THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Modern Tea

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Modern Tea Restaurant Review:

Modern Tea has shortened its hours for part of the summer to offer late lunch and early dinner on Saturdays and Sundays. Dipped in honey-warm tones and bathed in natural light, the atmosphere at this Hayes Valley teahouse is that of an artists' colony or expensive yoga retreat. A sculptural, stained-glass "wave" of aquatic blues and greens undulates along the tops of the large windows. Thick slabs of wood comprise the tables, chairs and floorboards. A mini tea-bar seats four, and outdoors, sidewalk seating is a pleasant touch in this sunny section of town. On offer are farm-fresh brunches, salads, sandwiches, soups and, of course, teas, which number about 20 and include an education in local herbs, Nepalese plucks, and high grade selections from Japan, China, India, Taiwan and Armenia. The food is simple, seasonal and mostly organic---and sometimes overstated, as with the Civil War waffles, "fired on the open range using irons from the 1840s." What arrives are a couple of cornmeal waffles and some yogurt for a goodly price. No matter---the vibrant house-made pastries such as a daily galette with fresh Madagascar whipped cream are well worth the indulgence.