Tea Partiers, Take Note! Kusmi Adds to Third Avenue Allure

For those who like their tea on the ritzy side, there’s Paris-based Kusmi Tea, soon to open its first New York boutique. Founded as a small St. Petersburg tea shop in 1867, Kusmi later moved to Paris, and from there went on to the hallowed shelves of Dean & Deluca. Its boutiques specialize in rare and fine tea blends.

The Kusmi deal marks the fourth one Faith Hope Consolo and Joseph Aquino of Prudential Douglas Elliman have brokered in the Third Avenue building this year. “Over the past year, we have worked to create, literally, a block of distinction,” said Mr. Aquino. “With Kusmi Tea, we have achieved a rare balance of gracious living and fine fashion within steps of each other.”

egeminder@observer.com