Tea-Infused Bites at Wystone’s

Now that I’ve discovered Wystone’s World Teas in Belmar, I’m wondering why I waited so long to visit. The bustling cafe is a bounty of all things tea—with an extensive menu to boot. Chef Mark Kalix deftly incorporates tea into nearly every dish on the menu, including dessert. Think of these infusions as extra health kicks, with big hits of flavor.

Best bites include the cozy genmaicha-infused harvest vegetable soup, which is both gluten-free and vegan (but you’ll swear there’s chicken stock in the mix). Instead, that savory, satisfying mouthfeel and flavor comes from the green tea’s nuttiness. Pair that with the smoky lapsang souchong-infused chicken panini with provolone, shaved red onion, and Asian barbecue sauce on grilled focaccia. And, if you saved room room, order a slice of the pleasing African rooibos carrot cake, which is lighter than usual and redolent of caramel.

Bonus: Celebrate Mother’s Day on May 8 and May 9 by treating mom to tea and a three-course meal—think roasted tomato and red pepper bisque, green Darjeeling dusted–salmon, and dessert—for $26.40 each ($52.80 for two).

7323 W. Alaska Dr., Lakewood, 303-663-5775