Think Global, Garden Local: The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

Thursday, December 4, 2014

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

"Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude

and the pleasures of company."

~Author Unknown

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse was bestowed upon Boulder by Mayor Maksud Ikramov of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, during his visit in celebration of sister city ties being established. In Tajikistan, teahouses are a symbol of togetherness, serving as gathering spaces for the intellectual, political and artistic minds of the community. From 1987 -1990, more than 40 artisans in Tajikistan created the decorative elements for Dushanbe Teahouse in it's sister city, Boulder, including its hand-carved and hand-painted ceiling, tables, stools, columns, and exterior ceramic panels.

In the 7th Century BC, the area now known as Tajikistan was settled at the eastern periphery of the Persian Empire. Situated south of the Silk Road trails, the area has seen invasions by Alexander the Great, Mongols, Arabs, Turks, and Russians. Today Tajikistan is bordered to the east by China, to the north by Uzbekistan and Kyrgystan, and to the south by Afghanistan. Dushanbe was named capital of the Soviet Republic of Tajikistan in 1929. It's people continue to struggle with the aftermath of civil war following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Sara and Lenny Martinelli, owners of Louisville-based Three Leaf Concepts, a restaurant management and catering company, have leased and operated the teahouse since it was assembled in Boulder. Their commitment to fresh, locally produced and organic ingredients led them to create Three Leaf Farm in Lafayette. All of the farm's harvest goes to their restaurants and catering services. Their chefs work directly with their farmer to plan the wide variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs grown and used in creative, seasonal menus.

Today The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a full service teahouse and restaurant offering over 100 premium loose leaf teas from around the world. They strive to offer the highest quality teas of each harvest season, sourcing the best available products. They also also offer a variety of exclusive blends, as well as a unique line of herbal infusions, children's teas, dog teas, and specialty tea products. Tea drinkers will appreciate the generous selection of full-leaf, handpicked teas that are served in a Chatsford pot. The waitperson tells guests how long to steep tea before removing the infuser to the accompanying dish.