I got an e-mail this morning from Teavolve owner Sunni Gilliam that Harbor East’s newest cool spot to hang out has finally opened. Teavolve Café & Lounge at the corner of Aliceanna and Exeter streets quietly began welcoming thirsty and hungry patrons last week and is now helping early birds with their caffeine (coffee or tea) cravings and serving delicious-sounding fare like Belgian waffles, made-to-order salads, an assortment of paninis, and great desserts.

I stopped by this afternoon for a glass of iced passion-fruit sweet tea, a perfect thirst quencher for today’s heat. The café has an industrial chic vibe with tall ceilings, lots of light, and painted cement floors. It is already luring laptop loungers with its free wireless Internet. Once this pleasant teaporium becomes known, I predict its comfy couches and tables are going to fill quickly.

The original Teavolve on Eastern Avenue will only be open for afternoon tea and special occasions, says Sunni, probably one of the nicest vendors around town.