The Steeping Room to Close
Local bastion of fine teas and cuisine will shutter its Rosedale venue
By Memory Harker, 4:00PM, Thu. Sep. 1, 2022
Put a handful of loose tea in a heated pot of water right now, keep it simmering until the end of the month, and you might wind up with something as dark as the shadow this announcement casts on our diploid hearts:
After more than 15 years of serving the Austin community a stunning array of teas and salads and sandwiches and, mmmmm, really, really delicious breakfast dishes, and – ah, hell:
The stylishly appointed Steeping Room, founded by Emily Morrison and Amy March, will close its doors for the last time at the end of service on Saturday, Sept. 24, never to open again.
Considering the expanding landscape of Austin’s food industry, the owners have decided to turn their attention to further growing their online tea market and expanding their wholesale tea program to partners in San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.
This new focus contains some good news for resolutely local tea lovers, too: Morrison and March have plans to eventually open a tasting room where they can hold classes and do small group tastings – and they’ll continue to do special events, pop ups, and seasonal catering. Also, March intends to introduce a new line of teahouse-inspired frozen doughs and baking mixes, and to work on her “communitea” cookbook to share some of her and her team’s favorite treats and specialties while chronicling her journey in the service and wellness industries.
And, remember, that shift doesn’t start until after September 24. Until then, you can still head over to 4400 N. Lamar and fortify your day's activities with, say, a perfectly seared Croque Monsieur and a steaming pot of Sae Midori Sencha …
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