VANCOUVER TRENDZ [THURSDAY]

Steeping Beauty

March 8, 2007

Matcha tea is not a fad. And thanks to the Muzi teahouse, Vancouver is still one of the best places in North America to sip a steaming mug of the healthy, delicious brew.

Formerly known as Infuze, the stark white interior of the Muzi location on West Cordova lets you focus on one thing and one thing only: your yummy drink. And it should be. Muzi matcha comes from Nishio, Japan, the home of some of the world's oldest tea plantations. Their exacting methods translate into a kind of gold standard for Japanese teas.

So, you're basically drinking the beverage equivalent of gold. Which we're positive is a good thing. Right? And healthy too! Matcha is known to raise energy levels and put you in a better mood. And it provides you with much needed antioxidants, too.

Head down for a first taste, or to rekindle a lost love. It's still cool, don't worry.

Muzi, 870 West Cordova (near Howe), open to 6 p.m. daily

You can also buy Muzi teas online from their website: www.muzitea.com.

This week's contest is for a prize pack from local record label Mint - home to Neko Case and the New Pornographers among others. Have you entered yet? And if you'd rather save up to buy your own albums, then be sure to check out the Smart Cookies in Brand New yesterday.