AntiquiTEAS
426 West Plant Street • Winter Garden, Florida 34787
antiquiteasonline.com
Among the many stalls found within the bustling Plant Street Market—a unique food court concept housed within a craft brewing company—resides a concealed gem for anyone seeking a refreshing cup of tea. Six years after AntiquiTEAS opened as one of the market’s original vendors in 2015, the small business has gained a reputation for flavorful and pretty drinks. When the original owner, Marc Baudendistel—who now owns Tea on 45th Street in Toronto, Canada—started the business, he hoped to share the drink’s many health benefits with customers. Today, his successor, Sunita Maharaj, works to stay true to that vision, tapping into her lifelong experience with the popular hot beverage.
“I was introduced to tea at a very young age,” Sunita recalls. “I honestly don’t remember the first cup of tea I had, since it’s always been a part of my routine. My mom would start my morning off with tea when I was little, and then I’d have another cup before going to bed. It was a normal thing for us.”
To ensure visitors leave the shop completely satisfied with their purchases—a brewed cup of hot or iced tea, or a package of loose leaf to brew at home—Sunita strives to make a connection with each patron.
“I personally love when I go to a store and the person behind the counter feels like a friend, and not just someone trying to sell me something,” Sunita remarks. She tries daily to integrate that practice into each interaction in order to identify an individual’s needs, whether to satisfy a craving or to aid with physical ailments like headaches or upset stomachs. “Some of my recurring guests I honestly see as my friends, and that’s a nice feeling,” she adds. “It’s a special connection me. It makes the experience warm and comfortable, especially when someone has questions about the tea. I try to make it a conversation, and not just me answering their questions. I think people appreciate that.”
With more than 80 custom combinations of premium loose-leaf teas and ingredients, Sunita struggles to pinpoint a particular blend as a fan favorite. That is also due to the one-tea-does-not-fit-all-taste-palates approach Sunita takes with those who shop at AntiquiTEAS, “I can gladly say my tea shop has a little something for everyone.” Those who shop the variety of teas available for purchase online or in person will find unique flavors like Watermelon Oolong, Ice Wine Black Tea, and Blanc de Blueberry White Tea.
Any who might wish to turn their trip to AntiquiTEAS into a true teatime outing can book a full tea party for $26.95 per adult and $16.95 per child to be served on the Plant Street Market’s north patio. As Sunita has the fare catered by a fellow local Winter Garden business, Once Upon A Creation Co., Sunita requires at least one week’s advance notice when reserving an afternoon-tea service, which includes scones, a selection of tea sandwiches with fillings like egg salad and chicken salad, and an assemblage of pastries like danishes, mini tea cupcakes, and biscotti. Each tea service is accompanied by the tea of the guests choosing, but Sunita is more than happy to recommend a brew specified to fit each attendee’s proverbial cup of tea.
AntiquiTEAS inside Plant Street Market is open on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
