Tea Happiness

A Better Bagged Tea

2012-02-29T13:42:00.003-08:00

I don't drink much bagged tea, unless I'm travelling or feeling very lazy in the office. I do however keep a box of either Taylors of Harrogate's Yorkshire Tea or PG tips on hand for emergency tea situations. You never know when you'll need a strong black tea!

There are many different types of tea bags out there from round to pyramid shaped. One thing I've noticed is that a larger leaf plus more room to expand, usually helps yield a descent cup (but of course there are exceptions to this). These two characteristics can be found in the teabags used by two leaves and a bud.

The company sent me a generous box of samples to try. They offer both organic and conventional teas. Each pyramid bag comes individually sealed to protect freshness. In my experience thus far with the company, they have great customer service and truly care about their product.

I decided to focus a review on their organic Darjeeling tea. Darjeeling is one of my favorite teas, so I naturally reached for it first. The dry leaves have that lovely, sweet signature Darjeeling smell. This aroma translated to the brew as well. The tea is sweet, floral, and contains something that I'd describe as 'dried grass'. I found a slightly earthy, gently toasted flavor that conjures up images of crispy dried grass just before a snowfall. The tea is smooth, without any hint of bitterness and just a slight astringency.

A random fact about this tea is that if you drink it while eating kimchi ramen, the sweetness is further enhanced. I'm guessing the spiciness of the kimchi is somehow accenting the sweet muscatel flavor in the tea. It pairs up quite nicely! I don't usually drink teas that I'm reviewing with food, but I had some left over while I was eating my lunch.

I have also tried the Assam and Tamayokucha (green) teas, and they are both of good quality for bagged teas. I am eager to try the other teas they sent, in hopes that they are equally as good. I noticed that two leaves and a bud offers loose teas on their website, which I haven't yet seen in stores. I'm glad that I was able to give these a try, as a box may get added into the emergency tea rotation.

Steep Thoughts- The 'There Must Be A Way To Incorporate Shake Shack In A Post' Edition

2012-02-17T13:31:00.001-08:00

I drink hot tea all year long, even on the hottest days. But sometimes I just want a refreshing glass of iced tea. I often prefer this with food. I usually go the plain unsweetened route, but when it comes to eating greasy comfort food an Arnold Palmer fits the bill. Named after the golfer that created it, this drink is 1/2 lemonade and 1/2 iced tea. The sweet and tart lemonade is a perfect compliment to the bitter tea. Sometimes this drink is also called a 'half and half'. If I see it on a restaurant menu, I'll usually order it. It's hard to find one with the correct balance of tea and lemonade, but when it is just right, it is perfection.

Today I had one at my favorite place for indulgence, Shake Shack. I refuse to eat at fast food chains, but Shake Shack's quality salty burger calls my name every few weeks. I just can't help myself. While sipping my drink, I realized that the acidity in the Arnold Palmer is perfect to cut the grease.

If you're looking to try a half and half but can't find a restaurant or cafe that serves them, I've had good luck with the Nantucket Nectars version. It's a little sweeter than I'd prefer, but still a good choice. I just noticed that the man himself created his own line of tea drinks. I'll have to look for them in the future. Has anyone tried them?

Have a happy weekend!

A New Tea Favorite

2012-02-16T13:54:00.000-08:00

The fairly new tea company TeaVivre sent me quite a few generous samples. I've been drinking their teas for awhile now, but I haven't had a chance to focus on a proper review. I have a few teas of theirs to discuss, and the first one I'm writing about is the Yun Nan Dian Hong.

I love Yunnan teas, especially for their rich earthy quality. When I choose a tea to start my day with, Yunnan usually comes to mind.

TeaVivre is a Chinese company that truly cares about tea. You can see it in the way they package the samples. The samples are assembled with care. Each tea is in a resealable vacuum pack, and has an inner air-tight bag as well. The leaves are absolutely beautiful. Long and thin with lots of golden tips. They have a sweet, floral scent. The resulting brew is a golden amber color. Quite pleasing for all the senses.

The flavor is different from the scent of the leaves, and everything I enjoy in Yunnan tea. It is strong, robust, yet smooth. Earthy with a mellow barley flavor. I know I've used this phrase before, but it reminds me of crunchy fall leaves. The earthy taste conjures up multi-hued maple leaves on a cool fall day. This is a simple black tea, but with a subtle sweetness and even a surprising hint of citrus. It adds a nice depth to the brew. This is a good quality tea that is extremely satisfying. It is an ideal breakfast tea for me. It is strong yet smooth, and has a nice full flavor to wake up my sleepy brain.

I am looking forward to trying my other samples. I'm so grateful that they sent them!

Steep Thoughts: The 'Why Do I Always Fall for Milky Tea?' Edition

2012-02-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

I love bubble tea. It's just one of those guilty pleasures. I've never had an instant powdered brand of 'milk tea' that has ever tasted as good as the kind you get in a cafe. But for whatever reason, every time we are in an Asian grocery, I gravitate towards any product that says 'milk tea'. I just can't help myself.

I'm currently drinking 'Casa Milky Flavor Tea'. The last time we were in a Korean grocery store I impulsively grabbed a box of it. Usually this sort of 'tea' sits in the cupboard for a few months until I'm feeling adventurous enough to try a packet. But the other day I decided to bring some to the office. This afternoon I gave it a try, hoping to jump start my sleepy brain.

A look at the ingredients shows that there is actually brown sugar in the mixture, and I can actually taste it. I don't really care for the molasses-like thickness, and it's way too sweet. Not that milk tea is supposed to be anything but sweet, but this one just doesn't really work. If you ignore the brown sugar, it actually tastes similar to the black milk tea I am familiar with. I think this box will go back on the shelf for awhile. Perhaps I will remember this lesson the next time I hear the milky tea siren song. Probably not.

Do you have an impulsive weakness for a particular kind of tea?

Tea at Craft Restaurant

2012-02-09T14:06:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned countless times before how frustrating it is to have a lovely meal at a restaurant only to end with a bad cup of tea. This happens everywhere, from local eateries to high end restaurants. It is most perplexing to me in the expensive, high end dining establishments. If you pay attention to the name of the cow that gives you milk for your butter, why not think about your tea service? Coffee is always the star of the show, and tea is always in the chorus.

Last night we had a wonderful meal with friends at Craft. The food was simple, delicious, perfection. After such an amazing meal, I was eager to see the state of their tea selection.

As you can see, just like the food, the tea list is simple and to the point. I was happy that they didn't have the typical 'Enligsh breakfast' as the black tea offering. It would be nice to have more than one unflavored black tea to choose from as well as a straight green tea, but I was happy with the choices.

Overall I like the quality of the teas I've tried by In Pursuit of Tea and I could tell that this Assam would have been great if it was prepared properly. The tea arrived in a nice individual pot without the infuser. It was helpful that the leaves weren't in the pot, but I would have preferred to have the infuser on a plate next to me so I could see and smell the leaves. It also gives the option of steeping a second pot. The tea looked a bit too dark even for Assam, but it was hard to tell in the dim lighting. It unfortunately tasted quite bitter. I like a bold Assam but this was not prepared correctly. The person steeping the tea either used too much and/or let it steep for too long.

I mentioned my tea mishap on twitter, and someone from Craft replied and said they were going to discuss the issue with the barista. That's exactly how more restaurants should respond! I'm glad to know that they take pride in every aspect of their service. I'm sure the issue will be corrected the next time we enjoy dinner there.

Does anyone have any recent restaurant tea experiences to share?

Tea Is A Common Bond

2012-02-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

When a Chinese friend of my Father-In-Law found out that I love tea, she generously gave me a special Xihu Long Jing to try. I couldn't believe that she gave me such a lovely gift. My experience with green tea is still limited, and I'm grateful to have this one to try. She gave it to me during a difficult time, and the gift lifted my spirits. I hope I can someday reciprocate and give her a tea that I enjoy.

In doing a little quick research I learned Long Jing or Dragon Well tea is named, "after a well that contains relatively dense water, and after rain the lighter rainwater floating on its surface sometimes exhibits a sinuous and twisting boundary with the well water, which is supposed to resemble the movement of a traditional Chinese dragon." (taken from http://www.jiangtea.com/green-tea/xi-hu-long-jing/ where you can learn even more interesting information about this tea).

The leaves are long and flat, similar to other Long Jing teas I've tried. The shape is due to pan firing. This tea has a lovely nutty aroma that reminded me of roasted cut grass. It is a delicate tea, and I tried to brew the it carefully. I used water that was off the boil in order to coax a proper flavor. If the water is too hot it can 'cook' the tea and impart an unpleasant taste. The prepared tea has a subtle, smooth vegetal taste that has a nice depth to it. It reminds me of sitting in a spring meadow surrounded by tall, fresh grass. A high quality green tea. It finishes with a slightly roasted taste that is similar to oolong. It is a comforting cup.

I tried the tea on a typically chaotic day, so I didn't get to finish while it was still hot. When I tasted the lukewarm tea, it actually had a more dynamic taste. The flavors were stronger, more obvious to me. I always prefer my tea just above 'warm', so perhaps this is how my palate prefers to taste things? I've mentioned this phenomena before, and it is intriguing. Since this tea held its flavors so well cold, it would be fantastic in the summer as an iced drink. This is a delicious tea and I am so grateful to have it in my cupboard!

I love how tea can bring people together, even when they barely know one another. In my experience, when two people discover a shared love for tea, an immediate bond is formed. I often participate in 'tea swaps' sending and receiving surprise packages of tea with someone I've never met before. It's a great way to get exposed to new teas, and meet new people.

Caffe Bene

2012-01-31T10:55:00.000-08:00

Caffe Bene is a South Korean coffee chain that just opened a branch in NY's busy Times Square area. Right on the corner of Broadway and 49th street in tourist/theater/office central, the place is difficult to miss. Since it's Korean chain, I was curious to see if they'd have some interesting tea and hopefully some tasty food.

Walking up to the cafe we noticed enormous coffee cup and waffle characters waving at the tourists walking by. My friends and I were turned off by this, and almost decided to keep walking. But then realized we were on a mission. Maybe they'd have good tea!

The interior is spacious and airy, with lots of seating. The main focus appears to be coffee, but
there is 'Premium' Full Leaf Tea, Iced Tea, Iced Tea Lemonade, Green Tea Latte, Chai Tea Latte and something called a Misugaru Latte on the menu. I wanted to ask more about the teas and where they came from but a guy with a camera was focused on me while I was ordering, so I made it brief and ordered a Chai latte. He followed us around the cafe while we were making our selections, which was very annoying. I was starting to get angry but everyone behind the counter was so sweet, that I didn't want to cause a ruckus. I imagined myself on a Korean TV station with the headline 'Angry Tea Blogger Punches Cameraman'.

I was curious about the Misugaru latte, but wasn't feeling particularly adventurous. There was a sign posted near the registers giving a little more information about the roasted barley, rice, and grain powder in the drink. I may try it once the paparazzi are gone.

The Chai Latte was pleasantly sweet but not cloying. I prefer a bolder, spicier chai, but the mild spices with gentle sweetness was comforting. I could taste cardamom, but it wasn't the dominant flavor, which is a good thing. Cinnamon and a tiny hint of pepper and clove were in the background. This is a good choice for a Chai Latte if you are in Times Square.

I also had a sandwich, which was 'fine' but nothing to really mention. There was a green tea panna cotta that looked interesting, and the scones and pastries looked promising. We were really hoping for some Korean food and pastry, and not just a few pre-made sandwiches, salads and generic pastries.

The seating area is spacious and would be comfortable to sit while sipping a cup of tea, a rarity for the Times Square area. But this is only if they stop shouting 'WELCOME TO CAFFE BENE' to everyone that enters the establishment. I would have taken pictures of the decor, but I wanted to get away from the cameraman as quickly as possible.The prices were comparable to any midtown cafe. If I needed a quick cup of tea near my office, this is definitely a better alternative to the other chains in the area. But if I was willing to walk more than 2 blocks, I'd go to Argo Tea in Columbus Circle.

Caffe Bene: 1605 Broadway, NY, NY 10019
Recommended for a Quick Cup

Keko Cafe

2012-01-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

Trying to cross off another place on my list, I took a lunchtime visit to Keko Cafe. It's in a quiet part of Murray Hill that is very close to Koreatown. Walking in out of the cold, I was met with a warm and cozy vibe. Cozy mostly because the place is tiny, and chock full of whimsical items. Paintings, trinkets, tea pots, even suitcases adorn the walls and shelves. It feels a little bit like a European grandmother's attic. All the tables were taken, and everyone seemed to be enjoying their lunch.

This is a good place to sit with a book or laptop. The music playing was Edith Piaf-esque, with an occasional Middle Eastern flair. Since it's a small place you can hear all the conversations around you, but it would be comfortable to sit for awhile and slowly enjoy a pot of tea.

Service was efficient but brusque. The cafe specializes in both tea and coffee, and they have a descent selection of basic teas. One look at the wall of tea canisters reveals they are all from Harney & Sons. Certainly not a bad thing!

I'm on a Darjeeling kick, so I ordered a pot. It came in a small pot with the strainer inside, leaves steeping. The only problem I had is I couldn't find a place to put the used strainer. So I was forced to leave it in the pot and drink it quickly. The first cup was quite nice, a quality, smooth Darjeeling with that lovely muscatel flavor. But by the time I was ready for a second pour, the tea was bitter and almost undrinkable. I should have crammed the strainer on the tiny saucer, or asked for a second plate. I thought the tea was reasonably priced at $5 a pot. The food however, was a bit expensive.

Sandwiches are small, without anything on the side except a miniscule slice of pickle. The pickle slice was so small, I wondered why they even bothered with it. Prices for sandwiches were over $7. There is a nice list of salads and crepes on the menu, also expensive, but may be a better choice. There are assorted pastries if you want a sweet bite with your beverage. I noticed they have an afternoon tea menu as well, which seemed reasonable at $13.

Keko cafe is a fine choice if you are in the Murray Hill neighborhood. Unless you go to Koreatown for a limited choice of teas, this is your best bet in the area.

Keko Cafe:121 Madison Ave. NY, NY 10016-Recommended
Highlights: Harney & Sons tea selection

Led Zep and Lusty Tea

2012-01-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

The West Village is a destination for all things tea. As I've mentioned before, if you walk just a few blocks you can hit Bosie, Tea & Sympathy, McNulty's, DAVIDsTEA as well as The Tea Set. Since The Tea Set is one of the few West Village tea spots I haven't tried, my husband and I decided to take a lunchtime visit.

The Tea Set is a French-owned tea cafe that also has an extensive food menu. Everything appears to be eco friendly and organic, right down to the menu made out of recycled cardboard boxes. The Tea Set also sells their tea commercially, which I've recently seen in a local upscale grocery store.

Walking in to the cafe things seems rather ordinary. There is a dining area with small tables, and a cozy brick wall lined with tea and wine bottles. This is a French-owned cafe, so of course there will be wine!

As we sat and looked around, it became apparent that this was not just a snoozy, cozy tea cafe. I noticed a few books that were intriguing and a bit surprising for a tea joint...

There are many 'interesting' books lining the bench I was sitting on...

...this being the favorite

It is a sexy tea cafe! I wondered if the young ladies and older couple lunching near us noticed these little details. The tea menu also contributed to the overall feel of the place. Looking at the menu, I was intrigued by the various sensual-sounding teas on the menu. Since I had to get back to work and don't like rooibos and herbal based teas, I decided for a basic organic Darjeeling.

But some of the more colorful teas on the menu were:

Organic Femmes Fatales, Organic Gentlemen Fusion

Organic Sensual Good Night, Organic Perry Street Je T'Aime, Organic Day & Night Sex Booster

The music added another interesting element to the mix. The entire time we were there, classic and prog rock standards were playing over the speakers. I don't mind this type of music, but it did not really blend well with the cozy, relaxing atmosphere for me.

My tea was a respectable organic Darjeeling. It had a nice bold flavor which tasted like a 2nd flush. It certainly hit the spot. But my husband's genmaicha was strangely bland. It smelled nice and toasty but the taste was flat. I'm also not a huge fan of large mugs with infusers, as the tea cools too quickly. A teapot keeps it a bit warmer. It also looks more like something I'd use in my office, not at a cafe. But that's a small gripe. I do like that the teas are all organic.

The service was very slow, and I actually noticed our server reading a book at the front of the cafe. I'm sure he's used to most people taking their time and relaxing with their tea, but we were on our lunch break and didn't want to dawdle. He never came over to see how we were doing. My husband had to get up and ask him for the check. A friend of mine had a good experience here when the owner was present, so this may not be a common occurrence.

To briefly comment on the food, the sandwiches we ordered were not particularly flavorful, and they were overpriced for the size. I like that most of the food is organic, and the beef is grass fed, but our sandwiches were not very tasty. If you feel like having a bite to eat with your tea, I'd recommend staying with pastries and egg dishes.

The Tea Set, is a fine place for a cup of Darjeeling and some sexy reading while listening to Led Zeppelin. Not a place I would recommend wholeheartedly, but it could be a fun spot to warm up on Valentine's day with a salacious cup of tea.

The Tea Set 235 W 12^TH Street NY, NY 10014

Steep Thoughts- the Making My List edition

2012-01-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

While sipping my morning cup of Yunnan, I'm thinking about all the local tea places I have yet to visit. I have a running list of shops and cafes to check out. Sure, I've been to quite a few tea places and I have my favorites, but there are so many left to try! I thought I'd share my list to see if anyone has any feedback. Do you have any places to add? Anything in the NYC area.
Tea-ish Places To Try (in no particular order):
The Mandarin's Tea Room
Cha An
The Tea Set
Laughing Man
Spices and Tease
thirsTea
Keko Cafe
Lady Mendl's Tea Room
Tea Spot

There are also a few places I've been that require a re-visit, since it's been so long since I've checked them out:

Tea & Sympathy (a huge favorite of mine but it's been years since I've been)
Teany (descent vegan fare with a good tea selection)
McNulty's (a great place to purchase tea)
Podunk (cute place with lovely fresh baked goods and pots of tea)
Alice's Tea Cup (I always cringe at the cutesy decor but their teas aren't bad)
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Dare I return after my bad experience?)

So, any places to add? Or do you feel strongly about one on the list?

Buttery Tea

2012-01-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Last night I had a new taste adventure. We visited a Himalayan restaurant, an outing organized by Yosh O.. The food was interesting, but the thing that captured my attention was the Butter Tea. This is a Tibetan style beverage that contains butter as well as tea, and milk. Someone at our table ordered one, and we passed it around to try. It looked more like a cup of milky coffee. It basically tasted like salty warm liquid butter. With a very faint hint of milky black tea. Mostly salt and butter though. I was expecting Yak butter, but the it tasted like regular cow's milk butter to me. But I've never had Yak butter so it could have a similar flavor. We passed the tea around the table, and everyone had a sip. I loved watching the reactions. Every single diner that tried the tea had the same initial response- their face puckered. I think we were expecting something buttery, but not quite as intensely salty. One of my fellow diners said 'This should be Paula Deen's favorite tea'!

This site gives an easy recipe to make the tea at home, if you are interested. It appears to use regular butter and not Yak. I can't say that this is a tea that I enjoyed, but I was happy to taste it. I'd probably order it again at a different Himalayan restaurant, just to see if it tastes any differently. It certainly added an extra conversation piece to our festive evening.

The Tiniest Tea Books

2012-01-06T14:08:00.000-08:00

A few friends and I have created a new tradition, where we exchange holiday gifts that must be purchased at Housing Works, a wonderful organization that runs a chain of local thrift stores where the proceeds help the homeless and those living with HIV/AIDS.

For this year's exchange, one of the gifts I received was a set of tea bags...or what I thought were tea bags...

...until I opened one...

and found a little book!!

A bizarre set of books...

Strange but adorable. Has anyone encountered these tiny little tea books masquerading as teabags? I've never seen these anywhere before. They all say 'The Fairies Rest' on the back and also appear to be in an Asian language (Japanese?). I love the silhouette illustrations. What a fun gift!

Franchia Vegan Cafe

2012-01-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

Walking back to work through the frigid wind after my yearly physical, I noticed Franchia, a Korean cafe on my list of places to try. They specialize not only in vegan Korean cuisine, but also tout their tea menu. After discussing the state of my health, a vegan restaurant seemed a natural choice for lunch. Add in a tea menu and kimchi dumplings, and I'm ready to tuck in.

I've read a bit about Franchia and knew it was a tea-centric place. So before looking at the food menu, I perused the tea offerings. They have a small selection of green, white, black, and oolong teas, as well as flavored and tisanes. I decided to try a Korean green tea, since I'm not familiar with them. I'm not a huge fan of very light green teas, so I decided to try the 'Korean Wild Green Tea 3rd Picked', because it mentioned a stronger taste. I usually like second or third flushes when it comes to Darjeeling, so I was hoping it would be the same for green.

When I was ready to order I had to press a small button on the table to summon the waitstaff. It felt as if I was sitting on an airplane. I didn't see how this related to a serene tea-house, but I placed my order and eagerly waited. Perhaps they don't want to bother you unless you really need something? The tea arrived steeped in a small cup, with the leaves in a strainer on the side. A flask of hot water accompanied the cup. It was nice to get the flask, so I could re-steep the leaves when I was ready for more, instead of pushing the weird button to get the waiter to refill my cup.

The tea was quite mild, with a nice gentle vegetal flavor. But did not have the 'stronger taste' I was expecting. It could just be that I'm not familiar with Korean green teas. They may be on the lighter side, as Chinese green teas tend to be. But still, I was expecting a little more than a light green.

Since this is a tea focused blog I won't comment much on the food, but I will say the dumplings were a bit cold. The dining room is comfortable, with earth tones and lots of wood. The tables are situated on three tiers which makes it feel a little cozier, but I felt bad for the waiters that kept running up and down the stairs to get to diners on the various levels. The ceiling is quite pretty though, which gives a nice pop of color in the muted dining room.

It was comforting to escape the cold with a reviving cup of green tea. I don't think I'll rush back here, but if you are looking for a place on the east side that offers healthy vegan fare and a descent tea selection, Franchia is a good choice.

Festive Favorites

2011-12-30T11:28:00.000-08:00

picture from Asiasociety.org

Wishing you all a healthy and happy New Year! If you're going to have a boozy party, why not try some tea infused cocktails? Here are a few resources for cocktails to try, both hot and iced:

http://www.drinksmixer.com/cat/19/
http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/June-2010/Cool-Tea-Cocktails/
http://www.thatsthespirit.com/en/drinks/articles/hot_tea_cocktails.asp
http://imbibemagazine.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-tea-cocktails.html
http://asiasociety.org/lifestyle/food-recipes/food/drinks/new-twist-summer-cocktails

Or you can also try one of my favorites, Oolong-Hai!

Of course you don't need the alcohol to have a joyful celebration. Blending tea with juices and other flavored drinks works well too. Do you have any festive favorites?

Enjoy, everyone!!

Reflection In Loss

2011-12-22T12:46:00.001-08:00

Last week the world lost a treasured soul. My Mother-In-Law passed away after a courageous battle with ALS. She was the most fun-loving, optimistic person I've ever had the honor to meet.

Watching family around me grieve in their own individual ways, I noticed the common healing element revolved around food and conversation. Joyous and wonderful stories of our beloved matriarch were shared while new tears were shed over salty cheeks. A warm cup of tea held and consumed absentmindedly. Its warmth fueling the conversation, quietly comforting the mourner.

We gain strength from the family and friends supporting us. In the Jewish tradition we Sit Shiva, which is a time to reflect and remember. I look around and marvel at how many lives she touched and influenced. The feeling of love is overwhelming.

A seemingly trivial cup of tea amidst the sadness was actually a source of peace for me. A personal moment for reflection and remembrance. A small moment of warmth and comfort. Easing a burning throat and puffy eyes.

I will always keep her brightness with me, remembering just how much she influenced my life in the brief time she was a part of it. I will hold my family close and let the joy she felt in life influence all of our daily tasks. The sky has one new shining star watching over us.

a Dragon Well fit for an Emperor

2011-12-11T11:12:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago I mentioned a generous tea gift given to me by my brother and sister in law. While vacationing China, they visited a tea plantation in Hangzhou. I am envious of their tour! They learned about how the tea was grown and processed.

They brought back a beautiful Dragon Well tea called the Emperor's tea. I decided to try brewing this tea in a gaiwan, as it seemed appropriate. I'm a novice at this method of preparation, but why not get some practice!

This tea has distinctive smooth, flat leaves which are a result of the pan-firing process. I wished I was there to see the leaves take shape! It must be an interesting process to watch.

My first couple of infusions smelled vegetal and toasty. The flavor was smooth and delicate with a strong roasted asparagus flavor. A delicate floral note was in the background. My third infusion was much more buttery, and still retained a hint of the roasted asparagus.

I was also given dried orange peel and hawthorne to add to the tea. I want to taste the tea a few times without anything added to it. When I'm feeling more adventurous I will try the added ingredients. Apparently I will be healthier for it as the brew is supposed to reduce cholesterol.

This is such a lovely tea. It is a special addition to my daily rotation. I'm so grateful for the gift!

Steep Thoughts: The 'Thank you Universe for Giving Us Tea' edition

2011-12-08T10:42:00.001-08:00

This afternoon I am steeping a Darjeeling from TeaGschwendner, eagerly anticipating the comfort of that first sip. After a long night with a sick baby and then a full morning, I have been craving the familiar taste of this tea. It always amazes me how flavors and scents can bring instant comfort (or do the opposite). Pure enjoyment or nostalgia, connecting the sensation to a favorite memory.

Playing a favorite song on Spotify and sipping this tea has given me a few minutes of peace. I feel my mood change almost instantaneously. Now on to the rest of this crazy day! How do you use tea to get through your busiest days?

A Visit to DAVIDsTEA

2011-11-30T09:34:00.001-08:00

I admit, I have a 'thing' for Canada. I've never met a Canadian I didn't like (and I've met quite a few), and I have loved every Canadian city I ever visited. They also have Mounties and great health care. What's not to like? When I heard that Canadian tea-purveyor DAVIDsTEA recently opened two shops in NYC, I practically grabbed my coat and ran out the door.

I decided to visit the West Village location, as it was more convenient to my office. Getting back and forth in an hour is key! Taking the subway from Midtown and ending up in the charming West Village is always a pleasant experience. Walking through the historic streets of 19th century brownstones and federal style buildings makes me a most happy lady.

The shop is on Bleecker street, the bright wood stands out from the other stores on the block. Walking in I was immediately hit with a loud and enthusiastic 'WELCOME TO DAVIDsTEA!!!' I was a bit startled, but enjoyed seeing all of the smiling faces behind the counter. A sample cup of tea was ushered into my hands as I looked around a bit. A friendly yet laid back employee asked if I needed any help. We chatted for a little bit, and I could tell that he loved working at the store. He seemed relatively new to teas, but was passionate and had all of the basics down. It seems that DAVIDsTEA is known for their flavored blends, but they also have a nice selection of White, Black, Green, Oolong, and Pu-erh as well. When I mentioned I was looking for a new black tea, he instantly started grabbing canisters for me to smell. It was a whirlwind of tea happiness.

If you've been following this blog at all you know I'm not too keen on flavored blends. But while I was smelling the slew of black teas, one called Glitter & Gold jumped out at me. I'm not much of a girly girl, but this tea had sugar gold balls in it. The man helping me mentioned that the tea gets glittery once it steeps. My inner teenage girl started jumping up and down.

I selected a Wild Black Yunnan to purchase. I was looking for a breakfast black tea, and it was picked from wild tea trees. I haven't tried it yet, but the idea is intriguing. I also decided to get a glass travel mug as I have been coveting one for weeks but hadn't pulled the trigger. While paying for my purchases, I was offered a complimentary cup to go. Of course I jumped at the chance to try the Glitter & Gold!

After leaving the store I eagerly uncapped my cup, revealing a black tea with gold glittery flecks slowly floating through it. The teenage girl squealed a little bit. I unfortunately couldn't get a good picture of the glittery goodness, so here is just one of the cup on someone's stoop. It tasted sweet, very cinnamony with a hint of orange and vanilla. Probably not something I'd purchase for myself, but it would be fun to serve at a holiday party, or give as a gift. It is festive, and comes with free entertainment, after all.

My visit was a great break from the day. The store is cheerful and filled with a good selection of tea and accessories. Walking around the neighborhood is always an enjoyable history lesson with historic buildings at every turn. The area is also home to quite a few other tea shops. McNulty's for tea buying in an old-school atmosphere, Bosie Tea Parlor for a lovely afternoon tea break, the always-wonderful Tea and Sympathy, and The Tea Set, a tea cafe that is on my list of places to visit. I sense a West Village tea crawl coming soon...

DAVIDsTEA (multiple locations) 275 Bleecker St, NY, NY 10014- Recommended

Highlights- good selection, friendly service, free samples

The Orange peel masquerading as a mushroom!

2011-11-28T17:05:00.001-08:00

So after the kids went to bed I tore open the mushroomy package. Still looked like dried mushrooms, but they were more pliable. So I bit one. I was hit with the unmistakable flavor of orange! Guess it is orange peel after all. It was fun to have a mystery ingredient in the house! In the next few days I'll try the tea with and without using the suggested 'recipe'. Stay tuned!

Another Tea Mystery

2011-11-28T13:41:00.001-08:00

back of mushroomy package

My generous Brother and Sister in Law visited a tea plantation in Hangzhou China and brought back a wonderful tea gift for me! It included two beautiful boxes of Dragon Well (longjing), a package of dried fruit called 'Hawthorne' and also the above strange package, which looks like dried mushrooms.

front of mushroomy package

Along with the tea there is a pamphlet that is mostly in Chinese, but in English gives 'A Folk Prescription on Dragon Well Green Tea' for high cholesterol and diabetes. The recipe includes the tea, Hawthorne, and orange peel. The package doesn't look like orange peel, but maybe?

I haven't opened the mushroomy package yet, will probably do so tonight. I plan on a more in-depth post about the tea and the accouterments, but I need to ask- does anyone know what this mystery mushroomy tea thingy is? Please let me know!!

DavidsTea coming to NY

2011-11-15T11:38:00.001-08:00

Grub Street reports that Montreal-based tea shop DavidsTea will be opening a location on the upper east side this week! Does anyone have any experience with this company? I've heard about them, but haven't tried any of their teas. A visit will definitely be in order! Please let me know if you have any suggestions on what to try.

Steep Thoughts- The Shamlessly Promoting Stuff Edition

2011-11-11T12:54:00.001-08:00

While steeping a lovely Jade Spiral Green tea from Radiance, I was thinking about the reviews I recently wrote for the Tea Review Blog. So here is a shameless plug for the site. It's a nice resource if you are curious about a particular tea but aren't sure if you should try it. Or if you just want to explore some new options. The site also has message boards where you can chat, ask questions, and learn of upcoming promotions from tea companies. The community of reviewers are great and we all work hard to produce honest, interesting reviews! /shamlessplug

I do apologize for my lack of posts lately. Things have been a bit hectic and the time for new tea adventures has fallen to the bottom of the priority list. But I hope to post about a few NYC tea places very soon...

Tea + Hugh Jackman??

2011-10-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

Today I came across a website for Laughing Man, a compnay started by Barry and David Steingard along with actor Hugh Jackman. They offer coffee, teas, chocolates and accessories. It looks like 100% of the profits go to charity. It appears that they are opening a cafe in NYC, which I'll have to add to my list of places to check out. Has anyone heard of the brand, or tried any of the teas? I'd love to learn more.

Just Peachy

2011-10-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Found an intriguing Israeli bottled Peach tea today from a company called Spring (I think Spring is what is written in Hebrew on the bottle as well). Decided to give it a try. Still tastes like 'bottled peach flavored tea drink', but better than that stuff they call 'the best stuff on earth'. Not something I'd drink all the time, but trying it was a fun little tea diversion for the day!

A Pleasant Chai Surprise

2011-10-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I wrote about my favorite masala chai. I love making it from scratch for the taste, but also to interact with the ingredients. I like to watch the tea and spices dance around in the simmering milk, and experience the savory smell that permeates my kitchen. How could a pre-made chai compare?

A sample of Tipu's instant black chai was passed along to me, and I gave it a doubtful look. Most premixed chai products do not work well for me. All I usually taste is cardamom. I decided to open the package and give it a judgemental sniff. I was hit with the scent of fresh gingersnap cookies- ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. It was peppery, cardamom-y. It smelled amazing. Without further hesitation, I heated up some milk, and mixed in the powder and added a little sugar.

It tasted delicious. Exactly the flavor I expect from a good masala chai! The perfect amount of spice for me. I could taste all the requisite flavors, and there is a lingering black pepper and ginger hum. My only issue is that the texture remained grainy after preparation. Even though it's instant, I may try to strain it next time. Or try to get the milk even warmer to hopefully dissolve the mixture more successfully. Most other pre-made blends I've tried (including whole leaves/spices) are too heavy on one spice or another. For me, this blend is perfect. I still can't believe the flavors that developed in a powdered product.

The flavor is warming and uplifting. This is a wonderful tea to reach for when you can't make your chai from scratch. Perfect for travelling or in the office! I am pleasantly surprised by this product.

My Favorite Masala Chai

2011-09-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

Indian Masala Chai is such a delicious drink. I love the blend of spices with black tea, sugar, and milk. It's one of the only times that I like to add milk and sugar to my tea. Its effects are soothing yet invigorating at the same time. Perfect any time of the day, and in any weather. I prefer to drink it either alone, or after a meal since the spices can mask flavors in food. I started thinking about the many variations of the drink this afternoon, after picking up a perfect version at a local Indian take-out joint.

There are numerous blends on the store shelves, and even pre-mixed chai in containers. You can also find it at just about any corner cafe, usually billed as a 'chai latte'. I've had many versions of masala chai, but my favorite is when I make it at home. I prefer it light on the cardamom, but strong with ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Cooking it down with milk and sugar is a must for me. I usually use this version as a guide but tweak it depending on my mood. Endless recipes exist for masala chai, and many that claim to be the most authenic. It seems that many people in India have their own favorite recipe. I love this article where filmmaker Mira Nair explains her version of the brew. This article is from a few years ago, but is actually a great little read that I often think of while drinking chai. She refers to the chai as Matka Chai, which appears to mean the type of vessel it is served in, but I'm not completely sure. If anyone knows please enlighten me.

Chai lovers, how do you make yours? Do you prefer if hot or cold? Do you use a pre-made blend, or make your own? Do you brew it in a pot with the milk and sugar, or add it separately? The flavors are versatile and even work well in everything from ice cream to cookies. Feel free to share any favorite recipes for chai tea goodies!

Steep Thoughts- the Reviewing Teas edition

2011-09-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

While steeping an Irish Breakfast blend from The Boston Tea Company, it occurred to me that I enjoy reviewing teas, but I don't often read reviews from others. I will try a tea based on the type and quality, or merely out of curiosity. I try to keep an open mind to try as much as possible. I post tea reviews as an outlet for expression. I enjoy writing and thinking about tea as a personal experience. I like reading reviews that give me a bit of insight into the author, but I don't use the review as fact. Tastes are so different, and a flavor that one person picks up may be missed by another. Overall, tea reviews have helped me steer clear of products of poor quality and also remind me to try new teas that sound interesting. But I won't jugde a product just on a taster's notes alone. Preparation can vary as well, which may change the taste. I like to slightly oversteep my black teas because I prefer a stronger brew. Positive reviews certainly help spark my interest in a tea, but it's not the deciding factor.

Tea friends, what do you do? Do you read endless tea reviews for guidance, or do you have a different method for selecting teas? I think I've seen other bloggers discuss this issue in the past.

Kandy Kandy Kandy I can't let you go...

2011-09-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

While waiting in line at a local upscale grocery, I remembered we were out of black tea. My son started howling and the shop is very small, so I just grabbed the first tea that jumped out at me. I ended up with Kandy from Steven Smith Teamaker. I noticed it was bagged, but the minimalist look to the box intrigued me. Yes, I'm sadly a sucker for packaging, especially when a toddler meltdown is imminent. Anything to distract me from the inbound storm of tears and sobs.

I had seen this brand in a few of the 'fancier' shops native to Brooklyn and made a mental note to give it a try. A little research on the company revealed it is a small retailer based in Portland. The founder has quite a pedigree in popular tea- he helped form Stash as well as Tazo before striking out on his own.

Kandy is named after the city in Sri Lanka. For those that didn't know, Sri Lanka was formerly named Ceylon. I certainly didn't know that before I became interested in black tea. This tea is a combination of three types of Ceylon: Dimbulla, Uva and Nuwara Eliya.

The brew has a sweet honey scent. It smells like a quality Ceylon blend. The taste is rich and full bodied. It reminds me of Cacao nibs and toasted butterscotch. It is very smooth, not a hint of bitterness. The finish is slightly tannic, and citrusy. This tea yields a satisfying cup. It's perfect for a chilly, misty morning, or as an afternoon lift. Or anytime, really. Coffee drinkers would enjoy this one as it is dark and rich. Milk and sugar could certainly be added if desired.

As the tea cools down I start to notice a spicy bite. I've mentioned before that I like my tea nice and warm, but not hot. It always intrigues me when the flavor changes as the tea cools.

This is an expensive box of tea, especially for a bagged product. But it is very enjoyable, and of good quality.

A Lighter Shade of Fail

2011-09-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

I had heard a bit of chatter about a California based cafe that recently opened in the garment district called The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Tea is in the name, so I put it high on my list of places to try. Wading through the garment district at lunchtime is no easy feat, but I dodged my way around scowling glam women, interns carrying gallons of coffee, and blue-shirted businessmen. The line was long, but I decided to wait and see what all the hype was about. Glancing around I didn't see any tea canisters or anything resembling tea at all. Eventually I noticed a few jars at the front of the store that appeared to have teabags in them. To ease the line congestion an employee was taking orders from the line. When I asked for an unflavored black tea, I was met with a blank stare. He went to ask the barista what black teas they had, and then came back and said 'blueberry'. Um, I asked for an unflavored tea, so I tried again. After a second trip over to the barista the answer was 'English Breakfast'. Really? Their website boasts the origin and quality of their teas. According to said website they have a few nice looking black teas, but no one in the store seemed to know about that. I decided that it wasn't worth continuing my line of questioning. I left. Perhaps I'll try to go back when the line is shorter and my tolerance is higher.

On my way back to work I passed Boi to Go, a little Vietnamese take-out place. I was hungry and decided to try some dumplings. While I was waiting I noticed that they had bubble teas. After my first disappointment, I was thrilled to see this. Sadly, the bubble teas were pre-made and waiting in a case. If it wasn't so busy in the shop, I would have asked if they could be made fresh. But I was desperate for refreshment. I picked up a black tea with boba, my usual go-to for bubble tea. It was far too sweet and didn't really taste like tea, but it still softened the earlier disappointing blow. I will try to give The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf another try, perhaps during an off hour. If anyone has tried their tea, please let me know!

Yes, a bagged tea

2011-09-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

Summer is basically over, and life has been quite hectic for the past couple of weeks. I've desperately needed tea to keep me going. The other day I noticed that I was out of loose tea, but I had a box of Chinese Breakfast bagged tea from Numi I was saving for a rainy day. I was reluctant, but needed that caffeine, so I busted into the box. I have enjoyed many loose leaf teas from Numi, so I had high hopes.

The package says this is a 'Full-bodied Yunnan black tea'. The brew smelled malty and earthy. I was reminded of crisp fall days spent raking crunchy leaves. The taste was equally malty, with a rich full body. This tea is very smooth, with hardly any bitterness at all. There are slight notes of honey, pepper, and leather as well. A surprising amount of flavor from a tea bag! The box mentions there are lingering floral notes, but I didn't taste any. I will probably try again, making sure the water is sufficiently hot.

It is the perfect time of year to discover this tea. The color and aroma evoke cool fall afternoons, which is further enhanced by the earthy taste. The smooth, comforting flavor is perfect for warming up on a chilly fall day. If only I could curl up with a mug under a cozy blanket and a good book! Not this week, but perhaps sometime soon.

And now, Steep Thoughts...The Music Edition

2011-09-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today I noticed the experience of listening to music is similar to drinking tea.

I like to close my eyes and let the music affect my feelings. I'll let my mind wander, controlled by the rhythm and melody, occasionally anchored by a few lyrics. Often when I am observing a cup of tea, I'll let the flavor lead my mood to a new place, while I relax my body. I absorb the flavors similarly to how I digest music. Both become a form of spiritual meditation.

Tea may not cause the same dynamic range of emotions as listening to music, but it's an escape from reality. A secret experience. It also acts as a pause, to reflect on my life and family.

Both music and tea help me get through difficult situations, giving me the time to process thoughts and emotions.

What's your steep thought for the day?

Oolong + Shochu = Yes Please!

2011-08-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a special R&F outing to the mecca of Japanese Ramen, Ippudo. While eagerly anticipating my savory bowl of noodles, I glanced at the cocktail list. Under the Sake/Shochu list I found a 'Green Tea High' and an 'Oolong High'. I had no idea what these were but I knew one was definitely going to accompany my dinner. I learned from the server that the drinks consisted of tea and a shot of shochu. I ordered the Oolong version and while I waited for it, a fellow diner explained that shochu is a distilled alcohol usually made from barley, buckwheat, sweet potato, or rice.

The drink was incredibly refreshing on a hot NYC summer evening. I tasted the slightly bitter earthiness of the Oolong, along with a subtle hint of something smoky that reminded me of whiskey. Shochu has a subtle flavor, and so my drink didn't have the overwhelming alcoholic taste that I usually expect from a cocktail. This makes the drink quite dangerous for me. I hardly even noticed that I was consuming any alcohol! It had a similar refreshing feel to the mugicha I recently tried. I also love that it wasn't sweet. In fact, the server warned me that it wasn't a 'sweet cocktail'.

This drink is typically called Oolong-Hai (I guess Ippudo made it more obvious for us Americans), and is popular at izakaya and karaoke bars in Japan.

If I'm ever able to snag a table at the immensely popular restaurant again, I will try the 'Green Tea High' to see how the Shochu changes the taste of the tea.

Kusmi Tea sampler

2011-08-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

Recently a dear friend gave me a surprise gift of a lovely sampler from Kusmi Tea. So thoughtful! I admit that I've avoided their teas because many are flavored, which is not my favorite thing. I also had a disappointing experience with one of their bagged teas, but I think it was past its use-by date. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew I had to give them another chance. The idea just hadn't bubbled up past my daily preoccupations. But now I was presented with a perfect opportunity.

After reading the ingredients listed on each tin, I selected the St. Petersburg blend for my first pot. Sniffing the leaves there is citrus, bergamot and vanilla. It's very sweet and pleasing, but I was a little worried about the predominance of bergamot. Steeped, the brew has a lovely smooth vanilla caramel flavor. I was happy that the citrus flavors were delicate and mostly in the background. Definitely better than the in-your-face BERGAMOT flavor I was expecting after smelling the dry leaves. Not something I'd drink on a daily basis, but a sweet, refreshing change from the bold and malty black teas I'm most fond of. I bet it would also make a nice iced tea.

The company has an interesting history starting in Russia then fleeing to Paris. I'm also a sucker for packaging, so I of course love the sweet little tea tins. Kusmi teas are sold in a few cafes and shops in my area, and the American flagship is here. I will have to make a journey in the near future.

I can't wait to try the other teas in my sampler, and hopefully share a pot with my friend that gave them to me. I am so thankful to her for the gift! It has opened my mind to the possibility of trying other flavored teas, and to delve further into the many varieties offered by Kusmi.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor

2011-08-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

Weaving through throngs of tourists on the narrow streets of Chinatown, I can feel the history of struggle, violence, and intrigue seeping through the soles of my shoes. The feeling gets stronger as you turn onto Doyers street, a thoroughfare infamous for violence and ill repute, even referred to as a 'cesspool of immorality'. I love the history behind NYC, and Chinatown's narrative has been particularly fascinating. And of course tea is an important element of daily life in this part of town.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor has been a Chinatown institution on Doyers street since the 1920s. It started out as a bakery and tea parlor, known for their Chinese confections and dim sum. It is a place to go for Yum Cha, which is the dining experience of drinking Chinese tea and eating dim sum. The restaurant had a makeover last year and has become a destination for foodies and dim sum aficionados. A Tea Parlor with great history and dim sum? When Yosh O. made this the latest Ramen and Friends destination, I knew I had to attend.

I had been to Nom Wah once before, prior to the renovation. My husband and I were taking an audio tour and were instructed to sit down and order 'tea and almond cookies'. I remember enjoying both, in a restaurant that felt like a time capusle. The exterior of Nom Wah has remained the same, and the interior has kept much of its charm, with some minor updates. The tea menu immediately grabbed my attention. The prices are very affordable, and the selection is good. They offer a choice of pu-erh, oolong, green, and white, a surprisingly nice list. I ordered a pot of Shui Hisen (Water Fairy Tea). It is described as a dark and heavy oolong. With some research I discovered that this tea is very popular in Chinese restaurants, although I don't think I've ever had a version as good as this one.

The tea came in a huge pot with leaves swimming inside. The pot was more than enough for 3-4 people. I was nervous that the tea would get bitter with the leaves sitting directly inside for the duration of our meal, but the tea remained smooth. It is a hearty, strong brew, with a nice roasty flavor that is quite satisfying. It had a faint floral taste as well, which adds to the pleasant experience. This tea paired quite well with the many dishes of tasty dim sum we consumed. It was also a perfect accompaniment to the famous almond cookie I had at the end of our meal.

I can't wait to return to Nom Wah and try something new. This is a great spot to escape the chaos of the neighborhood, and linger over a pot of tea while munching a few dumplings, or a crunchy almond cookie.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor: 13 Doyers Street NY, NY 10013- Recommended
Highlights: affordable Chinese tea, dumplings, almond cookies

Steep Thoughts: The 'Why Not Tea?' Edition

2011-08-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Today my husband helped me realize a growing problem in my life- restaurants that I love, but do not offer tea of any kind. I suppose a non existent tea is better than bad tea. But when I'm out for a tasty, satisfying meal, I always want a cup of tea to round everything out.

One of my new favorite restaurants, Danji offers Korean style dishes with an added twist. I've loved everything I've tried there. On our most recent visit, I was wondering if they had any Korean tea, but didn't see any tea at all on the menu. After confirming this with the server I became disheartened. This is a restaurant that has an amazing alcoholic drink menu, but no tea. There is a huge opportunity for some lovely Korean tea! At least they don't offer coffee, either.

Has anyone out there encountered this problem with a favorite restaurant? I'm guessing the owners of Danji did this on purpose, but I would love to know why. Am I expecting too much?

Steep Thoughts- The Boozy Tea Edition

2011-07-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

I can't say exactly why, but this week has been more exhausting than usual. Today in particular has been fraught with setbacks at every turn. Again, there isn't anything I can point my finger at, it's just a general feeling. So, instead of thinking about tea in general, my thoughts turn to slipping a little something extra into my cuppa. You can google 'tea cocktail recipes' and find a myriad of choices. I chose to share a slide show of interesting and simple recipes that have a humorous twist. This was sent to me by a dear friend a few weeks ago, and I'm still thinking about the boozy tea...
http://www.geeksugar.com/Tea-Cocktail-Recipes-18274846

Mittal's Darjeeling Tea

2011-07-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

I am always excited to try new teas. Even when it's a tea I've had many times before, I am always eager to taste, and see how the flavor is different than what I've experienced in the past. There are so many little nuances to tea which can be caused not only by the region and processing, but by the climate of the particular season. When my friend Yosh O. asked if I wanted to sample a Darjeeling she was given from a friend that visited India, I of course jumped at the chance.

The brand is Mittal's. I don't know much about it, but they seem to distribute a few different types of Indian teas. This tea gift came in a lovely carved wooden box. Upon opening the box there is a sealed foil bag containing the tea. The leaves are a descent size, and quite dark with a few green, and gold leaves throughout.

This tea tastes much different than many Darjeelings I've had. It is very smooth, and has a strong honey note that I've never noticed in a Darjeeling before. It is delicate and floral as well, with the muscatel taste that I've come to associate with Darjeeling teas. There is a hint of bitterness in the background, along with a dryness. Due to the delicate flavor and the darker leaves, I'd guess it is a second flush tea. While doing a little more research, I learned from this site that the distinctive muscatel flavor comes from a reaction that the tea plant has when a type of insect sucks juices from the stems!

Darjeeling tea holds a special place for me, as it is the first tea that made me realize there are a wide variety of teas out there, and they don't all just taste like Lipton.

Mystery Jenaer Teapot

2011-07-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

I have been looking around for a Wagenfeld edition Jenaer teapot, as I love the Bauhaus style. I'm searching for one that is vintage and also somewhat affordable, which is no easy feat. I have one other teapot manufactured by Jenaer, the Museum teapot, which I love and actually still use, although I shouldn't since it is easily breakable. The other day I came across a Jenaer style I've never seen before on ebay. The price was right and I ended up winning it.

It looks similar to the museum teapot, but it is not exactly the same. The body is taller, and less rounded. Could it be someone trying to imitate the original teapot, but failing? Or is it some sort of earlier model?

The backstamp is also much different from the ones I've seen. I'm guessing it is either an early stamp, or an imitation. Does anyone know anything about this teapot? I'm curios to know when it was made, and if it is authentic. I must solve this mystery! For a little info on the Jenaer company, you can go here and here. They do not appear to be manufacturing teapots anymore, because most of their teapots have been discontinued. If anyone has any info on this teapot, please let me know.

Steep Thoughts- The Thai Tea Ice Cream Deliciousness Edition

2011-07-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

Today's Steep Thoughts took place while I was steeping a lovely lDarjeeling that I sampled from a friend's gift from India (more on that in another post). If you have been following this blog at all, you'll know my weakness for Thai Iced Tea. I love the sweet creamy flavor that is cut by the bitterness of black tea, along with a hint of spices. I've tried making it at home (and have a new recipe to try), as well as making into ice pops. But now, I have found the most amazing use of the Thai tea flavor, and I can't stop thinking about it. A dear friend and I visited a little Thai restaurant/take out joint that opened in my neighborhood, Skyice Sweet and Savory. My friend had raved about their ice cream selections, particularly the Thai Tea version. Naturally, I insisted we check it out.

The sweet little shop smells of amazing spices and fish sauce. Very good sign. The service was bright and friendly, and we were given tastes of some of the ice cream. We ordered a sampler platter of five 'mini scoops' that were anything but small. Every single ice cream we tried was an immense burst of flavor! So delicious, we were actually smacking our lips with happiness. The Thai Tea ice cream was divine. It basically tasted like a smooth milkshake made with Thai tea. Perfect. I wanted to take home a pint of this flavor, but I knew it would be dangerous to have it in my freezer! I cannot wait to go back and have more, and also check out the food. I cannot stop thinking about it.

Steep Thoughts: The Iced Barley Tea Edition

2011-07-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

I've started to come to terms with the fact that I am prejudiced against anything that is called 'tea' but doesn't have any Camellia Sinensis leaves in it. I don't usually order a tisane when it's on a menu. I usually roll my eyes when given the choice of chamomile or peppermint 'tea' to drink. I'm starting to keep an open mind to trying new and uncomfortable things. I must embrace all types of tea!

On a hot, sticky NYC day I met some friends for a Japanese street-food lunch at a little place called Otafuku. Blink while walking down the street, and you'd miss it. Trust me, the delicious food here is worth a visit. While waiting to order, I noticed a little sign that said 'barley tea $1.00'. It was humid, I was thirsty, so I placed an order. In the back of my mind I kept thinking 'this isn't tea, so why should I try it?'. But I threw caution to the wind, and took a sip.

The iced roasted barley tea (Mugicha in Japanese) was just the right thing to drink while waiting in the blazing sun for our food. The roasty, slightly bitter flavor kept my palate happy while I cooled down. It is a very nice afternoon, or even after dinner beverage, as it contains no caffiene, and no additives. Just pure hydration.

Mugicha is a traditional Japanese summer drink, renown for its refreshing properties. It is served hot in the winter, and cold in the summer. I've actually had this beverage hot in Korean restaurants, but I much prefer it cold. The bitterness holds up well to the ice. It has a similar taste to the roasted rice found in genmaicha, but there is no green tea to mellow out the bitterness.

I'm glad I suppressed my tisane prejudices enough to try this flavorful drink. True teas are still my beverage of choice, but I'm starting to broaden my horizons a little bit. If anyone has had other experiences with barley tea, let me know in the comments!

A glimpse of sunshine on a rainy day

2011-06-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Fridays are always difficult, as my energy level is at its lowest point. This morning I am enjoying a very basic but always tasty Yorkshire Gold. The color is truly uplifting on this gray, rainy day. Through my sleepy gaze, the liquid looks like a sunrise. The taste is always strong enough to rev me up, even on the gloomiest day. I think I need another cup...

the misty view from the office

Steep Thoughts: I need a cup of tea when...

2011-06-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

Today I'm steeping a toasty Tie Guan Yin from Radiance. Today's Steep Thoughts are reflections on the times I desperately need of a cup of tea. Yes, I drink tea all day long, but there are moments when it is crucial. Below are some recent examples, along with the tea I wish I had been drinking.

I know I need a cup of tea when...

...I race home from work, and bust through the door with 20 minutes to make dinner. My daughter runs up to me totally naked (mommy! I'm naked!), and my 15 month old son starts wailing as soon as he sees me. I have to cook while holding him. He is over 25 pounds. (A Ceylon to wake me up)

...I wake up with the kids and bring them into the living room to find that the cat pooped on our rug. Again. We just replaced that rug. (Should have made a Jasmine scented tea to soothe my nostrils. Or perhaps a Pu-erh for amusement)

...Trying to stifle a laugh at an important meeting every time someone says Cox. (a malty Assam to distract me)

...Realizing in said meeting that I've used the word 'like' in a sentence more times than an 80s valley girl. (keep drinking the Assam)

...Trying to enjoy a relaxing moment on our deck while listening to our neighbor spew creative expletives. (White Peony. Works in so many situations)

...Waiting on a very long line at the grocery store for 20 minutes without moving an inch. The person in front if me is cursing into her phone and the person behind me smells like a dead fish that has been out in the sun for three days. All I need to purchase are bananas, organic lollipops, and recycled toilet paper. I consider ditching the line but I know our Coordinator of toddlery (Just like Tina Fey, I hate using the word 'nanny') will freak out if there are no bananas for our son tomorrow. (Asked the woman with the potty mouth to hold my place in line and grabbed an Ito En iced black tea)

...I simultaneously get a phone call, three emails, and an in-person pop-in about an issue at work. (Needed a soothing Genmai Cha)

...Dealing with the preschool options in Brooklyn. (a Darjeeling that helps me pretend that I'm somewhere far away).

There are of course many, many more situations. When are you most in need of a cup of tea? What do you reach for?

Steep Thoughts- The 'Holy Orange Tea, Batman!' Edition

2011-06-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Today I found myself in Chelsea Market, and I ordered Thai food for lunch at Chelsea Thai, where they also have Thai grocery items for sale. While I was waiting for my lunch, I noticed they sold Thai tea powder! A huge bag for $5. How could I resist? I rushed back to my office with booty in hand, anticipating a free moment to investigate further.

When a steeping moment arrived, I tore into the package. I was hit with a Thai Iced Tea smell. It's hard to describe, but it's sweet, and tamarind-y with an undertone of spices that I can't recognize. My fingers are stained orange just from opening the package! This is lethal stuff. I was in the office, but just couldn't resist making a cup. I steeped some of the mixture in hot water, and just added 2% milk and sugar. The smell is unmistakable. It's exactly what the Thai Iced Tea in our local restaurants smells like. Very promising!

The taste was a little watery, and not sweet enough. Apparently I was not brave enough to add the proper amount of tea. I added two packets of sugar for a small cup of tea, but it is still nowhere near as sweet as the Thai Iced Tea I've had before. When I get home I'll try using sweetened condensed milk. That should help, and also add the right texture to the drink. But the overall flavor is exactly what I am looking for! How exciting!

This will definitely make the next round of Thai Tea Ice Pops better. OK so it's not exactly an 'all natural' beverage that I usually go for, but it's a fun and tasty occasional treat.You can drink it hot or cold!

A Rarity

2011-06-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

If I ever purchase a bottled tea, I usually get one of the wonderful, unsweetened drinks from Ito En. Usually bottled teas are far too sweet for me. I want to taste a bit of tea with my sugar, which is hardly ever the case with the bottled selection out there. They are also hard to find without added flavorings aside from lemon.

Today while browsing in a local grocery, I noticed a few bottled Argo teas. I've been to the nearby cafe a few times, but never noticed the bottled offerings, as I usually have to get a bubble tea. Most of the teas in the case had something I wasn't interested in, either a flavor, or use of rooibos. But then I noticed the Carolina honey drink. The ingredients were only black tea, cane sugar, honey, and lemon juice concentrate. That sounded promising. I've been burned by this combination before, but I was in the mood to try again.

Upon opening the bottle, the scent of honey immediately hits me. It actually smells like real honey, which is a good thing. But I was still worried about how much was used. The tea tastes very much like the hot tea and honey mixture my mother would give me when I had a sore throat. It is quite sweet, but the taste of actual honey instead of just sugar was very pleasant. A bit of black tea cuts through the sweetness with a bitter bite. The added lemon juice also helps reduce the cloying sweetness. The honey creates a comforting, soft feeling on the tongue. It was strange to drink an iced tea that was so soothing, but of course it worked for me.

This tea is still too sweet to drink on a regular basis, but it is definitely a good one to keep in mind on a hot day. A good choice for National Iced Tea month! The nifty glass container can also be reused, which is always a plus to me.

Sanctuary T visit

2011-06-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

I always find that tea is a great digestive, especially when I've eaten something greasy. Over the weekend a friend and I enjoyed a walking tour that was dedicated to cheese. After almost 4 hours of cheese tasting, my belly was happily full, but needed some help. I knew we were close to Sanctuary T, a little restaurant that has been on my list to check out. It was a chilly, misty day, and a warm cup of tea was the perfect end to our cheese extravaganza.

The restaurant had the doors wide open with plants outside, which was cheerful and inviting. Even though it has a trendy SoHo address, there was stroller parking for the little ones. The restaurant has a simple decor, but with the loud music that usually accompanies a NYC brunch. It's a narrow space with a (tea) bar and wooden tables. The furniture has a slight Asian feel, but the venue lights are low, and coupled with the loud music it didn't feel like the serene teahouse described on their website. But happy to be inside, we selected our teas. The tea menu is far smaller than other tea focused establishments, but there was basically one of everything- one Ceylon, Assam, Oolong, a few greens, etc, and even a pu-erh. I needed something strong to revive me, so I tried the Golden Yunnan. Our tea came out in two huge mugs with strainers on top. I noticed many tables had been given wooden tea timers, but we didn't have any. Just the simple instruction of 'let it sit for 5 minutes'. I choose to believe this is because my friend told our server that I was a 'tea expert'. But it was probably an oversight.

The golden Yunnan was exactly what I was looking for. Sweet, bold, with a nice malty base. Caramel and cocoa notes came through as well. It had an invigorating aroma and gave me the lift that I needed. My stomach was grateful. I was happy that we were given the tea in a strainer so I could steep it as long as I wanted. I did think it was unnecessary to bring out a plate of rock-candy sugar without asking. My friend and I do not take sugar in our tea, so they could have used it for someone else instead of wasting it. Although it did look very appealing on the rustic wood plate.

I was surprised by the mugs used for serving the tea. I was expecting a pot of tea, not an oversized mug. The mugs were plastic on the outside with an inner glass lining. Very similar to the glass tea tumblers that have suddenly popped up everywhere, such as the Libre. I love the idea of sturdy plastic on the outside with a glass lining that is healthy, and flavor-free. Since I wasn't 'on the go' I think I would still have preferred a pot over a huge mug. I imagine the tea cooled off much quicker in a big mug, and I felt compelled to drink it faster. Pouring tea from pot to cup is a sensory experience that I come to expect at a teahouse, or even a restaurant.

Like many tea houses in NYC, Sanctuary T offers some tea related events. There are some events for children, which is a nice addition for a downtown tea place. Even with the many tea focused establishments in the area, it is nice to duck out of the rain and enjoy a mug of tea with a friend here. I imagine it is more peaceful during the week, and one could relax and contemplate a mug of tea. But on the Saturday afternoon we were there, the music was loud, and the crowd seemed to be more interested in brunch than trying tea. It felt like a typical NY brunch scene, but with much better beverages!

Sanctuary T- 337B West Broadway, NY NY 10013- Recommended

Highlights: Quality (but small) tea menu, kid friendly, friendly staff

Attempting Thai Tea Ice Pops

2011-06-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I decidced to make Thai iced tea in ice pop form. Aside from finding the time for it, I was faced with several challenges. First, I needed a recipe that used black tea, since I didn't have a prepackaged Thai tea mix. Then I needed to figure out the correct amount of sweet milk to hold up to the freezing process. I also had to to figure out if making Thai tea in pop form even made sense at all. Especially since my daughter is obsessed with ice pops, and I don't want her to see these around the house!

After a little bit of research I decided to use this recipe because it used black tea, and also had some interesting spices. I didn't have evaporated milk, but used sweetened condensed milk, star anise, a few cardamom pods, a piece of cinnamon stick, and a blend of Ceylon, Assam, and Keemun teas that I had on hand. I made about 3 cups of tea, not the 1 cup that this recipe calls for. So I added a little bit more of the ingredients. I boiled the water, steeped the tea and spices for 5 minutes, and then strained into a pitcher to cool. Once it cooled down I added some of the condensed milk. It tasted sweet but not as sweet as it should, so I added a little bit of sugar. The result tasted more like a sweet chai, and not Thai iced tea, but I think it's because of the cardamom.

I have to admit that I was a little afraid of the sweetened condensed milk. I've never worked with it before, and it was very sticky and, well, sweet. It reminded me of a caramel. It was so sweet that I didn't want to use too much of it. I was also hesitant to use cardamom pods, as they are very strong. But I decided to get crazy and just go with it. I felt a little like a mad scientist, just adding a dash here, and a spoonful there. I filled the molds and popped it in the freezer and went on with my day. I checked on it a few hours later, when the kids were ready for bed.

The end result wasn't bad, but it didn't have the familiar taste I was looking for. There was a bitter bite of tea, and a dry feeling on the tongue. The star anise gave a nice hum to the flavor. But it needed to be a little creamier and definitely sweeter. My fear of condensed milk was the main culprit. A great first try though. The pops are still refreshing and definitely taste like tea, even if it is more like masala chai. I think next time I need be more generous with the condensed milk, and sugar. I'll also use less cardamom. I may try to add tamarind if I can find it, and maybe vanilla.

It was a fun first attempt! Not exactly what I was going for, but it gave me the confidence to try again. This may open the door for other tea ice pop ideas...

Steep Thoughts- the Iced Tea Edition

2011-06-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

While enjoying a 'bubble tea' from Argo, I was thinking about the fact that the only sweet iced teas I enjoy are the aforementioned, and Thai Iced Tea. I was browsing my favorite websites while slurping my tea and landed on a tasty looking fudgy ice pop recipe. This is where the little light bulb appeared over my head. This weekend I am going to attempt to make Thai Iced Tea pops! I do not have traditional Thai red tea (and it is difficult to find without added artificial colors), but I'll use a Chinese black, along with a fairly traditional recipe.

Seems like a perfect way to celebrate National Iced Tea month! Iced tea pop post coming soon...

Have a good weekend!

Of course June is National Iced Tea Month

2011-06-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

We've been having a particularly hot week in NYC and it's very appropriate that June is National Iced Tea Month. Even in warmer weather I prefer hot tea to cold, but there are times when I'm just super thirsty and I want to drink my tea quickly. I'm visualizing a very hot day when we've just finished working in our little garden. Icy cold tea is perfect for that occasion.

Iced Tea is also a great replacement for soda drinkers. You can lightly sweeten it up, add fresh mint, fruit juice, extracts, etc. But I like my tea plain and simple. Straight up black tea, nice and strong (the only exception of course is bubble tea!).

We boil a big ol' pot of water, add about 6 teabags, and let it steep for a long time. Sometimes we'll forget about it for an hour or two, and it's still perfect. I don't usually add much ice (if any) because I don't like to dilute the flavor at all. This reminds me of the cold HK tea I had recently. My husband likes lots of ice, and our bold brew holds up well. We've been storing our iced tea in bottles I've used for Kombucha, as they are the perfect size for the fridge. We don't really have room for a huge container.

If sweet tea is your thing, I'd suggest using simple syrup instead of sugar. Sugar does not fully dissolve in cold water, making your iced tea unsweetened at first, and then unbearably sweet at the bottom. Simple syrup is easy to make, and you can just pop it in the fridge to keep on hand all summer long. It's just one part sugar to one part water. So you can use a cup of sugar, and a cup of water, put both ingredients in a pan, bring to a boil, and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool, and you have a perfect sweetener for iced tea.

Feel free to leave your iced tea favorites in the comments!

Trump Tea?

2011-05-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

Today I was roaming around a large discount department store, looking for sandals for my son. I always look through the housewares, just to see what I can dig up. I noticed a few tea tins, so I naturally picked one up for further investigation. I was stunned when I noticed the brand name. Trump Tea. Yes folks, apparently Donald Trump has started a tea brand, and a few sad and lonely tins were sitting on the shelf of a discount store. For $7.99 one could be yours.

Why on earth would Trump create a tea brand? Is it because he loves the Tea Party so much? Politics aside, perhaps it is for sale in his hotel gift shops? I have no idea, but of course there is a website for the tea, if you are interested in learning more. According to the website, the teas are "Inspired by world-renowned developer and businessman Donald Trump, Trump® Tea is a premier collection of gourmet teas that embodies the luxury and sophistication synonymous with the Trump name. Superior quality and attention to detail are keys to Donald Trump’s success and the same principles are applied to all things Trump".

So there you go. The tea appears to be whole leaves (and herbs, fruit, etc) in a silk pyramid. I was very curious to try one, but I just couldn't let myself purchase it. I have no interest in supporting anything related to The Donald.

If anyone has tried one of the Trump teas, let me know in the comments!

Steep Thoughts

2011-05-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Today as I was steeping and then enjoying a pu-erh tea from Radiance, I came across this fun and informational interview with Emeric Harney from Harney & Sons. The interview is quite lengthy but is very informative for the newbie; and even seasoned tea drinker would find it interesting. Mr. Harney gave some surprising information regarding tea and caffeine. He speaks about the difference in types of tea, difference between using a tea ball and a tea strainer, and even debunks the old wives tale of 'decaffinating' a tea by flash steeping it. He also discussed taking a moment to sit down with your cup of tea, and the importance of ritual and tradition. I love that he pointed out that tea is actually cooling on a hot day. I do enjoy iced tea on occasion, but I always drink hot tea, even in the summer.

I had to watch this over a few sittings, but it's worth a look if you have time!

Hope everyone enjoys their long Memorial day weekend. Drink lots of tea!

Mysterious Chrysanthemum Crystals

2011-05-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I received a package in a tea swap, and with the tea came these mysterious chrysanthemum tea crystals. The package does not give much information in English, except to dissolve the crystals in warm or iced water. It also lists the ingredients as chrysanthemum and granulated sugar. The person that gave the crystals to me just said she got them from a friend. She said to add them to tea, or drink them alone.

The cyrstals have a sweet and bitter bite to them. They have a drying effect on the tongue, which reminds me of the tannins in tea. I decided to try them in a cup of basic Yorkshire Gold tea. The crystals give the tea a sweet yet slightly bitter taste. An interesting way to sweeten tea without making it too sweet.

I tried them alone in warm water, and it just takes like sweet water with a very slight bitter note.

I've been doing an online search, and have found a similar product here:

http://shop.peisystem.com/product.sc?productId=7

But I can't seem to find much else about this mysterious product. If anyone knows more about it, please let me know in the comments. I'd love to learn more!

Steep Thoughts

2011-05-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

And now.. Steep Thoughts. I realized that many of us have some interesting ideas running through our heads as we wait for the tea to steep. So I thought I'd share mine. Please feel free to share yours in the comments

As I sit and wait for my cup of Yorkshire Gold to steep, my thoughts today drift to feelings of nostalgia. The flavor of food, or even tea has the power to bring back nostalgic thoughts for me. With tea, this works particularly well with two kinds- Darjeeling, which was my brew of choice in and after college, and plain ol Lipton with honey and lemon. My mom would always give me tea with honey and lemon when I had a sore throat. It is very soothing, and the lemon will provide a tiny extra bit of vitamin C, which always helps. I always feel better after a cup.

Music can also send me on a memory romp. Just this morning my daughter was watching a Mickey Mouse short that I must have seen as a child because as soon as I heard the sound effects, I knew what it was. It's amazing how our brains can tuck away things as subtle as this. Every so often I'll go on a youtube bender, playing old clips from saturday morning cartoons, or The Muppet Show. Just a few notes of music, or the voice of a character can bring me back. Of course this goes for any song I hear that I obsessively listened to back in my high school and college days as well.

My cup is ready, and I need to bring myself back to reality. But sometimes it's nice to think about things in childhood, and how the simple little things made life so cheerful, and continue to do so. Just like my daughter's snuggles, or a tea break.

Rainy Tisane Season

2011-05-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

It has been a gloomy few days here in NYC. The grey clouds are heavy and the tops of skyscrapers are veiled in misty fog. This weather makes it difficult to get up in the morning, and seems to enhance little aches and pains.

I've been saving a special herbal tea for just the right occasion (or more like putting it off until I was ready to try it), and I think it's time. I don't usually drink tisanes, as they aren't officially tea and I don't usually like an herbal or floral tasting brew. But I'm trying to keep an open mind, so I took out a special box sent to me by a fellow tea lover.

The tea is called "Matri: Tea of the Mother", and according to their website, "Matri® was blended to breathe women in birth in the most high & loving way. Matri was created by Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Teas to inspire mothers to be unified with the higher consciousness of the physical, emotional, mental, & spiritual body systems". I have two young children, so I'm not exactly planning on going into labor anytime soon, but I was intrigued. I also believe drinking tea presents an opportunity to relax and be more aware of the mind and body. The description may have bit a bit 'crunchy' for my taste, but hey, it's a 'mother's' tea, so this worn out mother decided to give it a try.

The leaves smell like dried grass and herbs, but I can't pinpoint anything specific. I wasn't sure how to brew the tea since I didn't see any instructions. But I just added a bunch of the mixture to a cup with a strainer, and poured in the hot water. The brew smells very grassy, which I assume is from the alfalfa and dandelion. There is also a hint of lemon and ginger. It has a very pleasant taste. Gently grassy, a bit lemony and a slight taste of ginger. It has a nice calming effect. It is very soft and smooth on the tongue. I've had a sore throat for a few days, and this tisane is definitely soothing my throat a bit. On this damp and gloomy day, it is warming and cheerful. The grassy flavor makes me hopeful for sunny days out in the park.

The Matri tea contains everything I dislike in an herbal tea, but I'm glad I decided to try it. It has made me pause a bit and re-think. While I won't reach for this tea (or any other of its kind) on a daily basis, it's good to have around when I'm feeling under the weather, or just need a bit of warming up on a chilly day. Perhaps next time I'm offered an herbal tea I will not be so quick to dismiss it. Or at least I'll try to be a bit more open minded.

Bosie Tea Parlor

2011-05-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

A few tea shops have popped up recently in the West Village. When Yosh O. mentioned that she was thinking of going to Bosie with her friend BL, I jumped at the chance to join the fun.

I love tea places that are not all frills and chintz, and Bosie is a nice mix of wood tables, walls of tea canisters, and pretty, but not frilly teapots. L’Âge de Thé is the tea brand within the golden canisters. This is their in-house brand, which according to their web site is "a collaboration between Kiley Holliday, the youngest female Tea Master in the United States, and Nicky Dawda, an accomplished New York restaurateur and former hedge fund CTO...Holliday and Dawda travelled to many estates, personally tasting and selecting the finest teas of each region that comprise the collection."

The tea selection did not disappoint. There are teas for just about every palate. I was also gratified to see the herbal teas relegated to the very back of the tea menu. Anyway, I was in the mood for a black tea, and decided on the Fujian Golden Tips. A little while after ordering, I heard tea timers go off and our drinks arrived. My tea was lighter in color and flavor than I had expected, and was very subtle. I could taste a honey sweetness with a touch of malt. The tea was pleasant and soothing, but I was expecting something a touch stronger. It could be that I had the wrong expectations, but Yosh also commented that she thought her tea was weak. I've mentioned this a few times before, but taste preferences can vary. I wish that we could get the steeping basket on the side, in order to steep longer if necessary. But I suppose that when I dine in a restaurant I wouldn't tell the chef how to prepare the food, so perhaps I shouldn't tell the staff how to brew the tea. Still, I would have preferred it a little stronger.

Along with our tea we had a few standard tea sandwiches, and delicious pastries. I later found out that the pastries are all made by Damien Herrgott, who worked at Ladurée in Paris and Bouley Bakery in New York. As you can imagine, the macarons were very authentic. They had great texture and flavor (for the most part). My favorite macaron was one made with Darjeeling tea. It had a strong Darjeeling flavor, but also a gentle sweetness. It was exactly how I'd want a Darjeeling macaron to taste! I also had a Matcha macaron which was very well done, and had a strong matcha flavor. The only miss for me, was the 'Jasmin'. I was expecting a subtle floral taste, but it was so strong, I felt like I was biting on a bar of perfumed soap.

Tea under glass...true works of art!

Bosie is a nice little find in the West Village. It's a perfect stop after strolling through the neighborhood's historic nooks and crannies. A comfortable place for some tea, and a tasty macaron.

I am compiling a list of 'Tea Happiness Recommended' places in NYC, and Bosie will definitely be included.

Bosie Tea Parlor, 10 Morton Street (212) 352-9900

Today's Steep Thoughts

2011-05-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

This week's installment of Steep Thoughts is actually a bit of a rant that went on in my head while steeping a much needed tea to cleanse my palate. Background: while grabbing lunch today, it was warm and I was feeling summery. I decided to try a brand of iced tea that I never usually pick up. I usually stick with Ito En's unsweetened tea when the mood strikes. But if you've been following my posts, you'll know that I've been on a sweetened tea kick lately. Because of this, I was feeling nostalgic for a particular brand's peach iced tea, which doesn't really taste like peach, or tea. But I used to drink it in my college days, and I have a fondness for the flavor. While looking at the iced teas in the grocery store, I noticed a White Peach iced tea from Inko's. I've never tried this brand before, so I thought I'd give it a try. I wish I had thought more rationally about how my palate has changed since college. But I let nostalgia guide me.

The label says 'Made with White Tea-which is documented as one of the rarest and healthiest teas in the world.' Rarest? Is white tea rare? I can get it in any tea shop, and I'm guessing Inko's couldn't charge less than $4 a bottle if it was rare. The label goes on to say, 'Inko's isn't loaded with sugar, nor does it leave you with any harsh, grassy aftertaste.' But I like both bitter and grassy teas! I wish I had read this before purchasing. I knew I was in for an overly-sweet beverage that did not taste like tea.

Well, it did not taste like tea. I did not detect any white tea, I only tasted syrupy sweetness with a slight hint of peach. The tea had a strange cloying consistency, and tasted almost chemical. The dominant sweet taste and whisper of peach did conjure up images of my college days, which I guess is a positive thing. I was drinking the tea outside in the sunshine, which made things better. I had the sun warm my face with a cool liquid to drink, which was a nice break from a hectic day.

With only a few exceptions, it seems sweetened iced teas are always sweeter than you are expecting. I imagine they are catering to an average American soda drinker, and not the tea enthusiast. if you are looking for a bottled tea that tastes like tea (and may have a strong grassy aftertaste!), try the Ito En unsweetened varieties.

When I came back from lunch, I brewed a fresh cup of Royal Yunnan from the newish tea company Tea Licious. The tea was malty, slightly sweet, and just what I needed to wash out the sticky sweetness of the White Peach Tea. Now I feel better. Perhaps the bottled tea will end my sweet tea kick.

Portable Thai Iced Tea

2011-05-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

I don't usually add anything to my daily cups of tea. I don't even like sugar in my iced tea. I always ask before ordering one, to make sure it isn't pre-sweetened. As you can imagine, I am a born and raised in the Northeast. The only time I like sweetener in my tea is when it's bubble tea, chai, or Thai iced tea. Those sweet treats are usually an occasional indulgence. But over the last few weeks, I've had my share of sweet teas with HK style milk tea, and more than one bubble tea. But when Yosh O. and I went to Qi, a new Thai joint midtown, I felt the pull of the milky, sweet Thai iced tea. I noticed it on the menu, and it just got stuck in my brain. Like the little devil that sits on your shoulder, trying to tell you what to do. But there was no angel on the opposite side, convincing me to make a healthier choice.

We ordered everything to go, and I was surprised to see that the tea was in a bag. When I've ordered a tea to go in other restaurants they usually give it to you to hold, to make sure it doesn't spill. After walking about a block, I peeped into the bag, thinking I'd take a sip while we made our way back to the office. I was looking forward to a cool sip of iced tea, when I was confronted with a soup container. The tea was in jail, sealed shut with an airtight lid. How strange, and disappointing! The tea sat in the bag mocking me while we took the long walk back to the office.

I had a large ceramic cup at my desk, so I thought I wouldn't have to slurp out of the plastic soup container. But I was very thirsty, and also worried that my attempt to pour the tea into the cup would result in a sticky keyboard. So I drank from the plastic container. It was almost like drinking from a tea bowl...almost. Despite the hassle, it was actually very good Thai iced tea. Much better than what I've had in most midtown restaurants. It was sweet, but the strength of the tea came through, as did an interesting flavor I couldn't identify. Possibly tamarind? It could be star anise, which is a typical Thai Iced tea ingredient, but I didn't taste licorice.

Since the restaurant had just opened a few days prior to our visit, I'm guessing that they didn't get their order of take-out beverage containers. At least, that is my hope. When I return to the restaurant, I'll probably order the tea only when I have time to dine-in, just in case.

It's time to cleanse myself of all the sugar, condensed milk, and artificial additives that I've consumed over the last couple of weeks. What better way than with many, many cups of tea.

Steep Thoughts

2011-04-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

And now...it is time for our newest Friday feature. Steep Thoughts by Tea Happiness. Yes, I was inspired by The SNL original. I realized that many of us have some interesting ideas running through our heads as we wait for the tea to steep. So I thought I'd share mine. Please feel free to share yours in the comments!!

I have been enjoying a few different varieties of Pu-erh recently. I am very new to this type of tea, trying to taste as many as possible (full post coming soon). The taste of certain Pu-erhs are conjuring up images of leather and forest floors, reminding me of outlaws galloping through the woods during the Middle Ages. The flavor seems to be an acquired taste, similar to a good Scotch. I've been imagining my husband's weekly poker night, with the guys all sitting around a table with a teapot in the middle, and a petite cup in front of each player. I wonder if their game strategy would be enhanced with a few cups of Pu-erh. I bet it would be. I've certainly been enjoying the calm alertness that the tea has been giving me. Pu-erh. Good for just about any situation, from running around after a toddler, to raiding the King's castle.

Thank you for reading this week's Steep Thoughts.

Hong Kong Tea in NYC

2011-04-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

fun decor

Last night I attended a Ramen and Friends outing at Cha Chan Tang, a Hong Kong style food and tea restaurant. The restaurant is a lively, colorful place. When you walk in, you are met by a tall tea and coffee mug sculpture. I was happy to see a focus on tea, even if it was just in the decor. I decided it was a good sign.

Of course, I was excited to try the Hong Kong style tea. The restaurant has a selection of tea beverages and smoothies, but I knew exactly what I wanted. I heard that the 'Special Cold Hong Kong Style Tea' was the way to go. Of course, I immediately ordered it. The service was slow, the day was warm, and I was eager to try my cold tea!

It finally arrived, and resembled a bucket of champagne on ice. I was given a straw. It took me a second to realize that I was supposed to drink directly from the bottle sitting in the bucket. It was a cumbersome way to enjoy the tea, but it was still delicious and refreshing. It tasted similar to black milk tea and even Thai iced tea with a sweet, rich milky flavor. A bit of research revealed that the drink is usually prepared with evaporated milk. What I liked better about this version is that you could actually taste tea amidst the cloying sweetness. It had a slight bitterness that worked well. My favorite part of the drink was the construction. The ice was on the outside of the bottle, keeping the tea perfectly chilled without diluting the taste. As the evening progressed, the ice started to melt a bit, but there was still more than enough to keep each and every sip nice and cold. I will warn that if you don't enjoy a super sweet tea beverage now and again, then definitely order something else.

This article has a little bit of interesting information on Hong Kong milk tea. For anyone that is interested in making it at home, here is a step-by-step guide!

If you are looking for a bite to eat with your tea, just realize that this is the Hong Kong equivalent of diner style food for us Americans. Fast, filling, often greasy and comforting. Our turnip cakes and fried rice were good, but we also had a few misses. But it's a great place for a cold bottle of strong milk tea on a hot day.

Cha Chan Tang- 45 Mott St, NY, NY.

Tea in the office

2011-04-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

When I meet a fellow tea drinker, I always ask how they enjoy their tea at work. Many people sigh, and say they stick with bagged tea, and some will use strainers or fillable tea bags. I try to stick with methods that give the tea ample room to expand. I have a handy little teapot, as well as a mug with a porcelain strainer. My favorite vessel was a beautiful 8oz glass cup with its own strainer. But it was not a great pick for the office. Yesterday I had a few videotapes on my desk a little too close to my elbow. I accidentally hit one causing a domino effect down my desk, knocking the poor unsuspecting glass off the side. A huge shatter followed. I should have been smarter than this; bringing a delicate glass cup to work is not the best idea. But using it made me very happy.

my late great glass cup

Finding a nice sturdy teapot or cup with a strainer is a good option for the office. Especially if you can keep it away from your elbow. My pot is a Bee House, and I've had it for years. Unlike my little glass cup that is now a fond memory.

If your office has a coffeemaker with a hot water spout, you are in luck. But all you really need is access to a microwave (and a vessel that is microwave safe). My office has a water cooler with a hot water spout, which is great. I do need to put the hot water in the microwave for black teas, because it is still not hot enough. But zapping the water for a minute does the trick. If you are not afraid of wiping down a teapot, loose tea with a little pot is definitely the way to go! And if you are like me, any cold tea at the end of the day goes directly to my plants. If your office allows small appliances at your desk, you could also get an electric kettle.

the offending tapes!

I have a large array of loose tea to choose from, as well as a few bagged options when I have to run into a long meeting. I like having a choice of teas during the day. It keeps me awake and focused. It also keeps me away from spending too much on a paper cup with brown liquid.

For more on strainers vs. fillable bags, Black Dragon Tea Bar has an interesting post here.

For all of you that drink tea at work, what methods do you use?

Gifted Tea and Tea Blogging News

2011-04-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

Today I am happily thinking about two recent gifts. Last week my office friends (it always feels weird to refer to them as 'office' friends, since they are great friends that don't need a qualifier) gave me a special tea birthday present! An amazing variety of tea from Radiance. A package of loose white peony, a large can of aged pu'er, and a huge selection of bagged tea. I've already tried a few of the bagged teas, and the quality is very good. I will have to do a detailed review of the pu'er, as I am a pu'er novice and need to start learning more about it. I've only had a couple of sheng, and one shu. I look forward to trying all of the teas they generously gave to me. Thank you, ~~office~~ friends!

I am also very excited and honored to announce that I've just been accepted into the Association of Tea Bloggers! Thanks to everyone that reviewed my application. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge through new information and discussions. New tea adventures await.

How Does Tea Make You Feel?

2011-04-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

Tea is touted to have many health benefits, and of course it tastes good. But one of the many reasons why I drink it, is because it can calm me, and eradicate the stress of a hectic day. This is an important way that tea is beneficial for not just physical, but mental health.

I've been trying to think of ways to describe the calmness I feel when I drink a good cup of warm tea. I was mulling it over while sitting on the couch the other day, when my 11 year old cat Misha decided to sandwich herself next to me and the armrest. She kneads the tiny space of couch next to me and melts onto my leg, purring. I immediately feel a warm sense of relaxation and peace. It's the exact feeling I get when enjoying a quiet cup of tea!

I require tea in the morning to wake me up, but I value the versatility it has to also relax, and also refocus my mind. If I'm trying to do too many things at once, I'll have a cup of tea to help my brain sort out the heap of information it has taken in. It usually helps.

For all the tea drinkers out there, how does tea make you feel?

The best of the best...so far

2011-04-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

I've had ongoing frustrations with the tea service offered in restaurants, particularly those that are on the high-end of the price spectrum. In my many years of dining out in NYC, I've noticed that low and mid-range restaurants often supply diners with a better tea selection than the higher-end establishments. The state of tea service in restaurants is poor overall, as it often gets ignored for fancy artisan roasted coffee.

Over the weekend my Husband and I went out for a very special lunch at Per Se, one of NYC's 4-star restaurants. This isn't a food blog, but I have to mention that the food, service, and atmosphere is everything you could ever want in a 4 star restaurant. Exquisite. But, on to the tea service. We've been to Per Se before, and I remember that the teas were good, but my memory was a bit foggy.

The first test was to ask the server about the selection of teas. The tea and coffee is provided by Equator Coffee and Teas. He immediately recommended his favorite, which was a Golden Monkey. He knew it was from the Fujian Province of China. Definitely a good sign. There was also the standard Early Grey and I think an English Breakfast. They had two green teas- a Dragon Well and I believe a green blend. I chose the Golden Monkey, and my Husband picked the Dragon Well.

The teas came out in ample sized cast iron pots. The leaves had already been steeped and removed. My Golden Monkey was well prepared- smooth, delicate, with rich chocolate notes to it. A very satisfying tea. My only complaint would be that I tend to like my black teas a tiny bit stronger. I would have left the leaves in for another 30 seconds or so. I'm sure they brewed the leaves as they were instructed to. I wish I had the chance to give a strength preference (which I'm sure would be difficult for the server to reproduce), but overall, this was a good tea experience. I should have asked the server how they chose the tea supplier, and how many diners choose tea over coffee. But as you can imagine, my mind was floating with contentment, and not focusing.

I was happy to see a selection beyond the Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and 'green'. Of course, there is room for improvement but as I had hoped, this has been the best high-end restaurant tea experience so far. There is one other high-end place I need to visit soon, as I remember that they had a large tea selection. But again, my memory is a bit hazy on this. I think further research is definitely in order. Perhaps in a few months, after the immense amount of food from this phenomenal meal has finally been digested.

Return to Radiance Tea House

2011-04-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

My office is not far from Radiance Tea House, but I don't often get a chance to visit since it requires a lengthy lunch. It had been awhile since my last visit, and I was in need of a restorative lunch.

I ended up going in the middle of prime lunch time, so the place was packed and fairly loud. I was seated at a long table in the back, which was actually a little bit quieter since it is separated from the main dining area. I ordered dumplings for lunch, and then focused on the tea. I wanted to try something new, so I picked a raw pu'erh. I hate to admit it, but I've only had pu'erh once before, years ago. It was of questionable quality, and I did not enjoy it. It was time rid of that memory, and I knew this was a great place to do so.

I decided to try the Seven Sons Raw Pu'er because it sounded sweet yet complex. The tea arrived with the leaves in a strainer next to the pot. The wet leaves smelled very sweet, and were slightly earthy. The liquor was golden yellow. It was malty and smooth, with a predominant honey flavor. I was also getting an interesting taste of something that reminded me of the smell of a new leather jacket. Also rich earth after a heavy spring rain. The background tasted like an herb shop in Chinatown, in a good way. Interesting that the smell of the tea was so different than the taste.

The second brew was less smooth, and very earthy. It had a tannic taste that was stronger and more complex than the initial brew. Such a great experience! I wish I could have taken the leaves with me for a few more infusions. But since they were making an entire pot with each brew, I didn't have time for more. I am definitely going to start drinking more pu'erh. There are many different types, and I look forward to the journey. If anyone wants to recommend the next one to try, please feel free to do so.

One day I hope to take my daughter to Radiance, instead of one of the girly, toursity tea places that families usually frequent. I think she'd love the food and the friendly staff here. And she always loves stealing sips of my tea.

Radiance continues to be a true gem in Midtown. I will try to get back very soon!

Tea Deal from Harney & Sons

2011-04-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

Came across this deal from the Today show. I'm not a huge fan of flavored teas, but a great deal for anyone who is. Harney & Sons is a great company, with quality tea.
http://todayshow.harney.com/

Tea from Harney & Sons
Retail price: $113
Discount price: $33
Percent discount: 71% off!
Discount code: TODAYTEA
(To purchase the tea chest, click on one of the links above. Enter the discount code on the page and click submit. Click the "Add to Cart" button, then select "checkout." Complete the checkout process.)

The Harney and Sons tea chest is filled with a selection of 32 wrapped sachets including three different organic teas — includes popular flavors like Hot Cinnamon Spice, Earl Grey, Organic Green, Paris, Organic Bangkok. It also includes eight refill boxes of 20 satchels so you get a total of 192 tea satchels. For more information and to buy the $113 product for $33,

I Love Coffee!!!

2011-04-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee, how I love thee!!!!! What would I do without you? I could go on for hours about how much I adore it!! I should start a coffee blog!!!

I do occasionally enjoy coffee, but really...

APRIL FOOLS!

Tea is the beverage for me. Happy April 1st! I hope everyone is enjoying a refreshing cup of tea today. Let's hope Spring gets here soon!

Ajiri Kenyan Black Tea

2011-03-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

While browsing in a local grocery store, I noticed a display of interesting tea boxes. I loved the design on the box, and noticed that the proceeds provide jobs for Kenyan women and pay school fees for orphans. How could I say no?

According to their website, "Through the sale of Ajiri Tea, we hope to create a sustainable cycle of community employment and education. Ajiri means "to employ" in Swahili, the national language of Kenya...We buy our tea from a tea factory in the Kisii district of Kenya and employ women in Kisii to handcraft the box labels, beads, and twine. All profits are sent back to the community through our donation to the Ajiri Foundation to educate orphans by paying their school fees and purchasing their books and uniforms." Seriously, how could I not buy a box of this tea?

The leaves are tiny, dark, and pellet-like. Not what I was expecting, but I didn't want to judge on just the leaf appearance alone. The leaves are processed using the cut, tear and curl (CTC) process, where leaves crushed to equal pieces.This process uses a short fermentation period, which yields a strong brew. The leaves have a lovely sweet cocoa scent.

The liquor tastes of whole wheat toast, and dark chocolate. It is a strong brew that is very basic, perfect for the morning and would hold up well to milk and sugar. It's an easy tea to over-steep, so be very careful! A teaspoon for each cup is more than enough, and watch that you don't steep for more than 3 minutes.

There is an interview with the company's founder Sara Holby here. It gives more information about the tea and the company. It is an interesting read.

This tea was named a 2011 North American Tea Champion for CTC Black Tea at the World Tea Expo. Ajiri is a basic, tasty tea with a good cause. So pick some up if you see it in your area!

The Continuing Frustration with Restaurant Tea

2011-03-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my Husband's birthday, we went out to a fairly new 3-star restaurant. Food was delicious, but tea was a huge letdown. As I've mentioned in previous posts, the lack of thought given to tea continues to be an issue. It's frustrating to enjoy a wonderful dinner just to have a sad cup of tea at the end. When we asked our server where the tea was from, he immediately boasted that their coffee was La Colombe, which is a popular higher end roaster (um, I didn't ask, but thanks for letting me know?). The only info he had about the tea was the website printed on the label, and that 'they have been happy with the product'. The selection? English Breakfast, Earl Grey, 'a green tea', chamomile, and peppermint. Sigh. I was so annoyed that I actually ordered coffee instead. I wanted a black tea, and didn't want to order English Breakfast at 8pm (even though I've asked for it when in this situation before) and I don't care for Earl Grey. Husband had the 'green tea'. What arrived was a tiny silver teapot with an enormous teabag inside. The pot looked as if it held about 8 ounces, but definitely not more. We had no idea how long the tea had been steeping, and were not given any instructions on when to take it out. The resulting brew actually wasn't bad, especially considering that there was far too much tea for the pot. Surprisingly, it didn't have much flavor, but was a bit bitter from being over-steeped.

My husband decided to have a chat with the server to see if we could get any more information about their tea choice. Apparently they had started out using loose tea but it was somehow tied to the coffee company, and so when they switched to La Colombe they had to find a new tea vendor. They picked an online vendor, and were satisfied. When hubby pointed out that no one told us when to remove the teabag, the server did comment that tea service needed to be worked on. I am confident that this server will communicate our comments to the management, but who knows if it will actually change anything. But they are a new restaurant, and open to suggestions. So hopefully our comments will be helpful. They did seem genuinely interested in what we had to say.

Sadly, coffee outsells tea in most high end restaurants. And not many diners speak up when the tea is unsatisfactory. Next time you are unhappy with the tea you are served, definitely talk to the server, or even the management. They are usually happy for the feedback, and if enough people speak up, it will lead to better tea choices.

Uses for Leftover Tea

2011-03-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

There isn't usually much tea left in my pot, but when there is I usually try to re-use it. It's a nice way to show respect to the leaves, and is a natural way to solve household chores without chemical cleaners.

Leftover tea almost always gets diluted and given to my plants. I started doing this in the office, when it was easier to dump tea in the plants, instead of walking to the kitchen or bathroom. My office plants always look healthy, and after a little research I realized that my extreme laziness was actually beneficial. The tannins are actually healthy for most plants. Be sure to dilute the tea first, as too much acid can be damaging. Tea leaves are also a good fertilizer for plants, but according to this site, it is better to compost the leaves first to break down some of that tannic acid.

This weekend I was pouring a little diluted cold tea into my plants, and wondered what other things I could do with the brew. I flashed back to a memory of waiting for a table at our favorite Chinese restaurant.The waiter used the tea left in the previous diner's pot to clean the table. At first I thought it was strange, but then remembered reading somewhere that tea had antibacterial properties. Turns out that tea is effective in removing grease, and is great as a glass cleaner. You can pour some leftover tea in a spray bottle, and dilute with a little water and use it as a mutli-purpose cleaner. You can also sprinkle dry tea leaves on your carpet (NOT wet!), let them sit for awhile, and vacuum up to deodorize.

I'm definitely going to try a trick this site recommends: soak pots and pans with a couple of teabags overnight to loosen caked on grime. I'll probably try it with leftover prepared tea to see if it works. We have quite a few pans that are grimy, and can use all the help they can get.

The tannins in black tea actually bring out the rich color in wood floors. DIY network recommends adding tea to the bucket when mopping hardwood floors.

Does anyone have any other household uses for tea? Definitely let us know in the comments.

Tea Companies Donating For Japan Relief

2011-03-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

Edit: The list is growing! Thanks to the commenters here, and on steepster!

Here are a few tea companies that are helping to raise money for the Japan relief efforts. If you know of any others, please post them in the comments. Thanks to everyone over at Steepster, where I found most of my information. As I find more companies that are doing their part to help, I will add them to this post:

Kyoto Obubu tea:
In the spirit of the Operation Sakura (www.operationsakura.org) theme “Letting hope blossom” (the sakura flowers bloom in just two weeks!), we hope to aid our fellow tea lovers in Japan get through this hard time by raising funds that will help them rebuild their lives, and showing them that tea lovers are a global family!
The donation page is located at http://www.obubutea.com/donate and allows you to “purchase” virtual “Sakura Sencha of Hope” and “Sakura Sencha of Cheer”. We hope you will cooperate with us in this small effort to bring hope and cheer from one tea lover to another.
Funds raised thru this effort will go to the following in this order:
1. Obubu customers directly affected by the disaster
2. Tea farmers and tea businesses affected by the disaster
3. If the needs of the above have been met, we will donate the money to the Japanese Red Cross or other effort specifically related to the disaster
We encourage people to send a message through the form at the bottom of http://www.obubutea.com/donate. Our partner, Matcha Latte Media, will be gathering volunteer translators through Operation Sakura to help translate these messages.

American Tea Room:
Now through March 31, 2011 American Tea Room will donate 10% off ALL online sales to Japanese Disaster Relief. American Tea Room has extensive relationships with Japanese Tea Growers and Tea Ware manufacturers and our heart goes out to all those who are affected by this recent tragedy

Yogic Chai:
Yogic Chai will donate 30% of sales to Japan's relief efforts until 3/31.

Bingleys tea:
With our hearts and sincere concern, Bingley’s Teas, for the next 60 days will have a Not-for-Profit suggestion of the Japanese Sencha in our line. Please consider connecting to part of the art of this wonderful country through their excellent tea and we will share 100% of the proceeds of your purchase to a relief group to Japan. Please share so we may be of as much help together as possible. Thank you!

Chi of tea:
ChiofTea.com is coordinating with Japanese Tea Company Kyoto Obubu to support their local fund raisers. Kyoto Obubu Tea Plantations plans on announcing a fund raiser tomorrow to help in the search, rescue and recovery for many tea partners, family and friends in North Japan.

Vitalife Matcha:
Vitalife Matcha, a UK-based tea company that specialises in a Japanese green tea called ‘matcha’ has announced that it will be donating 25% of its profits over the next 4 months to help with the Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

Just Add Honey:
As we continue to offer good thoughts and love from afar, just add honey, a thoughtfully blended tea company, will donate 25% of all green tea sales to the Japanese earthquake and Tsunami relief efforts

THE O DOR Tea House:
We have installed a solidarity Fund, which will be entirely devoted to Japan, underlined by some strict control, in order to bring to the Japanese population the first urgent needs, under the authority of Theodor Japan. Our gesture is not motivated by any commercial purposes.
There is no purchasing obligation linked with the donation.

East Pacific Tea:
Is donating 25% of their Japanese tea sales to disaster relief.

Pearl Fine Teas:
"If you follow us on Facebook, you already know about our pledge to donate 20% of sales from our Japanese Green teas to the American Red Cross and searchdogfoundation.org.
Given the magnitude of the crisis, we will increase our donation to 40% from now until April 30, 2011. And, if you spend $25 or more, you’ll get a $5.00 credit towards shipping. Just enter code JAPAN5 at checkout to receive the discount."

Hancha Tea:
is contributing 20% of all Japanese green tea sales through the end of March.

Samovar:
will donate 10% of all Japanese green tea sales

Tea Geek:
will contribute 20% of the sales of its Fukamushi Sencha to the Red Cross Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund

Adagio Teas:
15% of Japanese tea sales will be donated to Red Cross relief

In Pursuit of Tea:
We will donate 10% of all purchases of Japanese teas and products to the Red Cross to aid Japan

Booch success!

2011-03-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Over the past 2 1/2 weeks my gallon of Kombucha has been busy fermenting. We've been tasting it every few days to decide if it was ready to make its debut. At first, it was too sweet, then it didn't have enough fizz. But last night we decided that it was ready! I poured the liquid into bottles and put them in the fridge. Separating the liquid from Slimey (the original scoby), and putting it in the fridge stops the fermentation process.

The tea has the tell-tale pungent smell that is a product of the fermentation. Acidic and slightly sweet. You know from the smell that the brew will have a strong taste. I don't detect anything that smells like tea. Pungent effervescence is a good way to describe the taste. Fizzy, acidic, and tangy. Similar to store bought Kombucha, but a little more flavorful. There is a nice subtle sweetness as well. The tea is very drying on the palate. Peeps said this is because I fermented it a little longer, which gave it more fizz, and made it a bit dryer. I like it like this! I'm not tasting much of the oolong tea I used, but there is a slight earthiness. The acidity is so strong that it's hard to detect. But I think it's there. The bubbles are small, and very pleasant.

And Slimey has produced an offspring! I took it out of the jar. It was a bit disgusting. Very firm, but soft, and well, slimey. If anyone would like a scoby to make your own Kombucha, let me know! It looks gross, but it does good work.

Next time I'll try using a different tea to see if the taste is any different. I'll have to do a little comparison taste test. Not sure if I will use black or green tea. Any suggestions?

I know Darjeeling is considered the 'Champagne of teas', but I think it should be Kombucha! At least it has a similar mouth feel. I'd say that the first Kombucha effort was a success! A new batch will be brewing soon.

A Boba Alternative

2011-03-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

I usually don't reach for flavored teas, as I prefer a pure tea taste. The one real exception to this is bubble tea. I have a huge weakness for the stuff. It's sweet and milky, with a chew from the tapioca pearl bubbles (they are called boba). It is a hugely caloric drink, and is usually packed with all sorts of artificial ingredients. I usually shy away from artificial flavors and colors, but again, the weakness. Unless you are making bubble tea from scratch, it is difficult to find it without artificial additives.

I walked past Argo Tea cafe during my lunch hour, and the siren bubble song lured me in. I've only tried Argo once before, but I had a vague memory of seeing bubble tea on the menu. They offer it in different flavors: Mango, Coconut, or Raspberry. When I'm in a bubble tea shop, I usually order the basic 'milk tea' in the hopes that I'll actually get a little tea flavor instead of a burst of fake fruit. So, I asked for just black tea and milk.

Square Boba!

Judging on looks alone, this was no ordinary bubble tea. The boba were square! The appearance reminded me more of a fruit jelly drink than bubble tea. The first sip was a little confusing- it wasn't sweet! Just cold, milky tea. Not a bad thing, but I was expecting the jolt of sugar on my tongue. But with my next sip I picked up a few of the square boba. Wow, the boba created little bursts of sweet tea flavor. Very cool! Very unexpected. Argo's website mentions that they use Nata De Coco for their boba, instead of tapioca. It is supposedly a healthier alternative. I like that this creates chewy, but not sticky boba. You don't have to barbarically pick your teeth after each sip. I also love that you get a milk choice (2%, skim, soy), as well as tea preference (black, green, or red).

It was nice to have some control over the sweetness of the drink. If you only take a few boba along with the tea, you don't have to get the intense shot of sugar that these drinks usually have (not that I mind the sweetness, of course). It is very user friendly. This is a healthier take on bubble tea that still retains the essence of the drink. I will definitely be trying another one soon. Perhaps with a flavoring.

I have to admit, I was originally turned off by Argo tea's signage in front of the store, so much so that I haven't made an effort for another visit. I am intrigued, and will definitely be back soon. But I still don't like the sign.

Argo Tea Cafe- 1792 Broadway NY, NY 10019

A quick slurp into History

2011-03-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

from http://tea.timzhao.com/ctcom/liter/dct.html

A few nights ago, while cleaning up from a small family gathering I took a few sips of what was left in our teapot. This is not an extraordinary activity but our cups were dirty, and I was thirsty. So I drank the tea directly from the spout. My husband seemed a little surprised by this, but not terribly. It seems a bit uncouth to drink from the spout, but I pointed out that the earliest known teapots were actually made to be used this way.

Tea was consumed long before teapots were invented. Before teapots, powdered tea was created by rolling the tea leaves by hand, drying, then grinding them into a powder. The powder was frothed in wide bowls (just as Matcha still is today). Infusing tea, similar to what most of us do today, became popular at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in China. The Chinese fashioned teapots out of purple 'zisha' clay. These are Yixing teapots, and were the first used for specifically brewing tea. Yixing pottery (not specifically teapots) dates back to the Sung Dynasty (960-1279). Yixing teapots are very special because they are quite porous and will take on the flavor of the tea you use. It is important to use just one type of tea for one pot. A detailed post on Yixing teapots will have to follow soon.

I was searching online for pictures of early teapots, but they have been difficult to find! If I ever find myself in Hong Kong, there is a Museum of Tea Ware to visit. It supposedly has an example of one of the first teapots. Hopefully one of these days I will get there! My research results also varied a little bit with each source. So please have a look on your own if you are interested in the subject.

I could probably go on and on about teapots. There are so many different types, styles, and ways to use them. I have a small collection of them myself, and it's difficult to limit a collection to a specific type. There is so much to learn about teapots. There are Chinese style, Japanese style, Russian Samovars, porcelain, clay, pewter, silver, new and antique, on and on and on. There are experts in just about every type of teapot, and the rituals they are used for.
There is so much to learn about teapots and tea ceremonies, and I am nowhere near an expert in any of it. It is exciting that the scope of learning all things tea is practically limitless. There is always something new to discover. Information will continue to unfold as long as it is sought out. This is part of what makes enjoying tea so pleasurable.

Here are a few websites I found to learn more about teapots (feel free to add your own in the comments):
http://tea.timzhao.com/ctcom/index.html
http://www.teapots.net/
http://www.enjoyingtea.com/teapot.html
http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa041601a.htm

Restaurant Tea

2011-03-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Tea from Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Most restaurants offer tea on their menu. Choices could be from a basic limp bag of Lipton, all the way up to a selection of teas by the pot. If I'm out and the mood strikes, I may order tea if it is a reasonable price and something more than a basic bag of you know what (although if I'm really craving a cup and I'm in a diner, I may get that, too). Some friends have suggested that I bring my own tea bags. But that just seems rude and disrespectful to the restaurant. If I want a cup of tea that badly, I'll order what they have or just wait until later. Every so often I will be surprised by a perfect cup (or pot) while I am out. These experiences are usually few and far between. Just to note, I am talking about restaurants that focus on food, not tea shops, tea houses, or other establishments that actually specialize in tea.

Often restaurants will offer bagged tea that could easily be purchased by the box in any store for just a little more than their price for a pot. If it is a tea that I like, I may usually order a pot to support the restaurant's tea service. Perhaps the inflated prices can be be compared to the mark-up on wine. What really bothers me is when a restaurant charges upwards of $6 for a pot of tea, and it's not prepared properly.

My husband and I enjoy splurging on a high-end meal now and again. Tea often gets overlooked at these restaurants, but coffee is always of high quality. When asked about a tea selection, 9 times out of 10 the server doesn't know much more than if the tea is black, green, or herbal. When they do offer loose leaves, the teas are not always brewed correctly.

I've had one crazy tea experience at a 4-star NY restaurant. I ordered a 2nd flush Darjeeling (I was excited to see that this restaurant knew enough to say that it was a 2nd flush). The tea arrived in a dainty porcelain pot with all the appropriate accouterments. But when I gave it a taste, it was VERY bitter, and a dark maroon color. I love the full flavor that a 2nd flush Darjeeling allows. They can be a bit strong, but not bitter to the point of undrinkability. When the server came over, I pointed out that the tea was too bitter. He gave me a snooty look and said 'well, it IS a second flush Darjeeling'. Um, thanks fella. I sheepishly told him that I was familiar with this type of tea, and that it was over-steeped. I'm sure he also used too much tea. He let out a huge sigh, and whisked the tea away. When you are paying hundreds of dollars for dinner (I don't remember how much the pot of tea was, but I'm sure it was quite a bit), why would you want poorly prepared tea? Clearly he brewed the tea incorrectly, but didn't want to own up to it. Whatever the case, it is frustrating that coffee gets so much attention at high end restaurants, but teas do not. If a cup of coffee tasted off, it would be fixed without a problem.

An exception to this is a recent dinner my husband and I had at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. They have a separate tea menu, which was exciting to see. The menu didn't state if the tea was a particular brand, so I asked. It was from SerendipiTEA. I've had this brand at home, so paying $6 for a pot seemed a little much, but in line with similar restaurants at this price point. I also know it is a fairly good quality tea. Besides, we were out for a special occasion, and I wanted a nice cup of tea! They had a black tea that I hadn't tried before, so I ordered it. The tea they prepared was fine, but it was a tiny bit on the weak side for me. Like most upscale restaurants, the leaves were removed from the pot before serving, and they were not included on the side. I wished that I could have steeped the tea for another 30 seconds or so. I'm sure if I had asked one of the servers, they would have brought fresh leaves for me, but that's not really the point. This restaurant was on the right track with their tea service. I just wish it would have been more interactive for me.

I guess the conclusion is just because a restaurant is 'fancy' it doesn't mean that their tea is better. It's possible that they do have quality leaves, but this gets lost if the tea is not prepared properly. Although when I am out and do get a good cup, it makes the meal all the more enjoyable whether I am at a local Thai joint, or 4 star restaurant. Tea lovers, what do you usually do? Do you have any solutions for all of the restaurants out there?

A flavored tea

2011-02-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

I try to keep an open mind when trying new teas, even if it is something I'm not usually fond of. My tastes change, especially when my mood chanes, so I attempt to give things more than one try before deciding I don't like it. I always brew a tea a few times before making a decision on it.

I've never really cared for flavored tea, not even Earl Grey. I know there is a huge market for it, and many tea drinkers love it. I've tried and tried, but I just can't seem to get behind flavored teas aside from ones that have just natural flowers added, such as Jasmine. When I drink tea, I am looking for pure tea flavor, without anything to mask it. There is just about every variety of flavored tea out there, from blueberry cheesecake, to chocolate dipped strawberries. Which leads me to the tea I've been tasting lately, called Valentines from Adagio.

I actually won a huge bag of this tea in an online contest. I should have given it more thought before entering, since it's not really wise to win a bag of tea that I may not like. But I love contests (I am surprisngly competitive and for this contest you had to post your valentine's day tea story), and I thought I'd like to give the tea a try. I am of course thankful to Adagio for having the contest, and sending this tea to me!

The tea is Ceylon, with added rose petals. According to Adagio it also has natrual strawberry and chocolate flavor. They dry leaves have a strong strawberry-sweet scent with chocolate mixed in. It also has a strange chemical, almost bitter like smell that lingers in my nose after I pull the leaves away. After steeping, there is a strong strawberry and chocolate scent. So strong that one of my co-workers walked over and asked if I was eating something chocolate. The smell actually reminds me of something from my childhood- chocolate scratch n' sniff stickers! I think it's because the aroma is hinting at chocolate and strawberries, but isn't quite on the mark. It's more of an artificial smell. I'm not saying that there are any artificial additives to the tea, I imagine it's very difficult to use flavorings to taste and smell like the real thing.

The taste is a bit bitter, and a bit sweet. Not really a strawberry sweet, though. It's hard to describe. I am getting a bitter chocolate taste, but it's more of an aftertaste. Adding a drop of milk smoothes out the flavor a bit, but I don't really care for milk in my tea, except in masala chai (I am so picky!).

I do have a few friends that enjoy this type of tea, so I will be giving it out to any interested takers. That is probably a good for Adagio, so I don't feel too badly about dislking this tea. It would also make a pretty addition to a Valentine's day craft, as the rose petals against the black tea is asthetically pleasing. Perhaps somethign similar to my tea heart photos.

I will still keep an open mind to flavored teas, as I never know when I'll hit upon one that will work for me. But for now, the search continues. If anyone has a flavored tea to suggest, definitely let me know.

resting tea?

2011-02-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

The other day I was drinking a Darjeeling tea that was fine, but not remarkable. I had walked away from the cup for about 20 minutes or so, and then when I came back the tea tasted better. It was brighter, and had more nuanced flavors. It made me wonder if certain teas develop more flavor if they 'rest'. To clarify, this is after steeping- there were no leaves in the cup. Could this just be a case of a tea tasting better warm, instead of hot? Does anyone have any experience with this?

Homemade Kombucha- part 1

2011-02-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

The process has begun! Last night I added my tea and sugar mixture to Slimey. Before creating the brew, I had to decide on what type of tea to use. Peeps has used black and green tea (usually a combination of the two) with good results. I thought I'd try something different, and use oolong. I decided to use a bagged 'high mountain oolong' from Ten Ren that I purchased at a Korean grocery store. There is not much English to be found on the box or bags, so that is really all I know about the tea. I've had this tea a few times before, and it takes like a delicate oolong. I hope the flavor is strong enough to hold up. We will see!

I followed directions that Peeps gave me, boiling a gallon of water and adding the tea. Then once it started to cool I added a cup of organic cane sugar. Once this cooled fully, it was added to the jar where Slimey and about 10% of the last batch of Kombucha were waiting. It's important to keep about 10% of the last batch, in order to have a good environment for your scoby, and also to properly acidify the new batch. It's also necessary to wait until your tea has fully cooled before adding it to the scoby. If it's too warm, it could ruin the scoby.

The tea was still too warm when I went to bed, so Mark (who is quite the night owl) poured it into the jar and took a few pictures for me. Thanks Mark!

So, now the waiting game begins. The process takes about 2 weeks, but can take much longer, depending on how sour and fizzy you like your tea. I'm going to check it after 2 weeks, and see how it tastes. During this process, Slimey will slowly start to produce a new offspring. After the tea has fermented, other flavors can be added such as fruit juices, ginger, etc. Not sure if I'll add anything to the first batch. We will see!

I am eagerly waiting for my Kombucha!

For the love of tea

2011-02-14T08:38:00.000-08:00

Made with Joy's Teaspoon's Schnozberry

My daughter usually wakes us up in the morning. She either comes running into our room, or yells 'mommy' until she gets some attention. She's the best little alarm clock in the world. When I get up, few things are certain. But I know I'll get to kiss my husband and my children. I also know I'll have a good cup of tea.

I love that I can share tea with my family. My husband enjoys it, and we often share a pot together. Often on weekends one of us will be up with the kids first. That person usually has a pot ready when the other wakes up. It's not just a pleasant courtesy, it shows our mutual respect and love. I even let my daughter steal tastes of my tea. She is too young to drink a full cup, but I love that she wants to try all the different flavors. She revels in the tea preparation process. We pick the tea to brew, she gets to smell the tea before we add the hot water, and we watch it change color as it brews. Then once it's poured, we smell and taste it together. She also has fun pretending to prepare tea for me. There are often the remains of a play tea party on our kitchen floor.

I drink tea for the taste and caffeine, but also for the ritual. I get to stop what I'm doing, and do something just for myself (and for whomever else I'm preparing tea for). The tea will boost my mood before I even drink it. If I'm having a stressful, or cranky day, just the act of preparing tea will calm me and improve my state of mind. It lets me take a step back, and re-focus my attention. It helps me think about myself, instead of the chaos in my day. I try to relax while the tea is brewing, and enjoy the aroma it imparts. I can let my mind wander as I let the tea cool to just the right temperature. For me, when it is about lukewarm it just tastes better. I'm like Goldilocks.

Made with Tea Palace's Palace breakfast, Joy's Teaspoon's Schnozberry

Growing up, I drank tea with my parents and grandparents. It was plain 'ol bagged orange pekoe, but add in three generations sitting around a table and sipping, and it becomes a special memory. I used to steal sugar cubes from my grandparents' covered sugar bowl, dip them in the tea, and bite. It wasn't exactly a good way to taste the tea, but it is a treasured memory. It was a way for me to patiently sit with the adults as they drank their tea, and feel included in the activity.

There is even a special relationship with certain teaware.I have a teapot and cups that become seasoned with use, a unique integral part of the tea drinking experience. I also had an extensive search for a Chawan to use for matcha. It's not a particularly fancy tea bowl, but I put much time and effort to find the perfect vessel for me. It has a special place in our china cabinet, away from little fingers.

Today I'm thinking about how much I love my family and friends. I am raising a mug in their honor.

The Scoby has landed

2011-02-09T09:33:00.000-08:00

Time to try my hand at brewing homemade Kombucha! My Scoby (symbiotic collection of bacteria and yeast) is here, and ready to work. I've named him Slimey. Slimey looks like something out of a sci-fi novel, but he will produce tasty, tasty Kombucha in about 2 weeks time. Thank you to Peeps, who kindly gave it to me! I promise to give Slimey and his offspring a good home.

Fermentation shall begin soon. stay tuned.

Tea from Across the Pond

2011-02-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

Mark recently returned from a trip to London, with gifts for everyone in the family. The kids got adorable toys, and he brought British tea for me! I felt like a little kid tearing into my surprise packages with excitement and wonder. So many teas! He had his own tea adventure in London, visiting tea shops and department stores. I am quite jealous but very happy that he brought so many new teas for me to try. The first is in a lovely purple tin fit for royalty. Or perhaps Hyacinth Bucket!

Most people have sampled an English Breakfast blend before, and have an idea of what it tastes like. Breakfast teas are very important to me. Every morning I look forward to that first cup of tea. I have high expectations for this cup! It must be strong, and full-bodied. Something that will open my eyes, and get me ready for the day ahead. This black tea from Tea Palace in London is a great way to start the morning. Now, don't confuse this with your ordinary English Breakfast blend. This is for all the Hyacinth's out there, as it is called Palace Breakfast. A tea to make you feel as if you are breakfasting with the Queen.

When I opened the tin, the scent of a quality English Breakfast instantly hit my nose. It has the beautiful aroma of juicy raisins and sweet dried fruit. The leaves are wiry and dark, with a few gold tips throughout. A beautiful tea to look at, as well as drink. The liquor has the dark amber color I'd expect from a breakfast tea. The leaves are a blend of Ceylon and Assam. This tea is different from other English Breakfast teas, as they often contain Keemun or even Darjeeling. I think there is actually much more Ceylon in this mix, as the taste of dried fruit is very strong, with the malty Assam notes in the background. This combination makes it a very bright, flavorful brew. This tea would work perfectly with a drop of milk and a spoon of sugar. Often in my sleepy stupor I will over-steep my tea. This tea is very forgiving, and usually comes out smooth, with just a little bitterness (which I enjoy).

Whether I'm drinking this tea in the office or in my kitchen, it does what a good Breakfast tea should. The rich flavor wakes up the palate, and the strength rouses my sleepy body. It is a great go-to morning tea! I love a good Breakfast tea, and this one does not disappoint! I cannot wait to try the other British teas that are waiting for me in the cupboard.

Testing tea on animals??

2011-02-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

When I taste my first morning cup of tea, my mind usually starts to drift. I think about things such as what I need to get done during the day, what I want to eat for lunch, or what tea I want to drink next. I don't usually question the ethics of the tea company. After reading an article in this morning's Huffington Post, I am painfully aware that I need to be more mindful. There is a shocking article about how Unilever was testing their Lipton teas on animals in the most horrifying ways.

This is something I never really considered before. Are there more tea companies testing their products on animals, just to show the possible health benefits? Or could there be other reasons to test tea on anmials that we are completely unaware of? Why is it even necessary? The above article even states "As for medical research, Dr. Richard Klausner, former director of the National Cancer Institute, stated that "The history of cancer research has been a history of curing cancer in the mouse. We have cured mice of cancer for decades - and it simply didn't work in humans." Cardiologist Dr. John J. Pippin goes so far as to call studying human diseases on animals "an abject failure.""

This news felt like a slap in the face to this fan of PG tips. I've always been conscious of finding teas that are fair trade, and even organic. But this news adds a new layer. I will be researching this over the next few days, to see if I can find information about other tea companies and their animal testing practices.

A Witch's Brew

2011-02-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have quite a few friends that are tea drinkers, and I love that they enjoy drinking and discovering new teas as much as I do. Recently one of my closest friends went to visit the Jonathan Corwin House (aka the Salem Witch House), and picked up their namesake blend of tea. Who knew that they even had their own blend of tea? What a fun souvenir! No one in the shop knew anything about the blend, they just knew it was 'tea'. My friend brought it home and brewed it up, but couldn't really identify the strange flavor. She decided to see if I could take a crack solving the mystery. What a fun challenge!!

Upon inspection it looks either like a Sencha or Bancha green tea, with at least one type of dried fruit added in. We brewed the tea for a few minutes with water just off the boil. The taste...well, there wasn't much flavor. It tasted like tea that had been sitting around for quite awhile, since there was virtually no tea flavor at all. It had a strange sweet but bitter, yet slightly tangy taste, with a very distant spice note to it. My friend figured out that the fruit was apple, which seems to make sense. New England is well known for apple orchards. But what is in the actual blend, besides green tea and some sort of apple? That remains a secret known only to the witches of Salem. I wonder if the tea has any magical properties. We should have tried out a few spells while we were sampling it.

The beauty of this bland tea is that it brought two old friends together to have a laugh, and share a moment of whimsy. We had a lovely afternoon playing with my children, reminiscing, and drinking tea. My daughter actually enjoyed the Salem brew, so at least one person in the house gave it a thumb's up. After our mysterious tea adventure, I brewed up a pot of Keemun to wake up our palates.

2011-01-28T09:20:00.000-08:00

National Hot Tea Month is almost at an end, but that doesn't mean you should stop learning, and trying out new teas! I decided to try a new Oolong tea this morning, and fell smack into a very important lesson that everyone should know. It may seem obvious, but water temperature is key!! If you are steeping your tea with water that is not at the proper temperature, you are disrespecting your leaves. Each type of tea likes a certain temperature, and will not produce good results without it.

Here is a general idea of what temperature you need, depending on the type of tea (this information is taken from http://worldoftea.org/easy-steeping-for-busy-folks/:

White Tea: 165F

Green Tea: 170-185F

Oolong Tea: 180-190F

Black Tea: Rolling Boil

Pu-erh Tea: Rolling Boil

If you don't have time to use a thermometer (I sure don't), then you can just let the water sit for a few seconds before steeping for Oolong, Green, and White teas. Or if you are able to watch your water boil, you can use this Chinese method, (taken from www.cantonteaco.com):

The Chinese use the following ranking for water temperatures based on the size and appearance of the bubbles in the water (it works pretty well too):

Shrimp eyes 158°F - 176°F

Crab eyes 176°F - 185°F

Fish eyes 185°F - 194°F

Rope of Pearls 194°F - 203°F

Raging torrent 203°F - 212°F

Old man water 212°F (over-boiled, ‘flat’ water)

As I discovered today, the wrong temperature can change the taste of your tea. I was steeping a lovely Formosa Oolong from Joy's Teaspoon that tasted nice, but many nuances of the tea were missing. I realized it was because I used water from our office water cooler, and it was just not hot enough. I'm going to try this tea again when I get home, and see if the results are different. Stay tuned for a review!

The brewing length is essential as well. The exact brewing time depends on the variety of tea you are using. But this is a general guide:

White Tea: 4-8 Minutes

Green Tea: 2-3 Minutes
Oolong Tea: 1-8 Minutes
Black Tea: 3-5 Minutes

Pu-erh Tea: start off around
1-30 seconds, then work up to
3-5 minutes for repeat steeps

Of course, please pay attention to your own personal preferences. For example, if you like a super strong tea, you could try a longer steep, and see how it tastes. Experiment, and see what works best for you!

TeaGschwendner Margaret's Hope Autumnal Darjeeling

2011-01-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

This is the first tea I've tried from my trip to TeaGschwendner in Rockefeller Center. I love Darjeeling teas, but have only had one other Autumnal version. The Autumnal flush is harvested in October and November, which yielding large leaves. These leaves produce a full bodied cup, but with less of the delicate flavors that are found in first and second flushes.

According to Darjeeling Tea Xpress, The Margaret's Hope tea estate was established in 1830. The estate did not get its current name until 1927. According to the site, the plantation owner's daughter fell in love with the garden, and vowed to return and visit. But she tragically died from a tropical disease on her travels back to England, never to return to the garden. Her father changed the name to Margaret's Hope in her memory. Such a touching story!

The leaves are long and wiry, and have a lovely sweet grape-like muscatel aroma. After steeping the liquor has that darjeeling scent of sweet muscatel, reminding me a fragrant apple blossom. There is also a faint woodsy smell, as if I was walking through damp leaves and twigs. The taste is subtle, very different from the scent. Autumal Darjeelings are known to be lighter in taste, so this does make sense. The muscatel and woodsy notes are there, but in the background. A faint astringency lingers. The tea becomes more full bodied farther down in the cup.

I have one more Darjeeling to try that I picked up from the store, but this one is a second flush. I look forward to tasting the differences!

TeaGschwendner Margaret's Hope Autumnal Darjeeling ~***1/2 ~ three and a half out of five stars

Instant Milk Tea

2011-01-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

It's a rare occasion when I feel like adding milk, sugar, or other flavors to my tea, but the only exception is bubble tea. I love the sweet milky tea taste, with a dash of tea thrown in. It's also fun to have the chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom (boba). A few weeks ago we were shopping in a Korean grocery store in Queens, and I came across a strange box in the tea aisle. It was '3 in 1 Milk Tea'. I have to say I was intrigued, and had to try it. I pretended not to notice the artificial flavors that were added, just as I overlook it when I order bubble tea in a shop. I'm assuming the '3 in 1' means milk, tea, and sugar? The tea is made in Singapore. I don't think I've ever had a tea product from Singapore before!

The ingredients are sugar, creamer (aka lots of stuff that is bad for you), a milk derivative, some preservatives and artificial color, and then finally instant tea. Not really something I'd drink all the time, but it's handy to have around when I'm craving a sweet, milky tea taste similar to bubble tea. It is easily prepared by just pouring the mixture into a cup, then adding boiling water.

The 'tea' has the comforting flavor of sweet cream, but there is also a strange bitter flavor that feels dry on the tongue. Similar to burnt toast. A sweet and oily feeling lingers on the tongue for quite a long time after the tea is gone. I don't really get any strong tea flavor, it's really more of a hint of tea. The slight tea flavor reminds me of thai iced tea. It definitely reminds me of the milk teas I've had at bubble tea shops, but less flavorful. Still, it is a fun and quick way to have a tea that reminds me of an occasional indulgence. While it's not a pure tea flavor, it is a fun diversion.

TeaGschwendner in Rock Center- CLOSED

2011-01-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

**note, this store is now closed :(**
TeaGschwender is a German tea chain that has stores all over the world. According to their web site "Today TeaGschwendner has more than 130 shops in seven countries on four continents. We’re sharing the world’s finest teas with customers in locations such as Frankfurt, Germany; Vienna, Austria; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Chicago Illinois."

This tea chain has recently popped up in New York. There is one on the Upper West Side, and a newer store in Rockefeller Center. I took a quick chilly walk over from my office to the rock center store. It is a retail store, without tables inside to sit and drink tea. It is in a prime tourist and office location, so I imagine (and hope) they are doing well.

The store is small but they have a huge wall of teas to choose from, as well as an area for teaware. On my visit there were two women behind the counter, both very friendly and helpful. This morning I was thinking about an autumnal Darjeeling that I had tried from SerendipiTea, and how I wanted to try a few more autumnal flushes, to see how they compare. When I told the woman that I was interested in a Darjeeling, she immediately pulled out an autumnal one! What a fun coincidence. She said it was a little different from the other Darjeelings, and an interesting one to try. It smelled lovely, so I definitely asked to take some. After smelling a few others, I also went with a second flush Darjeeling. I don't really know much about this tea chain, so I asked the saleswoman what type of teas the chain was known for. She said the blacks such as Darjeeling and Assams, and Japanese green teas. She also pointed out that they have a large selection of flavored rooibos. After chatting a little bit about black teas, she gave me a small sample of her favorite Assam to take home. I love Assam, so I am excited to try it. She also included a tea scoop to easily measure out the tea. A nice thing to keep in the office.

A review of the three teas will be coming very soon. It is great to have a place with such a large selection of teas close to my office! I'm glad I finally stopped in.
**note, this store is now closed :(**

an unexpected tea gift

2011-01-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

The last tea I wrote about was Spring in Paris, and this next cup feels like Spring in Japan! I recently had lunch with a childhood friend that was in town, who moved back to Japan when we were 13. She knew I was a tea lover, and gave me a gift of Sweet Sakura Tea. Such a thoughtful gift! Sakura are beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms. I had never seen this tea before, and research didn't uncover much. I did learn that the blossoms are often blended with green or black tea. But my tea is just the Sakura, and nothing else. Extra special! There is a website for the tea, where I was able to find brewing instructions.

leaves before steeping

Upon opening the foil bag that contain the 'tea', I was immediately hit with a strong, tart scent, very similar to umeboshi plum. I was very curious, so I tasted one of the petals. Exactly like a pickled ume! Extremely salty, sour, and a little bit sweet. I brewed the leaves according to the website using very hot, but not boiling water. After steeping the tea for a few minutes, the aroma was exactly the same as the scent of the blossoms. The taste is a different story. It is very weak. Slightly floral and salty, with a subtle flavor of a pickled fruit, possibly apricot, or raisin, in the background. I left it to steep for another 10 minutes or so, and it tastes slightly stronger, with the same pickled fruit flavor, and floral notes towards the back.

after adding hot water!

Watching the blossoms expand in the water is a beautiful experience. The sight of dainty pale pink flowers brought springtime to this cold, snowy day. I enjoyed spending a few minutes watching the blossoms as they opened in the water. A peaceful, restorative activity.

Not sure that this is something I'd want to drink all the time, but it is an unexpected treat. I am so grateful for this special gift!

This tea has inspired today's new National Hot Tea Month suggestion- give someone you know an unexpected tea gift!

An herbal tea experience

2011-01-05T13:17:00.000-08:00

My next suggestion on how to enjoy National Hot Tea Month, is to try a tea you wouldn't normally choose. Step outside of your tea comfort zone! In order to practice what I preach, I decided to do something I never, ever do... drink an herbal tea! I usually shy away from herbals, because I love the flavor of actual tea leaves and don't have much time for purely herbal infusions. I don't really care for floral infusions such as chamomile or lavender, and I cannot stand peppermint. But, I was meeting an old friend at Radiance tea house in the evening, and I didn't want the slightest bit of caffeine at that hour. Besides, I need to keep more of an open mind for herbal teas.

So, I looked over their herbal and wellness tea menu and selected Spring in Paris.

I don't think I've ever had juniper berries before, so I had no idea what to expect. A few minutes later I was brought a dainty glass teapot with berries and petals floating inside, producing a gorgeous bright, reddish pink brew. The aroma was sweet and tart at the same time. It made my mouth water! The flavor had a strong tart taste (I'm assuming it was the juniper berries), but I didn't really taste the flowers. This is not a bad thing for me. The tea was juicy and bright. A perfect taste of spring on a dreary January night. It would probably taste great iced as well. This tea usually comes sweetened, but I asked for the sugar on the side, which came as a small pitcher of 'rock sugar' which looked like simple syrup. I added a tiny drop to the cup, and it cut the tang and made the tea even more palatable. When I finished the pot, I was offered water for a second infusion. I was surprised that the second steep was just as flavorful as the first.

the second steep

I'm happy to have experienced a tisane that I truly like! The lesson I learned is to keep an open mind to non-traditional teas, because you never know what you will discover!

Radiance Tea House Spring In Paris- **** 4 out of 5 stars

Harney & Sons SoHo

2011-01-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

If you live in the NYC area, a great way to kick off National Hot Tea Month is to check out the enormous selection of teas from the Harney & Sons SoHo location. I once visited their beautifully rustic shop in upstate NY, and have been eager to visit the new store ever since it opened. The SoHo store is quite large and airy, with a floor to ceiling shelving unit for their loose teas, very different from the cozy upstate shop. This is not a bad thing, they fit in well with the other stores in the area.

There are two parts to the store. The first is the large retail space, that has the huge tea selection, and a 'tasting bar' where you can sample the tea of the week, as well as any other tea you would like to try. They also have tasting flights, which is a fun way to try new teas. There are also shelves and tables holding teaware and bagged teas. After taking in the scene, I headed straight to the back of the store to the small cafe area, which is separated from the main space with a couple of bookcases.

view of the store from the tea lounge

The cafe has 5 tables, and a nice little bar area for a quick cup, or to order a cup to go. Cups are $3, a small pot is $6, and large $8. If you prefer to drink one of their specialty teas, you can add $1 to your order. I thought the prices were reasonable given the quality of their tea. If you are looking for a bite to eat, there are also sweet and savory food options. I took the last available seat and had a look at the menu.

After sitting and studying the large menu, I decided on a white tea. It was late in the day, so I wanted something light and refreshing. I had a few questions, so one of the experts was called over to explain the differences in the white teas they had available. I chose one that sounded light but still flavorful, the Mutan white. After a few minutes I heard a timer go off, and my pot was brought over. The liquid was bright yellow, similar to other white teas that I've tried. The aroma was faintly floral and nutty. The taste had the same nuttiness, and was also a bit buttery. It had a nice smoothness, with a soft texture on the tongue. Suitable for my late afternoon tea break, but not something I'd want to drink earlier in the day. The nutty flavor lingered for awhile, which made me smile as I relaxed and read my book. The noise from the retail area drifts into the cafe, but it was pleasant to sit there on a cold day, reading a book and sipping tea. I will definitely be back to try more. They even had a small section of 'Yellow' tea, which I know nothing about. I am looking forward to trying them!

Mutan White tea from the cafe

After my tea break, I browsed around the shop a bit. I noticed they were selling thick and thin matcha, and realized I needed to have some matcha to try at home. So I picked up a small canister of thick matcha. As I was standing by the tasting bar, one of the employees asked if I wanted to try the matcha. She brought out a chawan, whisk, and scoop, and prepared the tea for me. She even showed me the proper way to whisk it. Realizing that I didn't have a proper chawan, or the accouterments to prepare matcha correctly, I ended up purchasing the things I needed to make matcha at home. I have been drooling over handmade chawans on etsy.com, but realized that for my fledgling efforts I just needed a basic one. My new tea bowl is quite lovely to look at! But that is for a future matcha post...

I was very impressed with the staff throughout the store. They were all extremely friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. I wish I lived or worked close by! But it's just a short train ride away, so I will definitely be back at Harney & Sons soon to try something new.

Kukicha and health

2010-12-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

I've never been big on the whole 'New Year's Resolution' thing, since it only seems to stick for a few months, if not weeks. But if you are trying to be healthier in the coming year, why not drink more tea?

The health benefits of tea have been touted for hundreds of years, and the topic has seem to become more popular in Western society in the last 20 years or so. All teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant contain antioxidants, and if you pick up any bottled tea these days (even if it is sweetened with artificial sweeteners), you will notice that the manufacturer is proud of their tea's healthy benefits.

I have recently started drinking Kukicha, which is Japanese twig tea. I always assumed this tea was difficult to find, but then I noticed PC drinking some in the office. Turns out he found it at our local health food store and it is manufactured by Choice Organic Teas.

Twig tea is Japanese Kukicha tea. Kukicha is a traditional tea made from collecting the stems and twigs of the tea plant, and not the leaves. These are then aged and roasted. This tea is very low in caffeine since it does not use any tea leaves! Kukicha was originally made as a peasant drink, because the tea farmers would be left with the twigs and stems after selling off the leaves and buds.

I had a strange experience when I first tried this tea. When I smelled it, I was immediately transported to a childhood memory of drinking tea in a Chinese restaurant while waiting for wonton soup. It has a sweet, woody smell that for some reason reminds me of whatever we were given at our local Chinese restaurant. I don't know what we were given then (I'm guessing it was an ancient bag of Oolong), but this tea is really bringing me back.

The tea has a very mellow, nutty taste, very different from the strong, sweet aroma. It is of course woody, but also smooth and light. It is a great tea to drink all day long, and it's gentle taste would pair well with all different types of foods. I prefer to drink it after a meal, as the sweet aroma is relaxing and feels very dessert-like.

Through some research I have learned that Kukicha is the tea of choice for those that follow a macrobiotic diet. Macrobiotics founder George Ohsawa introduced kukicha to the West forty years ago. The tea supposedly balances the acidity levels in the body, which can help to prevent disease. Kukicha is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

I drink tea because I enjoy the whole experience, but it's nice to know that there may be many health benefits as well! So if you are looking to boost your health benefits this coming year, drink more tea! Kukicha is a great choice for health, but there are so many different varieties of tea out there, why not just pick up something that looks interesting to you and give it a try. You could be off on your own tea adventure!

Fun with matcha

2010-12-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

There is so much to learn about green tea, and now it is time to focus on matcha. Matcha is a powdered green tea traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Matcha is made from leaves grown only in Japan. It may actually be even healthier than brewing loose leaves, because you are drinking the actual ground up tea leaves! I imagine that means there is more caffiene, too. There are many grades of matcha, from food grade up to the ceremonial grades. There are two main differences in matcha, 'thick' and 'thin'. Thin matcha is called usucha. Thin matcha is more common than the thick version, and actually has a stronger, astringent flavor. Thick matcha, koicha, is grown from tea plants that are at least thirty five years old! It has a milder taste, so more of the powder is used, giving it a thicker consistency. Koicha is usually more expensive.

photo from greenteagourmet.com

I am trying to learn more about how to prepare matcha the authentic way. I don't yet have a chawan (tea bowl), whisk, or the other necessary accoutrements. They are easy enough to find, but I thought I should learn a little more about the methods before jumping in and buying lots of things. In my research I came across a bunch of YouTube videos that are easy to follow, and very helpful. My favorite videos are with two young men, Griff and Matt. Based solely on appearance, they are the most unlikeliest of tea drinkers. On first glance I thought that they were going to do some sort of SNL skit. But they really know their stuff!! I feel guilty for misjudging them. See for yourself, they have a whole channel dedicated to green tea! Their channel is:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheArtOfGreenTea.

My matcha research has also led me to lots of beautiful chawan (chawans?), on etsy.com. I cannot choose one! They are all so lovely!!

Tea and shopping. What could be better!! Once I have the proper tools, I will share my matcha experience.

Best. Tea strainer. Ever.

2010-12-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

I picked this up today at the Pylones store in Grand Central Station. It is just the cutest little tea strainer I've ever seen!! Major Tea Happiness!!!!

A unique Oolong

2010-12-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

I seem to be on an oolong kick lately, which is not a bad thing! As I mentioned in my last post, there are so many different varieties of Oolong, a tea drinker can never get bored! Oolongs typically hail from specific regions of Southern China and Taiwan, but an estate has popped up in a most unusual place, New Zealand! In in the North Island’s Waikato region, to be exact.

New Zealander Tzu Chen believed that NZ's climate and soil would be perfect for growing tea plants. Working with his son Vincent, he imported plant seedlings from Taiwan, and along with extensive research and passion, he created two Zealong tea plantations. They hand picked their staff from Taiwan's tea growing regions, and grew their company. Zealong prides themselves on the highest standards of tea growing and processing. I could taste their passion in their Pure Oolong tea!

Zealong produces three types of oolong, Pure, Aromatic, and Dark. I chose the Pure, because the leaves are unroasted, and I wanted to experience the natural tea flavor. This Oolong is on the green tea end of the spectrum.

With two young children, weekends are usually hectic around my house. It was a particularly busy weekend for me because both kids have been sick, and were still stuffed up and cranky. A perfect afternoon to try a delicious new tea, and give myself a few minutes of relaxation. Out of the package the tea has a lovely light floral scent. Not very strong, but immensely pleasing. I steeped the tea according to the directions, using the correct amount of tea, and freshly boiled (but not boiling) water. This resulted in a beautiful bright yellow/green liquid that had a light sweet smell. The taste is best described as light, yet full of flavor at the same time. The tea has a rich green vegetal body, that felt buttery on the tongue. Floral and sweet notes come through as well. Even though the leaves are unroasted, there was a slight oolong toasty/tanginess at the end. It is a delicious cup of tea that helped relax me on a hectic day. I did a second steep of the leaves, and the flavor was less delicate, the gentle floral notes were gone. It was stronger this time, with a toastier flavor, definitely more 'oolong-like'. This is a tea that can take a few more infusions, but I did not have the opportunity to steep the leaves further. I will definitely try next time.

I look forward to my next New Zealand tea experience!

Zealong Pure tea ***** 5 stars