Tea Time

The owners of Truffles & Tea in Cross Keys have opened a new cafe at the bottom of the Ambassador Apartments in Homewood, where the floral shop Dutch Connection used to be, called Chocolatea (3811 Canterbury Road, 410-366-0095). As with their first business, this place offers a wide array of teas, plus some tasty gourmet truffles, but it also serves some nice light fare. Much of it is Asian—we really liked their miso soup—but there are also plenty of wraps and paninis. The atmosphere is bright and soothing, with cheerfully hued walls and relaxing music. A handful of tables are available for your breakfast or lunchtime pleasure (Chocolatea is open daily, morning through early evening), and a few couches are arrayed before low tables in case you're more in the mood to curl up with a pot of jasmine and a good book. Chocolatea isn't fancy, but it's a nice place to meet a friend for some quiet catching up, or to grab an hour to yourself in the midst of an otherwise hectic day.