"Chai it out for yourself," she said.

Today I had my first experience of some of the anomalous beverages that exist here in Athens Ohio.

Now, I've driven by the Village Bakery and Cafe, located at 268 E. State Street [(740) 594-7311], many times having been a student here in Athens for the last 3 years, however, until today, I had yet to ever venture inside.

Upon arriving, i walked up to the counter and asked the barista what she thought the most unique drink on the menu was. After giving me a "that's an interesting question, weirdo" kind of look, she concluded that the "Village Chai" was the way to go. I was a little hesitant at first with the $3.25 price tag for chai tea, but, at least the drink could warm me up I thought. Wrong. As I received my drink it was served on ice (the only way that it's served at this particular establishment), and I may or may not have mumbled something unpleasant in my head due to the snow outside that had recently formed no more than 24 hours prior.

Regardless, I took my deceivingly-titled, cold beverage and sat down to consume it. My barista turned out to be very helpful aiding me with my strange question and proceeded to tell me that the reason that this particular drink is so special is because it consists of 3 ingredients: local, organic green tea from Herbal Sage Tea Company, soy milk, and local, organic honey.

Despite the 24 degree temperature outside and also not being much of a tea drinker myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this beverage. The green tea flavor was dominant but the honey added a nice, delicious new dimension. The green tea also worked as a great energizer for me for the rest of the day. Winter winds or summer shine, the "Village Chai" is definitely worth checking out, especially for all you tea fanatics out there.