In Your Own Backyard - Mint Tea, Vancouver, WA

Mint Tea
A Shining Star in Vancouver, Washington

Contributed by Zaina Hart

Inviting, From the Moment You See It

The moment I stepped through the front door of Mint Tea, I knew I was in a “special place”.  From the exotic fragrance snaking through the room and spectacular lighting to the warm greeting of Abdul and Jenna, Mint Tea goes far beyond just a local retail shop with specialty items from around the world.  To be greeted “every time you walk through the door” with a smile and often a glass of mint tea, by either Jenna or Abdul has always made me feel as though I was somehow special. However, as I watched, each person who came through the door, all received that same genuine smile, which often grew to a friendly laugh, and told me clearly the owners of this exotic space loved what they were bringing us here in America’s Vancouver (Washington) – we are all special at Mint Tea.

 As their story goes, a dream of Abdul's was to have a shop carrying handcrafted and fairly traded goods from his homeland. Initially this quaint store was filled to the brim with personally imported Moroccan rugs, lanterns, furniture and drums, all a nod to his birthplace. The international buying trips made were equally important times to visit family and friends across the northern African countryside.  And, at Mint Tea, the customer feels transported to those far off lands; Morocco and beyond. 

Jenna and Abdul

Their Welcoming Smiles say it all!

So, in 2002, husband and wife, Abdul Akdi and Jenna Eckert opened Mint Tea Imports, a retail import shop in Vancouver's Uptown Village neighborhood.  Over the years, the retail store evolved supporting other fair trade importers from around the world as well as regionally sourced products that are not only good for us but for the environment too. Soy candles, Japanese incense, handmade jewelry, fair-trade art and locally produced skincare lines, and specialty greeting cards (my favorite place to shop for cards for friends and family) are some of their popular products.  Add to what is already a unique and exciting line, are products made from recycled materials, as well as being produced using sustainable practices.  And “dancers”, you will find hip scarves, unique clothing items, music and more.  Mint Tea is a DANCER'S PARADISE - a great place to network in an atmosphere that is full of positive energy.  You will find flyers from local studios and dancers as well as spas, local clothing stores, CSA’s, events/shows, and so much more; they are a true treasure-trove of information.

In early 2008 Abdul and Jenna became serious about evolving their business once more and seizing a wonderful opportunity, bought the former Casa Grande restaurant building in historic Uptown village, a unique district of downtown Vancouver, WA (which sits just two blocks down the street from their first shop).  They believed it was the perfect spot to incorporate one of Jenna's dreams, a cafe, into their business.

Merchandise is Artfully Placed throughout the Building
Even in the Intimate Alcoves

Abdul and Jenna bring to us throughout late spring, summer and into early fall, monthly “Full Moon Drum Circles”, in which local and visiting dancers and musicians may come and participate.  These are exciting evenings filled with lots of fun and a great sense of community pride.  They also host various events, like their current “How to Use Essential Oils” which is a three part series.  Portland’s own Middle Eastern and African music band “Negara” has performed a few times, with dancers joining in - - and hopefully they will be back soon – so keep your eyes on Mint Tea’s events page. 

As a side note; what I noticed over and over again while traveling in Egypt and Turkey were the evenings in which family, friends, merchants and visitors, would step out onto the sidewalk and/or greenways from their shops and homes, with tea and dessert in hand, and “talk”, “converse”, “share” with each other the day’s events.  Sharing in this way is something communities have sadly moved away from.  So, to have a homey, friendly environment like Mint Tea brings some of that feel back to the community.  It is refreshing and exciting.  America’s Vancouver is so lucky Abdul and Jenna “Mint Tea” have set down roots, and brought us such a strong Community Place – and in MY OWN BACKYARD.

The Information Board
Bring your Cards and Flyers

Here is a quick look at a few items on their menu – and as a side my co-workers had my birthday lunch at Mint Tea – being serenaded by Abdul and Jenna (who weren’t sure whether to sing to Zaina, or my alter ego at the City) was great fun.

The Mint Tea Bistro
360-699-4991
2014 Main Street, Vancouver, WA

No matter the culture, food is what binds relationships. Mint Tea offers a casual dining experience with a healthful, international approach.

Visit Mint Tea Bistro for a light breakfast or a hearty lunch. The menu is designed to change with the season, offering fresh, local fare. Look for baked goods, warm and cold cereals, and varying egg dishes to get your morning going.  At lunch they have a rotating menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and pasta with vegetarian/vegan options always available.

Hours:
Breakfast 9am to 4pm
Lunch 11am to 4pm
Coffee, Tea & Drinks available all day long (9am to 5:30pm)

Samples of "Daily Specials"

• Soups: Gazpacho, Creamy Carrot Ginger, Tomato Basil, Turnip Mango, Broccoli Floret
• Salads: Spinach with Strawberries, Feta and Hazel Nuts; Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Basil and Fresh Mozzarella; Watermelon, Strawberries and Mesclun; Oaxacan Fruit Salad
• Sandwiches: Grilled Portabella and Eggplant on Como; Chicken Cobb Pita; Turkey Pineapple Wrap; White Fish on Ciabatta
• Pastas: Shrimp and Asparagus Ravioli; Grilled Sugar Snap Pea Ravioli; Fresh Chive Gnocchi; Fresh Herb Fettuccini

READERS:  If you have a “special place” in YOUR Own Backyard you would like to share with our readers, please send your submissions to:  Zaina@ZainaHart.com.