One of my favorite cities is San Francisco . On each visit there, I walk for miles, for exercise and in hopes of happening upon a new find. Last month while walking back from Tartine Bakery in the Mission, wandering down Valencia Street perusing the shops, I found myself in front of Samovar Tea. It's a simple, clean-lined space with an Asian vibe, and seating that feels comfortable when taking tea solo. It has a well-edited tea and chai menu, along with light meals of avocado toast and sous vide eggs on coconut toast. Ever have an egg cooked in its shell in 145 degree water for 45 minutes? It is the perfect poached egg. But I digress...I had my eye on the Tumeric Coconut Latte. With its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric has been touted to prevent everything from joint pain to Alzheimer's. For me it is chai without guilt. Their version is the best I have had yet. I had several over the next few days and watched intently, asking numerous questions so that I could reproduce this warming delight at home. Curl up to a cup.

Turmeric Coconut Latte

1/2 Cup Turmeric Ginger Tea (recipe follows)

1/2 Cup Milk of your choice (Almond milk, if you are dairy free)

1 Tablespoon Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk (Nature's Choice available on Amazon)

2 Grinds Black or White Pepper, (pepper enhances the absorption of tumeric )

6 Drops Orange Flower Water (Available in cocktail or baking sections of grocery)

Heat milk and tea in a serving cup for 1 minute in the microwave. Add the condensed coconut milk and stir until dissolved. Grind the fresh pepper over the cup and finish with the drops of orange flower water. I steam the milk separately with my home expresso machine or you could use a brother for the milk.

Turmeric Ginger Tea

1 teaspoon peeled whole turmeric, finely grated

1 teaspoon peeled ginger root, finely grated

1 cup boiling water

Pour boiling water over ginger and turmeric. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and use. I quadruple this recipe and keep it in the fridge so I can have Lattes all week.