Carina: Belgian waffles and tea in University City
Penn alums have opened Carina Tea & Waffles, inside the International House (3701 Chestnut St., 215-895-6551).
While attending the University of Pennsylvania, Stephanie Chan lived on campus.
Now a lawyer and married, she has come back to campus with her husband, Penn alum Edmund Lee, by opening Carina Tea & Waffles, inside the International House (3701 Chestnut St., 215-895-6551).
"We love Philly and want to bring in tea culture," said Chan, who grew up in England and Hong Kong and worked in Brussels, where the Liege waffle bug bit.
They're fussy about ingredients, importing organic teas as well as hibiscus flowers from Egypt and lavender from France and, for the waffles, pearl sugar and yeast from Belgium. Waffles can be topped simply (Nutella) or decadently (with Matcha ice cream, chopped strawberries honey and crumbled cookies).
Counter Culture Coffee and bubble tea with taro are offered, too.
Wednesday, April 16 is the shop's grand opening. Hours are 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to midnight Friday.