Angelina's Teas

By Denton Gerow

Are you looking for something different?   Tired of meeting for coffee?  Need a great gift for someone?   This is a place you have to check out.

This is not your grandmother's tea shop.  With hundreds of teas, tea sets from delicate to manly and a wide range of gifts, this shop stands out.

Nothing commercial like that place in the mall.  True loose teas in so many flavors.  From classic black to chocolate strawberry saffron and everything in the middle.  Enjoy a cup as you browse the myriad of books that range from coffee table photo books to old leather bound tomes.  Play an a old board game as you sip a mellow blend or talk with your dear ones while drinking a supercharged Go Juice. (More on that in a moment).

Don't know much about loose teas and how to select and brew?  No problem.  Wade will gladly coach you and assist you.  They have everything you need to get started in this fine tradition of teas.

Gifts galore are available.  Some of my favorites are the elegant cup, saucer and spoon sets to light up the imagination of any special lady of any age.  Loking for that Japanese tea set?  They have them all shapes and colors.  Something for your office?  They have tea and coffee presses travel mugs and more.

A varied selection of gourmet chocolate bars, with and without liquor, including locally made bars make great gifts to accompany the teas. 

One very unique offering is the line of Salt Of The Earth.   These are packs of sea salt with rare spices infused like saffron, truffle and more.  A line of salt sprays with flavors infused is also available for those times you just want a dash of flavor.

Usually, there is a special baked good available also to accompany your beverage.  Today it was bourbon pecan cake.  Be sure to ask what the day's treat is. 

Now about that Go Juice, which is my favorite drink.   This drink is better than almost any mocha, latte or coffee concoction you have ever had.  You pick the chocolate infused tea of your choice.   Wade, the owner, mixes it with a blend of tea that has more caffeine than a cup of coffee.  He adds cream and sweetener (sugar free is available). This drink rocks!   Only two per visit allowed.  It's just that strong.  As a caffeine fiend I can tell you, this one packs it in.


I strongly suggest a visit here.  

Find Angelina's Teas on Facebook and visit their website.

About Denton Gerow:  Denton was born in Charlotte, but has lived all over the eastern seaboard and in California.  An avid Foodie, he prefers to eat at local joints, hole in the walls and the oft missed.  Denton loves to cook and share his passions for food, cigars, beer and more.

La Casa Lopez Mexican Grill

By Denton Gerow

I got spoiled in California with fresh, family made Mexican food.  I found some okay places around but none of them could match up in flavor or that 'you're home' kind of hospitality I had come to enjoy.

Then I found La Casa Lopez Mexican Grill, 3028 Healy Dr. Winston Salem.  The Lopez family runs this corner restaurant in the strip plaza just off of Stratford Rd.    They make you feel like you are a long lost friend the first time you walk in the door and it only gets better from there.  They respect when you need some quiet time and they make a large group feel like they each are important to them.

Their menu has something for everyone.  From the best ChoriQueso dip to vegetarian options, to seafood and a wide range of classic dishes, everything here that I have tasted has been delicious.

Among of my favorites to order are the Lunch Special Nachos, a pile of chips, with the meat of your choice, covered in cheese dip, homemade guacamole, salsa and creme fresh with lettuce and tomatoes.  

If you are hungry, can't make up your mind, or want to split something, try the Special Dinner.  It takes up to three plates to be delivered, You get a burrito, chalupa, chili relleno, beef enchillada, beef taco, refried beas, and rice  All for $10.49.  

On a quest for trying different flavors I once ordered the Burrito a la Roqueta.  Two burritos filled with tender delicious carnitas (pork), covered in verde sauce and served with pico de gallo and rice.  This dish is awesome and I highly suggest it.

On a warm day or nice night, be sure to ask to sit on the patio, smoking allowed.  Oh and don't forget they have inexpensive draft beers.

I don't miss those spots in California anymore.

Welcome New Contributor Denton Gerow!

Denton was born in Charlotte, but has lived all over the eastern seaboard and in California.  An avid Foodie, he prefers to eat at local joints, hole in the walls and the oft missed.  Denton loves to cook and share his passions for food, cigars, beer and more.