Leaves of class

Tealuxe Café & Tea Bar

by Rob McKeown

ON THE CHEAP

Tealuxe in Harvard Square has been a boon to lovers of the "other caffeinated beverage" for some years now. The recently opened branch on Newbury Street is just as thoughtful and encyclopedic in its tea selection, and goes beyond the call with its downstairs café. Copper tables and ceilings, head-high mirrors, and torchères evoke turn-of-the-century London. There's even a small bar, where customers can cup their Darjeeling and watch cooks grill up a small selection of sandwiches both savory and sweet.

"Toastites" is what Tealuxe calls its grilled sandwiches, which are less greasy and crispy than panini, though no less addictive. The Barcelon ($5.95) is a lusty liaison of garlicky roasted mushrooms, goat cheese, and thyme; the Bombay ($5.95) packs grilled chicken, mango chutney, and cheddar into a sweet and filling package. Each dish comes with a side salad of mesclun, tomatoes, artichokes, and onions, doused with a smooth tea-infused vinaigrette. Dessert gluttons will flip for the Nutella ($3.25), a lush sandwich of chocolate-hazelnut spread and bananas inside grilled bread.

Tealuxe Café & Tea Bar, located at 108 Newbury Street, Boston, is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call (617) 927-0400.

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