For my birthday yesterday, some friends and I decided to check out Teavolve, a supposedly hip cafe/ WiFi Mecca turned upscale dining experience and bar. After checking out the website, we were sold. The menu was more than promising. Grilled eggplant paninis with grilled zucchini, roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, and organic tomato/garlic pesto. Grilled portabella mushroom salads with dried cranberries, goat cheese crumbles, an organic spring salad mix, and a house-made balsamic. The warm and flaky crossiants, or rich and fluffy belgian waffles with Nutella, sliced bananas, toasted almonds, whipped cream, and served with fresh fruit. What could be better? Trick question; nothing. Oh, not to mention tea, my favorite beverage, served chilled, hot, sparkling, infused, and in innovative cocktails (I'm not 21 but I can imagine they're quite a delight.) Anyways, we headed down to Aliceanna Street in HarborEast, in for a treat.
When we got to Teavolve, however, we realized this was a new location. The original spot is over on Eastern Avenue in Fell's Point, less than a mile a way. Not only was this a new joint, it was brand new. As in it opened yesterday. So when we walked in we were immediately surprised by the sophisticated air of the restaurant. On our way to our table (you come in and sit down where you want), we passed a bar with incredible looking desserts and pastries, quite a treat for the eyes alone. 
As we sat down and scanned the menu, we realized that none of the options listed on the site were available. Those were the old menu options, the brunch and lunch options. But what we saw was, if possible, even better. The dinner menu featured fresh meats and fish, tempting and new flavors, creative compilations. To drink I had a sparkling pomegranite tea, which was absolutely incredible. When our food was ready, the owner, flashing a wide smile, served the entrees, and the service was surprisingly attentive for the laid back atmosphere. We were the first ever to devour Teavolve's wonderful creations, and he watched us eagerly, hoping for just the reaction we were able to give him. My friend's and my blackened salmons over apple salsas and balsamic mesculun salads were impeccable, and my other friend's thai dish looked mouthwatering. The chicken satay and noodles cooked to perfection were a fair match for even my meal. Both were creatively titled, ours "Never to Black," and his "Thai Me Back," an effortless touch that made both meals even more appetizing.
Located in one of the liveliest places in Baltimore, Teavolve is sure to soon be a success, and a household name. The prices are moderate, the service and food excellent. The atmosphere is cooler than cool, with candle lighting and votives that shed just enough light, and add the perfect romantic or hip touch (whichever you happen to be looking for.) Teavolve's versatility is also sure to come in handy. A college age student sat just a few tables over from us, drinking pot after pot of hot tea (kept warm by little candles), and click-clacking away on his laptop. A couple sat just across from us, on a quiet date.
On our way out, the owner once again approached us warmly, offering his gratitude for our visit, and hoping that we would come back soon, perhaps for one of the spot's regular live accoustic performances. He need not worry, I'll be back soon enough. With tea, WiFi, and rich and wonderful food for every meal (and in between), I might just come back and never leave.
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