Food + Drink: Zhi Tea Throws SXSW Day Party This Thursday

Tea parties tend to be revolutionary, which is why we predict an ear-shattering get-down this Thursday at Zhi Tea's SXSW day party, SXZT. The local tea company is hosting the event at its Bolm Road gallery.

Doors open at 4pm, and the show's headliner, Apollo 18, plays at 6pm. Apollo 18 are from South Korea, and, back home, they are atmospheric-indie heartthrobs; the band won "Newcomer of the Year" at the Korean Music Awards in 2010.

Jeffrey Lorien, co-founder of Zhi Tea, told us, "I wanted a band from overseas on their first tour, and preferably a band from Asia. So we are ecstatic. And they are crazy excited, they have a ton of enthusiasm and momentum."

He also hand-picked their opening act, Austin's own Polysky, which plays at 5 pm. "Polysky has a quality of sweetness and innocence; they provide a great counterpoint to Apollo 18. Local, fresh, with an acoustic flavor and distinct classical influences. Plus, their vocalist is captivating."

Lorien, better known as Doctor Oolong, added that there will be plenty of food and drinks to accompany the music. The booze at SXZT is free, he said, and his crew will be slinging Graham's Texas Tea, a Zhi Tea-infused sweet tea vodka. They'll also be selling oceanic amounts of iced tea. Look out for Zhi's Blood Orange House Blend, with organic orange peel, hibiscus, rose hips, apple bits, safflower, and a little natural orange essence.

Ararat/Hot Mama's will also be in attendance, cooking up amazing Mediterranean fare. Hail Merry will be doling out samples of real-deal, fresh chocolate.

While there are lots of on-the-house goodies to be had at SXZT, please bring your pocketbooks. There's a $3 suggested donation at the door. That money will benefit Health Alliance of Austin Musicians (HAAM), a local non-profit that provides access to affordable health care for Austin's low income and uninsured musicians, focusing on prevention and wellness. Lorien added that the proceeds from food and drink sales, including sales of Zhi Tea canisters inside his shop, will also go to HAAM.

The Zhi Tea Gallery is located at 4607 Bolm Road, Austin, TX 78702, Phone is (888) 944-4832. Regular hours are Weekdays 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-2pm.