Drink This Now: Tea time at Emilie’s French Teas

Emilie’s French Teas // Photo by Sarah Sipple

Among the chatter of romantic love this month, may I suggest a fitting spot for some self-love? 

Emilie’s French Teas, along with Centered Spirit Holistic Center, have transformed a former bridal store in Waldo into a serene tea room and healers space. Every warm detail beckons you to relax, unplug, and slow down for a moment of reflection.

Tea is the star of the show, with 50+ options that encompass a variety of cultures, plants, and desired benefits. The namesake and owner, Emilie Jackson, is well-versed in all things tea and hospitality. She embodies the peaceful atmosphere of the shop and is ready with recommendations and education for those who want.

Her deeply personal space is lovingly-curated with French music and books, rich drapery, tea and accoutrements for sale, and photos of her travel to cultural tea sites. 

The small tea room is quiet enough to invite reflection, encouraging you to slow down and savor the tea and fresh-baked pastries. I chose to warm up with a full pot of black tea and two madeleines, or French butter cakes. The tea varietal that called to me was a dark berry tea called 4 Fruits Rouges. Black tea with aromas of cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and red currant flowed from the small ceramic teapot. 

As I held the teacup and breathed in the pleasant fragrances, I looked back on my childhood with gratitude for the simple pleasures and reliable routines related to tea.  

Hot tea has a special place in my heart beyond being a comforting alternative to coffee. It was one of the first adult routines that my parents invited us into–completely at our leisure and choice.

My parents would place a bright red tea kettle on the stove each night and conservatively split a chamomile tea bag. I used to think it was because my dad liked weak tea, but I learned as an adult that it was a way to make each box of tea go further. 

Though they shared a teabag each night to save money, my parents never hoarded it from us three kids. Mom and dad would, on equal occasion, offer to make tea for the other, and us kids if we wanted. It was a lovely example of equality between partners–both happy to take a few moments to serve the other while serving themself. 

Clearly, the serenity of Emilie’s French Teas got me in my feels. 

I recommend visiting with a book or a journal. Placards invite you to unplug for the duration of your visit, but I didn’t feel shamed as I took photos of my order. In fact, I was inspired to put my phone away and take my notes in my leather notebook, sit in comfortable solitude (though there were other patrons), and eventually flip through an old National Geographic magazine. 

At this Waldo oasis, there is a tea for each moment and taste. There is no better time than now to stop by for a solo outing full of warmth that soothes the senses. If you’re feeling extra, you can opt for an infrared sauna session to accompany your tea time. Double the warmth, double the relaxing time for yourself. You deserve it.

And to the tea aficionados out there concerned for my parent’s weak tea habits, I did remind them in recent years that they can now afford to have their own tea bags each night. I even “spoiled” them with a bag of cinnamon sticks for their nightly teas. I’m happy to report that not only do they enjoy tea as designed now, but they also spring for a variety of tea options and have choices each night. Life is good.

Emilie’s French Teas is at 8131 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114.