Sweet dreams
ANNEY NORTON • Dream Tea NYC
WORK • Friday Routine
ANNEY NORTON • founder & CEO • Dream Tea NYC
Neighborhood you work in: Midtown
Neighborhood you live in: Chelsea
It’s Friday afternoon, how are you rolling into the weekend?
Lately, it’s been making sure everything’s ready for our weekend pop-ups and events, while keeping shipment fulfillment on track, whether that’s orders going to individuals, or to our brand partners. I’m also finalizing details for our partnership with Kiehl’s. We’re about to become only their second locally-made partner featured inside one of their stores.
Any restaurant plans?
Since I work most weekends, I actually end up dining out during the week with friends, which I’ve come to love. It’s quieter, so we can really talk and hear each other, and reservations are way easier to come by. Shukette is a favorite, and when I’m craving something spicy, Mountain House never disappoints — I prefer the Times Square location, it’s less crowded. Whenever I find myself in Williamsburg, I’m heading to Antidote or Samurai Mama (the garlic fried chicken and gyoza are musts). For something sweet, cupcakes from A Cuter Cupcake, and for boba, HeyTea, Machi Machi, and Molly Tea are my usuals, but I also love Chicha San Chen if the line isn’t too long and I’m near Chinatown.
How about a little leisure or culture?
When I have time, I love going to the movies. iPic at the Seaport is a fave for a bougie night out. Their truffle popcorn and mozzarella sticks are dangerously good. I try to go to The Met to see their fashion exhibit when it’s on, The Whitney if I’m spending a day in Meatpacking, or MoMA — especially for the meat and cheese plate at their café on the second floor!
Any weekend getaways?
A recent discovery has been the town of Beacon in Upstate New York. It’s quiet, a good mental break from the stress of the city, and makes for an easy day trip. I recommend the stationery stores, local café Kitchen & Coffee, and The Wild for lunch. I also love the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey. It has a very LA mall vibe, and sometimes I just need that energy!
What was your last great vacation?
Hands down my last trip to Tokyo and Shanghai. Tokyo is one of my favorite places in the world, and Shanghai will always be my home. Japanese culture, particularly the attention to craft and service whether it’s a quick snack, a formal dinner, or a traditional tea ceremony, inspires how I approach my own business.
I was born in Shanghai, so my family and some of my oldest friends are there. I go back as often as I can to visit. On my last trip, my mom showed me Anfu Road, which is known for unique street fashion and cute coffee shops. Going to Shanghai also inspires a lot of the technological innovations I implement in my companies.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
My Contax T3 film camera. I bought it as a gift to myself when I graduated from my master’s at NYU. I did a lot of research and found mine on eBay from a Japanese seller — they tend to take the best care of these cameras. It’s become my favorite way to capture moments with friends and family, and when I’m traveling.