Tea Light: Valentine PHX

Valentine's identity is steeped in the Southwest—from the design of our space to the way we source and prepare our offerings.

We're excited to share this month's Tea Light highlights: Valentine, based in Phoenix. We've been partnering with Valentine for almost four years. Valentine is an amalgamation of culinary industry veterans centered around an ethos of hospitality and intention. Spirit has been curating their tea menu since the restaurant's opening in November 2020. The team incorporates tea with a Southwest mentality, pairing prickly pear with matcha, for example, and creating a unique version of an Arnold Palmer. The restaurant has been nominated for a James Beard Award this year for Outstanding Pastry Chef, led by Chadwick Price and Blaise Faber.

What is your initial vision for tea at Valentine? 

Everything at Valentine is curated through the lens of farmer-produced goods. We have direct relationships with so many of our producers, from local farmers supplying fresh produce and meats to winemakers across the globe. Tea fits into this philosophy naturally. We prioritize sourcing from suppliers who share this commitment to transparency and ethical production. Spirit Tea, with its emphasis on farm-direct teas, is a clear alignment with our values and ethos. Our vision is to showcase tea as a reflection of the people and places that produce it, just as we do with our other ingredients.

How Tea Aligns with Valentine's Ethos?

Tea at Valentine is not just a beverage - it's an extension of our broader mission to honor producers and celebrate thoughtful craftsmanship. Our ethos is rooted in authenticity, quality, and a deep respect for the land and those who work it. By partnering with companies like Spirit Tea, we support farmers at the source and offer our guests a taste of something truly special. Tea becomes another avenue for telling the story of the Southwest - a place where heritage, sustainability, and culinary excellence converge.

How Our Community Enjoys Tea at Valentine?

Our community often gravitates toward our specialty drinks, which offer playful, inventive takes on classic beverages. While purist versions of tea and coffee have their place, we've found that our guests appreciate creative interpretations. One standout is the Sunstone black tea, which we serve iced. Given the warmth of Phoenix's climate, iced tea is a popular choice, and Sunstone's natural qualities make it especially refreshing. We serve it unsweetened, allowing the tea's inherent flavor to shine. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it's become a go-to for many of our regulars.

What signature drinks featuring tea has Valentine made?  How does it sync with the vibe of the Southwest or Phoenix in general? 

Valentine's identity is steeped in the Southwest - from the design of our space to the way we source and prepare our offerings. The Southwest's culinary history is rich and layered, with Arizona home to a UNESCO-designated heritage site recognizing the one of the oldest agricultural regions in North America. Our tea program reflects this history by incorporating regional ingredients, flavors, and historic processes that are unmistakably tied to the land and culture of the area.

Here are a few of our signature tea-based drinks that exemplify this ethos:

• Matcha Melon - Then And Now ceremonial grade matcha, yellow Hopi watermelon fresca, cream, lime zest
• Prickly Pear Matcha & Tonic - Then And Now ceremonial grade matcha, housemade Mexican elderflower tonic water, prickly pear fruit puree
• Mesquite Chai - Housemade mesquite chai blend, Sunstone black tea, choice of milk, fresh nutmeg
• Sun Tea - Flash brewed and chilled Sunstone black tea, served over ice

Each of these drinks ties back to the Southwest in its own way - whether it's the use of local fruit, ingredients like mesquite, or techniques inspired by the region's culinary traditions. Our tea program is dynamic and constantly evolving, with seasonal ingredients inspiring new creations. We've also used Spirit's teas in non-alcoholic beverages and craft cocktails, allowing tea to play a versatile role in our overall menu. The four drinks listed above have become mainstays, but we continue to explore new possibilities as the seasons shift and new ingredients come into play.