Fantasia: An affordable find in the Row
By Lacey Schauwecker
Santana Row is not known for its cheap dives, but hidden among its luxurious village of apartments, entertainment, shopping and dining is one of its most innovative, tasty and affordable venues: Fantasia Coffee and Tea.
The small, stone-tiled storefront is hidden in the Row's back edge.
Fantasia's subtle appearance and marginalized location may make it easy to overlook, but the bar's consistent business suggests otherwise.
Lengthy lines and full tables are regular occurrences at Fantasia, comprised of both newbies and returnees.
Despite the foot traffic, the service is especially quick and relatively friendly.
"We usually have a line, especially on weekends and sunny days, but we are fast. We know the drink recipes well," said Fannie Qin, a Fantasia employee of 10 months.
Boba tea, also known as bubble or pearl tea, is what Fantasia is known for.
This Taiwanese beverage, which assumes a variety of names and flavors, is made of tea, milk and gummy tapioca balls.
Though it just recently immigrated to the United States, it is becoming increasingly known and enjoyed through places like Fantasia.
The tea menu is divided into sections based on flavors and temperatures.
Customers can also add tapioca "pearls" to just about anything.
Orders vary from strawberry green iced teas to banana slush frosted delights, but nearly all cups are served with the black pearls, which Fantasia has been acclaimed for.
"People come here for our pearls," said Qin, who also refused to share Fantasia's "secret" recipe.
Fantasia's contemporary yet soothing décor of natural colors, wooden furniture and bamboo and orchid plants provides a nicely balanced environment, giving the tea bar a kind of "East meets West" ambiance.
It is peaceful enough to read or write in solace, but also energetic enough to chat with friends.
This equilibrium is also apparent in its varied menu items, especially the "Yin Yang," which is a drink that is comprised of both coffee and tea.
Though Fantasia's specialty is indeed Eastern tea drinks, the bar also boasts Western espresso offerings and bottled Coca-Cola and orange soda.
Likewise, the bar's food options range from a dim sum sampler and pot stickers to chocolate chip cookies and potato chips.
Their Red Bean Rubie, a blended mixture of red beans, creamer and ice, neither sounds nor looks too appetizing, but is actually partially sweet and wholly satisfying.
Not only does Fantasia offer some delectable treats, but also a free wireless Internet service that students could definitely appreciate.
Though Fantasia does reside in a tiny, hidden corner of Santana Row, it has proven worthy of many people's attention.
"A lot of our customers return and recommend us to their friends," said Qin.
Next time you're around, avoid the overpriced restaurants and chain clothing stores, and step into a place you will wish you had found earlier.
Contact Lacey Schauwecker at (408) 551-1918 or lschauwecker@scu.edu.