zen tea house to close&reopen under the name roots

[Robin Garr]

To clarify, Coco Tranh is opening Roots on Bardstown Road. I didn't realize that Zen Teahouse was closing, and I'm sorry to hear that, but it's really not best described as a "move." Roots will be an international vegetarian restaurant and I don't believe the menu will be very similar to Zen Teahouse.

Any word on the sister operation in the same building, Heart & Soy? Just curious / impatient - we walk by the building often. I understand the wisdom of doing things in stages.

[Robin Garr]

Any word on the sister operation in the same building, Heart & Soy? Just curious / impatient - we walk by the building often. I understand the wisdom of doing things in stages.

I THINK it's all going to open at the same time, Lonnie, but I'm not absolutely sure.

I had the pleasure of going to a "soft" opening party on sunday at Heart & Soy. The menu was on a chalkboard, so I imagine will change often. Great assortment of vegetarian options, priced under $10. Roots is a gorgeous restaurant-I admit to a moment of restaurant envy- they have a glass bar that seats about 10, "sunken" tables where you sit on the floor w/ pillows, and as well as standard tables & chairs. I didn't see a menu .
The 2 restaurants share a kitchen & bathrooms. Coco said she hoped to be open by the 20th, but wasn't positive.
I can't wait!

I had the pleasure of going to a "soft" opening party on sunday at Heart & Soy. The menu was on a chalkboard, so I imagine will change often. Great assortment of vegetarian options, priced under $10. Roots is a gorgeous restaurant-I admit to a moment of restaurant envy- they have a glass bar that seats about 10, "sunken" tables where you sit on the floor w/ pillows, and as well as standard tables & chairs. I didn't see a menu .
The 2 restaurants share a kitchen & bathrooms. Coco said she hoped to be open by the 20th, but wasn't positive.
I can't wait!

Thanks for the report. This is super exciting. This place is within close walking distance of where we live, and so we will be beating down the door to try it - as will lots of others in the neighborhood, no doubt.

I'd love to hear from someone on the inside, perhaps with some sample menu item descriptions.

The email I recieved from Chris at Zen Tea House said due to "unforeseen demands", they were relocating. While I think thats kinda "corporate speak", it makes me wonder about the landlord of the house maybe? Im just glad he is staying open as Zen is my go to place for all of my loose leaf green tea......he is very knowledgable about the teas and always has a great varied supply.

I'm a great fan of the Zen Tea House. Do you have any idea where he is relocating to? I thought Coco owned the building.

Got an email from Chris. Coco decided to close the Tea House. They are moving the staff and teas to Roots/Heart and Soy. Those restaurants should open next week, with an extensive menu. And tea.