Author: neyropmomem1981

The O in O-Five Rare Tea Bar is for origin, something Pedro Villalon — who founded this tea business in a wonderful space on Kitsilano’s 4th Ave — sees as fundamentally important to his terrior—based vision of bringing teas to Vancouver. He seeks out quality...teas from farmers, all rooted in their regions, growing tea which reflects the places from which they come. In his words, his teas are grown, not manufactured. It is said that he is “tea hunter”. He is certainly out there finding quality tea from tea growing countries, such as Japan, India & China. Place with its combination of elements makes the tea what it is, & gives joy to the drinker who discovers this in the mindful sipping of this special liquid. This emphasis on the terrior — the French terms used in the discussion of the properties place brings to wine— is what Villalon has been educating & enthralling Vancouverites with since O-5 opened in September 2012. Villalon has long been passionate about these special teas, giving up a corporate career to take on this challenge, one that has proved successful, as O-5 goes into its eighth year this September. He has an extensive network of farmer growers who he visits on an ongoing basis, sending back the teas to be sipped at the tea bar, or bought to enjoy at home. O-5 has now reopened, focusing on its loose leaf teas and its growlers, serving tea only in compostable, disposal cups for now — enforcing strict social distancing at its wonderful zen-like bar. The range of tea types are extensive —green,white, black teas as well as inspired tea pots & other useful instruments to enhance tea drinking. Along with the fine tea one can order at the bar, which range in price from around 3 to 6 $, one can also get tapas style dishes in the 7$ range. O5 asks customers to preorder online now so teas can be ready for them when they arrive. I was at O-5 at the start when it was opening & a regular. I & other regulars are glad it has reopened with its well- trained team taking care of the safety of customers, as well as offering the delicious teas again. The Five in the name of the bar stands for the standard elements of life. O5 reflects that life in the tea cups it serves at its enchanting space. Posted by S FullerMore