Kayotea - Posted 1/18/07
Finding our way into a warm Kayotea
on a cold night was just what we needed. Kayotea is a wonderful slice
of what makes downtown Columbia unique and marvelous.
Being the premier Teahouse in town is one thing but serving exceptional sandwiches, Paninis, wraps, soups, and salads is beyond expectations. You can find Kayotea on Broadway in the heart of The District with its neon “Open” sign and whiteboard full of daily specials. Dark wood covers the floor and snakes halfway up the wall met with a burgundy that embraces you. Kayotea’s fine touches also included Tiffany style lamps, French paintings, antique couches and chairs, even a small shop. Kayotea also offers free wireless Internet that adds to the reason why you could find yourself here for hours.
Step up to the vast menu board and pick out a meal. The board is plastered with tough choices. Veggie, Caprese, and Sun-dried Tomato Turkey Paninis. The California Burger, Philly Cheese Steak, Turkey Club, Strawberry Chicken Wrap, the choices seem endless. Add the soup, salad, and side options and you better hope for a long line ahead of you.
Then do a 180 and set your eyes upon the biggest Tea menu you might
ever find. Black Teas, Green Teas, Fruit Teas, White Teas, Herbal Teas
and more. Have fun picking one out, and if you want to know more about
a certain tea just ask. Apple Tea, Pumpkin Spice, Wild Strawberry, Gunpowder,
and Silver Needle Tea are all recommendations.
After sitting down at Kayotea, and maybe playing a game of checkers, your food is brought out to join your teapot. I had to try the Roast Beef Panini after I read about it. Medium rare prime rib topped with Dijon mustard, pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions and tomato. The crispy Panini was warm and fused beautifully with the melting pepper jack. The Roast Beef was thick and tender amid the sweetness from the caramelized onions. Served with a fresh Caesar salad this was a scrumptious and satisfying meal.
The Chocolate Delight tea was a great departure from any store bought
tea that you might be used to. Needless to say the and to no surprise
the 
Chocolate Delight was delightful! Kayotea can brew over 40 varieties
of tea that will be a joy on your tongue. A pot will make 3-4 cups with
two people and be enough to get you through dessert. Our dessert choice
was the homemade Blueberry Cream Coffee Cake. Moist, sweet, and fruity
this was an excellent close to an A+ dinner.
I suggest you stop into Kayotea as soon as you can. I am smitten with
Kayotea and have been back twice sampling all sorts of tea and food
combinations. With my new resolution left in the car a few desserts
have snuck in too. Whether it’s a cold night or not in Mid Missouri
Kayotea is something you need to try!
Adam L.
Food Evangelist
foodevangelist@midmodiningguide.com
MidMoDiningGuide.com
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