Matcha is having a moment, with nearly every coffee and beverage chain offering at least one matcha drink. If you’re looking for ceremonial matcha, you should look beyond the chains.
Fort Lauderdale’s Alma Matcha started as a pop-up, serving a select menu of ceremonial matcha from ots creative studio and experiential space, called the Atelier.
Now, Alma Matcha is opening a flagship store and cafe right next door at 701 NW Fifth Avenue, Unit 1101. The matcha store, co-owned by Taymir Terrell and Jessica Fernandez, will offer matcha drinks made from high-grade, ceremonial matcha. The space will also offer a retail area, along with a cozy living room space built for enjoying your beverage, along with outdoor seating. An opening date has not been announced.
Alma’s matcha drinks are made with shade-grown tea leaves, sourced from Japanese farms, then carefully processed to preserve their rich flavor and nutritional integrity. According ro Alma’s website, the matcha is, “rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which help combat free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness and enhances focus and cognitive function.” In addition, while matcha does contain caffeine, it offers a sustained energy boost, rather than the instant “jolt” you can get with coffee.
A menu isn’t yet available, but expect both matcha drinks to savor at the cafe, and matcha to take home. In addition, the shop will sell measuring spoons, chasens (matcha whisks), and entire kits so you can be a matcha master at home.
