to muse to. (I chose Buddha Bar Lounge as it brings back memories of the Buddha Bar in Prague & Paris).
About Zen Dog. I don’t know where to begin? Besides his friendly and welcoming demeanor, the man is nothing but a swirling ball of good vibes. Although what he touches doesn’t necessarily turn to gold, his simplistic and cheerful personality touches everyone’s heart.
Upon entering the red gates that are surrounded by trees that have dangling lanterns, ZD will “escort” you the wooden Chinese tea table where you can eye ball a menu of different teas.
Black, green, floral, herbal, moon blends – you name it, he’s got it. Zen Dog selects teas grown in natural and pristine areas in China and Taiwan and that are free from pesticides and chemicals. He prides himself on the quality and the process of sipping tea.
Every tea guest has the opportunity to select a certain tea for tasting. After breaking off a piece of tea off the “cake,” ZD washes and infuses the tea with multiple douses of hot water. While the tea steeps, ZD will hand you his Iphone so you can select the type of music you’d like to muse to. (I chose Buddha Bar Lounge as it brings back memories of the Buddha Bar in Prague & Paris).
Once perfected, ZD pours the tea into everyone’s cup. And a cuppa is a-latte. After several rounds of sipping green teas and the “coffee replacement” tea, I felt a buzz that I only get from energy healing.
The powerful boost of freshly brewed organic tea zips through your blood stream quicker than a shot of sugar. If you’re not feeling up for anymore tea, just turn the cup over. If not, expect round and round of tea until whatever leaves are brewing diminishes in flavor. Each time ZD adds water, the flavor changes and dilutes compared to the first dose.
The powerful boost of freshly brewed organic tea zips through your blood stream quicker than a shot of sugar. If you’re not feeling up for anymore tea, just turn the cup over. If not, expect round and round of tea until whatever leaves are brewing diminishes in flavor. Each time ZD adds water, the flavor changes and dilutes compared to the first dose.
After pleasant conversation and gazing into this magical man’s eyes, I couldn’t help but think he looked familiar. Certainly, he resembled the wizard from Lord of the Rings, but my healer friend nailed it. Merlin. This guy (and his tea) is like Merlin’s Magic – a wizard that is no longer in training. A true majestic creature that has nothing but love to give and smiles to share.
After having countless shitty days, a couple hours spent at Zen Dog’s completely washed the negativity away. ZD was also kind enough to show us his artist studio and gallery where workshops take place.
After having countless shitty days, a couple hours spent at Zen Dog’s completely washed the negativity away. ZD was also kind enough to show us his artist studio and gallery where workshops take place.
I felt as if I was home, stuck in a bubble of beautiful Reiki energy and I didn’t want to leave. Maybe it was the moon blend’s First Love tea kick-starting my kundalini energy? I didn’t know, but I felt as if I were at least 2,000 miles outside of the rift-raft stress of Seattle.
His home is a sanctuary, and a place to call, “Om.” The manicured lawn is outlined by rows of bamboo trees that delicately privatizes a gazebo and a small pond filled with colorful Chinese fish known as Koi.
Inside, you can stare at Buddha or admire the beauty of the goddess, Kuan Yin statue. Or try your luck by rubbing the prosperity frog. He also has a rack of teas stored in glass jars so you can play scratch and sniff with whatever flavor you may savor.
Inside, you can stare at Buddha or admire the beauty of the goddess, Kuan Yin statue. Or try your luck by rubbing the prosperity frog. He also has a rack of teas stored in glass jars so you can play scratch and sniff with whatever flavor you may savor.
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In his former life, ZD was a master of architecture, photography and music. And if you ask him his name, he’ll kindly answer, “Zen Dog” with a beautiful, grinning smile.
He's an ancient soul who's hip to modern trends. So, if you remember, take a look at ZD’s shoes. He may sport a pair of fire-engine Chuck’s (aka Converse shoes). Get ready to pose in style, as Zen Dog loves taking pictures for his Instagram account.
He's an ancient soul who's hip to modern trends. So, if you remember, take a look at ZD’s shoes. He may sport a pair of fire-engine Chuck’s (aka Converse shoes). Get ready to pose in style, as Zen Dog loves taking pictures for his Instagram account.
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Zen Dog’s personality is as rich, robust and colorful as his teas. Generous and affordable, you can schedule a one-hour tea tasting for $5.00 or a tea dating evening for $20.00 per couple.
You can also find ZD offering tea tastings at one of the many PCC stores. His products are sold at the PCC and on-site at the Tea Gallery.
So what type of tree should you try? Let your gut and your nose decide. I enjoyed the Jasmine, Secret Love, Hibiscus. The menu is long, so take a deep inhale and try whatever smells best.
Zen Dog Tea House
http://teahousegallery.com/
2015 NW 85th Street
Seattle, WA 98117 • USA
Tel. 206.920.0721
Open Daily by Appointment
Have you visited Zen Dog's Tea House? If so, got any stories to share? I'd love to hear them!
Wander Seattle without getting lost! This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Seattle's Zen Dog Tea House.
You can also find ZD offering tea tastings at one of the many PCC stores. His products are sold at the PCC and on-site at the Tea Gallery.
So what type of tree should you try? Let your gut and your nose decide. I enjoyed the Jasmine, Secret Love, Hibiscus. The menu is long, so take a deep inhale and try whatever smells best.
Zen Dog Tea House
http://teahousegallery.com/
2015 NW 85th Street
Seattle, WA 98117 • USA
Tel. 206.920.0721
Open Daily by Appointment
Have you visited Zen Dog's Tea House? If so, got any stories to share? I'd love to hear them!
Wander Seattle without getting lost! This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Seattle's Zen Dog Tea House.
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