Bushbaby

A PLACE WHERE TEA HITS THE SPOT

It’s a cold Saturday morning, and I really just want to lounge on my super comfy Target futon but I’m an Official Street Beater now, right? So, I gladly accept my assignment and venture out to Bushbaby, a coffee and tea shop in Bed-Stuy. But wait a minute. I hate coffee and I only drink tea when I’m sick. And the words “coffee shop” automatically make me think of that Seattle import that’s on every block of Manhattan. But luckily, Bushbaby is no Starbucks.

Upon entering Bushbaby, I’m intrigued. Worn hardwood floors. Exposed brick wall and a brightly painted orange wall opposing it. With less than a dozen two-person tables, Bushbaby is definitely that intimate, sit for a while and chat shop, where owner Milton Jemmot, better known as Te, is often found at the counter greeting customers.

Check out the brunch menu and you’ll immediately notice the wallet-friendly price ($8 for an entrée and side) and the hefty vegan alternatives; the french toast and pancakes come in vegan and non-vegan selections. Te, a vegan himself, explained the decision to offer these alternatives. “A lot of places just want to give sides to vegetarians and vegans. I want everyone to experience the same dish at the same time. You’re sharing the same experience, regardless of what your diet is.” That’s great, but I decided to try the salmon croquette and cheese grits. (What? My family’s from the south!) I was impressed and can say that I never thought I’d get a plate of grits at a coffee and tea house, but Bushbaby is full of yummy surprises.

Open since November 2005, Bushbaby was created as a way to market and sell Millie’s Iced Tea, which is the recipe of Te’s mother, Millicent. But Te didn’t want to limit Bushbaby to just iced tea. He intended to introduce the varieties of tea to an audience that may not be so familiar with them. Made with what are listed on the ingredients as the “finest tea leaves,” the customer-favorite is a hot commodity at Bushbaby. “It’s rare to hear someone say, ‘Let me get an iced tea.’” shares Te, “It’s, ‘Let me get three’, ‘let me get four.’” I’m not a tea novice but by the end of my visit, I became good friends with a few cups of robust tea of rose petals and orange peels. The taste was amazing and once again, Bushbaby didn’t disappoint. They also offer their own custom blend of drinks (Chocolate Masala, Indian Chai Latte and Green Citrus Chai Latte) which are sure to please any palate.

In addition to the weekend brunch, the shop also offers up a light menu of wraps and desserts. “We didn’t want to get caught up having too heavy of a menu, because then you lose being a coffee and tea house,” says Te. The tasty desserts, many of which are vegan, include brownies, death by chocolate cake and red velvet cake. Just like the brunch menu, many of the light eats options (Tunisian Tuna Wrap, Tunisian Tuna Salad, Moroccan Chicken Wrap, etc.) have vegan alternatives. Hmm, I’m not so sure how I feel about soy tuna. “Our soy tuna taste just like tuna!,” Te assures me. I’m a meat and potatoes gal and I just don’t understand “meat” substitutes. I guess Te could sense my skepticism so he offered me a sample. Just two forks full and I’m sold! It really did taste just like tuna. Though he wouldn’t give up the specifics of the soy concoction, Te assured me it’s all about balancing ingredients properly. One wrap in particular that stood out from the rest was the Milton wrap, named after its owner of course. The soy fish fillet wrap with vegan sauce was a sandwich Te made all the time. He explains the name initially started out as a joke when one of his co-workers added it to the menu board on a day he was out. But by the time he returned, people were already ordering it by name, so the Milton wrap stuck!

One thing about Bushbaby is it definitely has a connection and respect for its customers. Te aims to change the way establishments treat those they serve. “It’s not that give me your money and go ‘head atmosphere,” he says. I noticed patrons sitting and relaxing at their tables long after their plates had been cleaned. Also, a couple new to the area complimented Te on the shop and said they’d be back soon. A few hours later, a young woman walked in saying her friends recommended the spot to her - her friends being the couple that had just been there hours before. If that isn’t the speediest word of mouth recommendation, then I don’t know what is!

Recently, Bushbaby has started to focus on live entertainment for their adoring customers. “There wasn’t much entertainment when we first opened, since we wanted to be known for our products and not because of our entertainment. Now we’ve gotten to a point where people know us for our products, so we can explore entertainment more,” says Te. So every Thursday through Saturday after 5.pm., Bushbaby offers their Liquor-less Lounge. With no cover charge, the evenings feature musical artists, spoken word, lectures and more. Since the Bed-Stuy neighborhood they service is so eclectic, that’s reflected in the musical artists they select. From rock, classical, jazz and neosoul, Bushbaby covers the musical gamut.

After four hours of soaking up Bushbaby, I left with a newfound appreciation for a pot of tea (it’s not just for a sore throat), a craving for some more soy tuna (could I possibly go vegetarian?) and two bottles of Millie’s Iced Tea (you just have to experience it for yourself).

Bushbaby (website)

1197 Fulton St.

Brooklyn, NY 11216

Tel: 718.636.5336

Get there: C to Franklin Ave. Google Map