Music, Art, Tea and Sake
Hailing from Orlando has its perks. However, since Mickey and his minions have located and stomped out these little glints of fortune, it kind of leaves us young urbanites in a lurch. We needed to quench our thirsts for novelty, and luckily for us, Maggie Lee has just the fix.
Tatáme Tea and sake lounge is a curious mélange of art gallery, music venue, and tea/sake tap. A comfy couch sectional begins the lounge’s clean, linear theme. Twin rectangular tables with equally modern barstools follow the pattern and create the perfect arrangement for intimate chatting and casual carousing. The order bar sits majestically as the focal point of efficiently outfitted space, boasting a mosaic façade--all hand done by Lee—-and a backing wall showcasing a copious selection of sake.
Perched on a slightly elevated stage, handcrafted Japanese tea tables (Designed by Lee and handmade by her Uncle) are anchored by traditional tatami mats. Original art decks the walls with from each month’s featured artists (pieces by Lee herself were even display in July). Perhaps the most intriguing bathroom in Orlando, Tatáme’s washroom doors boast peek-a-boo glass inlays. When switched on, a privacy light floods the glass with an entrancing sapphire hue to keep our dirty business concealed.
The sophisticated elegance of the tea area reveals a more casual look after dark, becomming a fully-functional stage, seeing the likes of such local loves as Yip-Yip and DJ Luminous (on August 15th it will be taken over by Killer POP’s own Chop Shop DJs). Lee, who is always in pursuit of a fresh beat, hosts two DJed events: Wednesday’s Stranger (underground Hip-hop) and the straightforwardly coined “Just Music. Good music” (check Tatame’s calendar for specific nights). In the future Tatáme plans to subject its social calendar to the whim of the gamers, holding special nights to showcase the talents of budding designers. The haute crowd can also find a niche at a one of a kind Kimono showcase on August 30th at 8:00pm. For special occasions, you and your posse will find Tatáme charming for private parties.
The hideaway’s menu is the perfect escape from mundane mochas and a veritable testament of Lee’s versatility. She sketches the menu around connoisseurs and occasional sippers alike, offering up a trove of exotic teas, boba, and fine sakes with drink specials to make it worth the trip. Also included are light bites in the form of flavor-rich appetizers including breezy seaweed salads and Cantonese-spiced sandwiches. When it comes to late night luxury, you’ll find the sumptuous selection a perfect night cap for a long night of partying.
Tatame is located at located at 223 W. Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park. For more information about the menu, featured artists or booking call (407) 628-2408 or visit tatamelounge.com.
Story by Brittany Middleton
Hailing from Orlando has its perks. However, since Mickey and his minions have located and stomped out these little glints of fortune, it kind of leaves us young urbanites in a lurch. We needed to quench our thirsts for novelty, and luckily for us, Maggie Lee has just the fix.
Tatáme Tea and sake lounge is a curious mélange of art gallery, music venue, and tea/sake tap. A comfy couch sectional begins the lounge’s clean, linear theme. Twin rectangular tables with equally modern barstools follow the pattern and create the perfect arrangement for intimate chatting and casual carousing. The order bar sits majestically as the focal point of efficiently outfitted space, boasting a mosaic façade--all hand done by Lee—-and a backing wall showcasing a copious selection of sake.
Perched on a slightly elevated stage, handcrafted Japanese tea tables (Designed by Lee and handmade by her Uncle) are anchored by traditional tatami mats. Original art decks the walls with from each month’s featured artists (pieces by Lee herself were even display in July). Perhaps the most intriguing bathroom in Orlando, Tatáme’s washroom doors boast peek-a-boo glass inlays. When switched on, a privacy light floods the glass with an entrancing sapphire hue to keep our dirty business concealed.
The sophisticated elegance of the tea area reveals a more casual look after dark, becomming a fully-functional stage, seeing the likes of such local loves as Yip-Yip and DJ Luminous (on August 15th it will be taken over by Killer POP’s own Chop Shop DJs). Lee, who is always in pursuit of a fresh beat, hosts two DJed events: Wednesday’s Stranger (underground Hip-hop) and the straightforwardly coined “Just Music. Good music” (check Tatame’s calendar for specific nights). In the future Tatáme plans to subject its social calendar to the whim of the gamers, holding special nights to showcase the talents of budding designers. The haute crowd can also find a niche at a one of a kind Kimono showcase on August 30th at 8:00pm. For special occasions, you and your posse will find Tatáme charming for private parties.
The hideaway’s menu is the perfect escape from mundane mochas and a veritable testament of Lee’s versatility. She sketches the menu around connoisseurs and occasional sippers alike, offering up a trove of exotic teas, boba, and fine sakes with drink specials to make it worth the trip. Also included are light bites in the form of flavor-rich appetizers including breezy seaweed salads and Cantonese-spiced sandwiches. When it comes to late night luxury, you’ll find the sumptuous selection a perfect night cap for a long night of partying.
Tatame is located at located at 223 W. Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park. For more information about the menu, featured artists or booking call (407) 628-2408 or visit tatamelounge.com.
Story by Brittany Middleton
Photo by Jack Cusumano
Photo by Jack Cusumano
Photo by Jack Cusumano