By Victoria Gaither
September marks the one-year milestone of Loose Loona Gifts and Tea House, a unique establishment at 11 Center St. in downtown Rutland that offers a blend of gifts, teas, and food.
“We were busy from the time we opened right through the holidays,” said owner Don Abrahamsen.
Abrahamsen is serious about his teas, often having customers try a new tea or a unique blend he has worked on in the tea house.
It’s clear talking about tea, tasting tea, and teaching about different teas bring Abrahamsen joy.
What also brings him joy is seeing his customers sit down and relax.
Don Abrahamsen (left) smiles while pouring tea last week at his Loose Loona tea shop in downtown Rutland.
He was inspired by a European trip with his wife, Michelle Cordeiro, a co-owner. “There was always a cafe to sit and have a little something to eat, coffee or tea,” he said. “We wanted to recreate that here because every place you go is grab-and-go. You have to go, sit down, take a breath, and relax.”
The small plates menu offers cookies, flatbreads, paninis, salads, and 70 different types of teas. Abrahamsen sources his teas worldwide, and the blending occurs in Canada.
In the back of the tea house is a gift shop with unique and handcrafted gifts.
Raven Crispino, who owns Kaleidoscope Art Supply just a few doors down from Loose Loona Gift, said, “They are a staple in the community. I am so happy they are there. The owners are incredible and so nice. They want to make every person happy that walks into the door.”
That sentiment of making everyone happy has its roots in Abrahamsen’s family DNA: “ I grew up in a Scandinavian family, so whenever someone stopped by, there was always food and something to drink, depending upon the season.”
Crispino suggests that newbies and regulars try the strawberry dragon fruit tea, and if that doesn’t work, Abrahamsen is always looking for taste testers.