Two thumbs up for Empire Tea & Coffee

By: Jandee Ferland
Posted In: Opinion

Looking for a place with a cool, laid back vibe, where you can read some poetry that you’ve been Working on, grab a cup of tea or coffee and just hang out with friends? Sucha place does exist in Newport. Empire Tea & Coffee, 22 Broadway in Newport, is the type of place where everybody knows your name.

Empire has been open for one year and has begun featuring open-mic poetry nights front 8-10 p.m. every other Wednesday night. The poetry readings host an inviting environment for anyone willing to share their work.People are also welcome to listen and enjoy a special tea, coffee, or fruit drink creation.

The specialty drink at Empire is the bubble tea, which is made by combining a flavored tea of choice with little balk of tapioca. Another amazing drink is the Lassi, which is made with fruit, yogurt and milk.

Aside from the amazing drinks. Empire is fullyoutfitted with fireless internet, so visitors can use their laptops in a comfortable

environment.he open-mic poetry nights also have a dimension to benefit the Newport FoodBank. Visitors to the event are invited to bring a canned or boxed non-perishable fooditem and in return usually receive 50 cents off their beverage purchased that night.

There is no charge for the poetry readings but seating is limited, so to get a good seat arrivingearly is recommended.

The success of the open-mic poetry nights has led to the introduction of an open –mic acoustic night and a singer/songwriter series. The open-mic acoustic nights are similar to the poetry readings and people can sign up to share their music. The singer/songwriter series usually happens on a Saturday night from 9-11 p.m. and features music by a special artist.

So far, past artists have included Frank Romanelli with Jeff Hubbard and Jack Woods. Kristen Hubbard is the artist scheduled for October 1 at 9 p.m. The charge for the singer/songwriter series is $5 at the door for a night of good music.

For each of these events, the comfortable seating and cozy; atmosphere make them special and the best part is that everyone is welcome. The next open-mic poetry reading is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28 at 8 p.m.

For more information about Empire Tea & Cot fee can he found at http://cmpire.newportbubbletea.com and on live journal at www.livejournal.com/communitv/empirenewporti.