December 22, 2015 – Forget Starbucks and get ready for a new hot beverage addiction at Water and Leaves, out on the end of Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s an eco-friendly, tea-focused cafe that will have its soft opening on the day after Christmas.
Special high-tech tea crucibles have been brought in from New York that filter water, heat it to the perfect temperature for each brew and portion out exact measurements of tea leaves imported from around the world. In addition, locally-sourced honey will be served and sold from six transparent lucite vats behind the counter.
The cafe will also serve imported Italian espresso, drip coffee and treats, such as organic scones and muffins and vegan ice cream. Eventually a line up of freshly-pressed juices from locally grown fruits and vegetables will be added to the cafe menu.
The concept of a tea-themed cafe was developed by Mario Delecce, who hopes that the idea will prove so appealing that he can open other locations to take advantage of what he sees as America’s renewed interest in tea.
Mario’s father Joe Delecce has been the owner of a string of side-by-side jewelry shops on the wharf for nearly 25 years. Last year Joe and his wife were featured on a MSNBC business makeover show and consultants advised them to consolidate their four shops into one, renamed the Monterey Bay Jewelry Company.
The space that was gained—where the shops Splash and Everything Must Go once were—was remodeled for Water and Leaves. A scenic new outdoor seating area overlooking the old harbor was added. “It’s something new for Monterey, I have a good feeling about it,” says Joe.
About the author
At Edible Monterey Bay, our mission is to celebrate the local food culture of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties, season by season. We believe in sustainability, and we believe everyone has a right to healthful, clean and affordable food. We think knowing where our food comes from is powerful, and we hope our magazine, website and newsletters inspire readers to get to know and support our local growers, fishers, chefs, vintners and food artisans.
