Fleur de Thé High Tea Salon opens in October in Tower Grove South

The new tea shop is opening in the former Crispy Edge space

Tower Grove is set to embrace a world of flavor with the arrival of Fleur de Thé High Tea Salon a vibrant new destination for tea lovers and social gatherings. Opening on Oct. 9 in the former home of Crispy Edge at 4168 Juniata St. in Tower Grove South, this unique space promises an immersive tea experience that harmoniously blends global influences with the cherished tradition of English afternoon tea, as reported by the St. Louis Business Journal.

Owner Colleen Vucinovich, inspired by the rich diversity of her hometown, Johannesburg, South Africa, envisions the salon as a welcoming place where people come together to enjoy not just delicious food, but also culture and meaningful connections. “It’s not about your hunger for food; it’s about your hunger for community and conversation,” Vucinovich explained.

Fleur de Thé, named in homage to St. Louis and its French heritage, embodies Vucinovich's vision of an intercultural experience. The menu showcases four tea traditions from around the world including England, France, India and South Africa. The English menu boasts classic tea sandwiches and scones, but there’s so much more to explore, including French-inspired coq au vin pâté and crêpes roulade, alongside beloved South African dishes like peri peri chicken sandwiches. One of the house specialties is Vucinovich’s cherished family recipe for chocolate mousse, which she has beautifully reimagined to complement each of the diverse global menus. 

Each menu has been thoughtfully paired with a selection of complementary teas from around the world, showcasing a carefully curated array of robust black teas, delicate white teas, refreshing herbaceous fruit teas and more. For those looking to explore their own preferences, the salon also offers tea flights, allowing guests to sample a variety of blends at their leisure. This exceptional selection of quality tea is sourced from Palais des Thés, a Parisian tea company celebrated for its commitment to sustainability. In addition to these classic brews, guests can indulge in sparkling teas and delightful tea-infused cocktails at the salon’s dedicated tea bar. 

In line with the salon’s mission of fostering community, Fleur de Thé also emphasizes sustainability. All spent tea leaves are composted, and recycling is a priority – even the tea bags come wrapped in recycled paper. “I think it’s important to model that kind of approach as a small business,” Vucinovich said. “We’re very serious about taking care of the environment.” 

Whether you're captivated by the elegance of high tea or eager to explore innovative tea cocktails, Fleur de Thé invites you to be part of this cultural experience. Visit their website for reservations and join the celebration of community, culture, and, of course, exceptional tea.