An International Tea Moment

A Moment of Reawakening

2021-09-20T20:26:00.006-07:00

This whole thing began in 2008, not long after I became a mom for the first time. I have never felt so tired, so overwhelmed, so completely incompetent as I did in those first few weeks and months. I had put all my consulting clients on hold, so I didn't even have the comfort of work projects to be the hand that steadied my flagging self-confidence.

Writing. I knew how to do that.

Tea. I would like to learn more about that.

Travel Diaries. I enjoyed re-reading those parts of my life where tea and writing seemed to often collide, documenting times that seemed less consequential, more adventurous.

And that's when An International Tea Moment was born. It was honestly a way to remind myself that I did know how to do SOMETHING!

As my baby girl grew, my confidence as a mom grew, too, and the interest in my "Tea Moments" grew, too! I was approached to review amazing teas and tea accessories and tea venues and tea books; I spoke on panels about tea; I was hired to be a ghostwriter for one of the largest tea manufacturers in the U.S.; I drank gallons of tea.

In the background of all of that, I had taken a full-time job and had forged my path in a completely unrelated field. I, then, had another baby, and not only were my family responsibilities growing, but my career responsibilities also grew, too. Suddenly, the time, space, and (frankly) interest in writing about tea began to shrink until I realized months had passed since I'd written a single tea-related thing. Then years. The thrill was gone. My time was spoken for.

Until last month.

I received the most interesting package.

Tea Runners.

It had my complete attention. So much so, that an old habit sprung from long-forgotten shadows, and I reached for my phone to document the 'unboxing' of whatever lay inside.

The cardboard box gave the impression of a flat steamer trunk with faux, printed leather straps across the top. Inside, tissue paper and a nautical themed seal: Original Box. The interior of the cardboard box heightened the nautical theme to full sea-faring bliss. Tall ships, maps, a compass rose, looping calligraphy. Plus, all of the modern conveniences of their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter handles.

At this point, I was all in.

And then a bright, happy postcard slipped out with the simple word, "August." I had been sent a tea-of-the-month box, and I don't think I've ever been happier. Even better, the four packets of loose tea represented what I consider to be a perfect spectrum for most tastes - a black tea, a green tea, a caffeine-free option (rooibos, in this case), and a chai blend.

Here's a confession for you. I started my original tea journey with an Irish Breakfast blend. In 2008, it was Stash's Irish Breakfast tea. That was my daily staple. In 2021, despite tasting hundreds of teas, tea blends, and tea-adjacent options, I am back to Irish Breakfast Tea. Only now it's elevated. Hand-blended by the incomparable California Tea and Herbal's founder, Diane. It's the only one I'll drink now.

I mix things up from time to time with an Assam or English Breakfast blend, but I have had no interest in blends of any kind. Until that day.

Inexplicably, I put on the kettle and brewed myself a cup of their Tangerine Pear Green. Everything about that choice was counter to my everyday normal. But that day simply wasn't a normal day. I brewed the green tea blend in my bright green mug and sat and sipped in front of my younger daughter's latest artwork: a painting of a bright, showy peacock.

The green tea was grassy like spring, balanced out with just a hint of the pear, and even more subtle notes of tangerine. Smooth, sunny, and with a dry finish. I was so surprised at how much I liked it, I think I drank the entire mug in about 5 minutes! Missing were all of the components that typically cause me to shun tea blends with fruity anything in them. There was no artificial sweetness. There was no chemical slick. It was Tangerine Pear Green, just as the name described.

All I could do was think, "Is this how it begins again?"

I don't know who sent me this box of inspiration. I don't know if it was a kind friend or if Tea Runners accidentally sent their teas to a blogger who no longer blogged without realizing that was the case. I don't know why I ended up with these packets of tea or why they seemed to flip this switch of interest and curiosity on, but there it is.

We'll see if it's an anomaly or if it's something more. There's a lot that's happened in the blogosphere since I've been gone. Lots less writing. Lots more Tik-Tok-ing. We'll see where it all leads.

Let me know in the comments what you think of this potential return. Shall we share more moments together? If so, where should I go, what should I try?

Thanks for joining me here. I've missed you.

A Helpful Moment

2017-03-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot, lately, about how "helpfulness" has become a bit of a lost art. And now when I come across it, I'm completely blown away. This isn't about friendliness. I encounter friendly folks every day. But helpful, well, not as much.

My most recent encounter with helpfulness was when ordering a "get well" gift for a loved one who has been battling cancer. I remembered the beautiful packaging and the soothing herbal teas of The Queen's Teapothecary, based out of Colorado Springs, CO, and thought that would be just the thing. After I placed my order, I followed up with an email to the owner, Mandalyn King, to see if she would be willing to include a note in the package so that the recipient would know who the package came from.

Not only did Mandalyn agree with enthusiasm, she followed up with this:

Jen,

I've attached a picture of S___'s gift box, before it gets extra crinkle paper for protection. It's ready and will ship out today. I've added The Healer's Immunity blend, along with some handmade soap and a lavender sachet, as little gifts from me. I do hope this box will bring her strength and peace. :)

Get Well Package from The Queen's Teapothecary

I was so touched by her empathy and generosity! The fact that she not only was happy to fulfill my request, but to take it a step further with her a few extra touches... Well, even now it leaves me nearly speechless. And so very grateful.

There are so many little things we can do to be helpful to those we interact with. These are some things I observed while travelling during the past 3 weeks:

Holding the door for the person coming in behind you
Walking someone toward or to the place they're looking for, rather than just pointing
Offering to hold someone's cup of coffee (or tea) while they put their suitcase in the overhead compartment
Reading a menu aloud for someone who can't find their reading glasses
Retrieving and returning something that another person dropped

These were all small things, but for the person on the receiving end, it just made their day.

Thank you, Mandalyn, for making my day and my family's day. Your helpfulness is something I won't soon forget!

Some of my personal favorites from The Queen's Teapothecary:

The Sleepy Princess

The Queen's Favorite

A Moment for Something New

2017-01-05T17:33:00.000-08:00

I'm so in awe when someone I know takes a big risk and starts something new. It doesn't matter if it's the start of a home-based business, a new job, a new hobby or founding a new company. There is a level of daring and determination that is very rare.

This new year is full of new ventures that I'm excited to cheer on. First and foremost is the launch of my husband's shoe brands, Cords Footwear and Gigi Sandals. After working for action sports companies and leading their footwear teams for over a decade, now he's leading his own. It's something I've always known he could do, and he's doing it!

I'm also rooting for Teforia, whose tea infuser could very well change the way tea lovers brew their tea. While coffee drinkers have had a wide variety of brewing options (percolators, the delightful French press, the homely drip machine, espresso machines and now the Keurig and its iterations), when it comes to brewing tea, our options are rather limited: tea kettle, metal or glass infusers, or maybe a gaiwan, if you're a Gong Fu fighter.

Truth be told, I'm more than rooting for Teforia. I've been waiting on pins and needles for over a year to receive a Teforia tea infuser of my very own. I've been so geeky about it, I've had a place waiting for it in my home office.

That table. Right there. In between my great grandmother's chairs.

Finally, in the first week of December, Christmas came early. My infuser arrived! Unboxing and unwrapping each of the components was way more fun than it should have been, but I think it was the matter of anticipation. The set up was unexpectedly simple and straight-forward. I kept expecting there would be a hiccup of some kind, but there was no obstacle. I could get straight to the tea.

Along with the infuser came a sampler box of Teforia teas. Each one hand selected, each one programmed into the infuser app's "Tea Pantry" for the perfect infusion. That's one of the most magical parts of the process. Brewing one of the Teforia teas in the infuser guarantees that you will experience that tea exactly as it was intended - the perfect temperature, the perfect length of steeping, the perfect first sip.

For someone like me, who is a consummate over-steeper, this has been an amazing learning experience of what "good" tastes like. Now, my preferences being what they are, I'm looking forward to the next update of the app that will allow me to adjust the tea "recipes" to perhaps brew a little longer, a little shorter, etc.

One of my first infusions was Velvet Rubies, an incredibly smooth black tea that, on my first sip, had the lightest hint of stone fruit with a touch of caramel at the end. I was happy to find that each packet of Teforia tea allows for 2 infusions, and of course I immediately brewed round 2 when round 1 was done.

Building a new business, introducing something new to the marketplace is a huge challenge and a very personal commitment. I'm excited to watch these ventures and others that I see popping up around me.

Who or what are you cheering for this year?

A Silver and Gold Moment

2016-09-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

It's interesting, being back in my home town after 16 years away. In some ways life is very different, but in many ways life is very much the same. Work routines, school routines, even the neighborhood- kids-playing-outside routine. But there are differences.

We miss our old friends. The ones we've known forever, the ones we met through work, the ones we met through our kids, the ones who quickly shifted from "just" neighbors to people we spent most weekends with, the ones we took family weekend getaways with. They are what we miss most.

They are gold. Pure gold. And yet, we realize how blessed we are to have these stashes of gold in California, but also here. In just a couple of short months, we've had a chance encounter with an old high school friend that resulted in a backyard BBQ, hookups on the best soccer coach in town, and ski lessons. I've also reconnected with a childhood friend that has so far produced lunch dates, family BBQs, and laughing so hard that my stomach muscles hurt the next day.

I'm full of gratitude for the people who have enriched our lives over the years, no matter where we live, and that extends to the people I've met through tea, as well. I've been so pleasantly surprised with some housewarming packages that have arrived on my new door step. The first, which actually made me tear up just a little bit, was from my friends at American Tea Room.

"Happy Idaho! Enjoy!" exclaimed the handwritten note. It never ceases to amaze me, the power of a thoughtful, personalized gift.

And in the package, David Barenholtz, the owner and my long time friend and tea mentor, surprised me with two signature pressings of puer. Yongde Wild Arbor from 2013 and Sun-dried Silver Tips from 2015. Both from the Yunnan Province of China. Both, limited edition and a new experience for me.

It is David who has pushed my palate to explore Japanese greens and oolongs, and it is he who opened my eyes to how tea can be more than something to be enjoyed with sugar cubes and scones. It can be enjoyed in its own right. His tea rooms - now 3 locations - give tea an elegance and elevation in ways I would have never imagined, while still making them excessively accessible.

Perhaps he knew that I was lagging in my pursuit of new tea exploration. My friends in the Tea Bloggers Roundtable have been exploring and enjoying puer for quite some time, with highly formed opinions. I have none. Until now.

Once more, I have been given a gift in the form of adventure. I broke off a piece of the Yongde Wild Arbor. The scent is reminiscent of horses - leather and hay. I steeped the tea for the recommended 5 minutes and then it was time for the first sip. Full bodied and rich, there is a maltiness that lingers. Hints of caramel made brief appearances. This is something I need to get to understand more. Pure gold.

Make new friends,
but keep the old.
One is silver,
the other is gold.

I am enjoying meeting new people in my new/old home town. Their helpfulness and recommendations have led me to a new hair stylist (hooray!), insider info on schools and the scoop on local grocery stores. They have been precious discoveries. True silver.

Who knows what this year will bring. One thing is for sure, though. We'll be exploring puer together. It's time to get to know this treasure. Who knows the amount of silver and gold I'll discover along the way.

A House of Girls Moment

2016-08-05T10:37:00.001-07:00

It's Sisters Reunion time. One of my favorite times of the year. Or rather, of every 2 years. It's around this time that my mom and her sisters gather with their own daughters, daughters-in-law and granddaughters to spend a weekend together in the beautiful town of Ashland.

It's the first time I've seen many of these women in 2 years. More important, it's the first time my oldest daughter, Edie, got to come along. It was a very good weekend.

Our gathering continues to grow, as the 3rd generation is being allowed to join in the fun. I loved introducing Edie to these women who I have loved and admired my entire life. They've seen her as a baby at weddings and funerals, but this is the first time they've seen her as a young lady. Seeing them ask her questions and play games with her and show her what a special and unequivocal member of the extended family she is made my heart swell.

This is part of your story. This is part of who you are. These songs are ingrained in your soul. This laughter is your birthright. This wisdom is your future.

The majority of this reunion consists of talking and laughing, catching up on good news, mourning the losses and disappointments that occurred since last we met. Any schedule we have revolves around the second most important activity of the reunion: eating. And an afternoon tea. Of course.

While the menu practically wrote itself, the food was prepared by many hands - cutting and slicing, spreading and assembling, the assortment of tea sandwiches piled up in beautiful mounds on a mis-match of plates. Tables, both high and low, were set with whatever place settings we could find in the cottages we were renting, and everyone had a platinum rimmed saucer to hold their scone. That saucer would have held their tea cups... if I had remembered to pack them in the car. *sigh*

The tea was a special treat I actually DID remember to pack. A collection from Vahdam Teas. There were so many options, we had a hard time deciding on which would accompany Afternoon Tea. We finally decided on the Avaata Supreme Virgin Nilgiri Organic Spring Green Tea (try saying that 5 times fast!), which my oldest niece absolutely fell in love with! Light, refreshing - an earthy green rather than a seaweed green. We also chose the Malty Earl Grey, which many of us loved dressing up with milk and sugar (cubes, of course!).

After tea, there was singing. My mother's family was born and bred in music, and I soaked in the familiar tones and harmonies of my aunts echoing in the voices of my cousins. There is a raw richness in timbre that is signature Cunningham, a legacy that I had never considered before but am now so thankful for. Edie watched, listened, and sang along, her sweet voice mixing perfectly with the rest. She is one of us, after all.

The last night was capped off by a trip to the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival to see Hamlet in the theatre under the stars. Infused with modern touches of death metal, the production was hands down the best I've seen. While I much prefer comedies, this play's THE thing.

Another Ashland reunion, another weekend of family and laughter. I'm so blessed to have such a rare opportunity to spend time with my Mom, her sisters, my sister-in-law, my nieces, my cousins, their children and, now, my daughter! A house of girls, a house of wisdom, a house of music, a house of love. When it comes to perfect moments, this one rises to the top.

A Homecoming Moment

2016-07-26T16:07:00.001-07:00

My first run back in Boise, and the sensory overload was instant. The squirrels noisily playing chase in the tree tops, the damp, earthy smell of the river, sparrows, robins, and the cottonwood, which immediately tickled the back of my throat, the intense summer sun.

I'm back.

Sixteen and a half years ago, as newlyweds, we packed up both of our cars with all of our earthly possessions and drove to Orange County, California - worlds away from our home town of Boise, Idaho. "Les Bois," as the French Canadian fur trappers exclaimed when they made their way over the desert foothills and laid eyes on the wooded valley.

16 years, 2 daughters, and one giant U-haul later, we've come back. Maybe for a year, maybe more. But here we are.

Already we've immersed ourselves in traditional Boise summer activities.

The 30th Boise Twilight Criterium, an annual cycling race that takes place in the streets of downtown Boise, culminates with the final Pro Men's race riding laps at tremendous speeds for 90 minutes.

30th Annual Boise Twilight Criterium

We also made our way to the 101st Snake River Stampede, one of the top 10 rodeos in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Top country performers have participated in the stampede over the years, starting with Gene Autry in 1950, Dale Evans and Roy Rogers, and (little known fact) this is where Reba McIntire (a former barrel racer) made her debut performance!

101st Snake River Stampede. Thanks for the hats, Aunt Rita!

Family bike rides on the greenbelt alongside the Boise River, a family reunion gathering and bocce ball championship at Julia Davis Park, an evening out at BarDeNay in the Basque District.

To cap off our initial weeks, I met up with one of my oldest Boise friends for lunch. It's been 8 years since we've seen each other, and it was like we saw each other last week. Funny coincidence, the place we chose for lunch, The Hyde House, was once a tea house that supplied all of the tea for my wedding favors 17 years ago. This friend, by the way, was in my wedding.

The Hyde House. Watermelon Gazpacho? Yes, please!

There are so many memories and histories that are flooding back, as we settle in. While we miss our friends and familiar stomping grounds in Orange County, there are special moments that are beginning to make it feel like our home.

One moment in particular was the arrival of a housewarming gift from my friend Alex at Nelson's Tea. She knows my love of black tea blends, so I've been enjoying the morning with what I view as the perfect summer blend, Summer Sol Ambrosia. With hints of fruit and safflower, there's the perfect balance of malt and sunshine. I've also been indulging in Honey Pear, which has just the lightest essence of pear and sweetness.

These are the perfect accompaniments for my morning view on my back porch.

Welcome home.

A Lazy Summer Moment

2016-07-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

There are those friends with whom you can pick up where you left off no matter how many days or years have separated you. And there are those places which will always give the same feeling of leisure and comfort no matter how much time has passed since a last visit.

Today, as I'm sitting over a thousand miles away from The Tea House on Los Rios, I'm thinking about how today would be a perfect day to sit on the covered, wrap-around porch and share afternoon tea with a friend. Queen Catherine blend, of course.

The 2016 Tea Blogger Directory Moment

2016-06-30T08:54:00.002-07:00

The 2016 Tea Blogger Directory, which was released at the World Tea Expo is now available to all!

In this updated directory, discover more than 60 tea-focused bloggers from around the world who have as unique backgrounds and stories as you do. Each blogger has an extensive and focused reach to help grow your potential audience. With bloggers being in the Top 3 Influencers for online shoppers, this is a resource retailers can’t afford to ignore.

Learn the best practices for collaborating with a tea blogger, how many samples might be "too many," the do's and don't's of asking for a review, the importance of packaging, and how to help a tea blogger showcase your tea or tea-related product in the best possible light. All this for $5 through the 4th of July. After that, the price goes up to $10 per download. $1 from each download will go to support The Tea Bloggers Roundtable, who provides support, education and consulting to tea retailers and regional tea festivals. Download your copy HERE.

Thank you to all the Tea Bloggers who participated in this year's directory!

A Summer Reading Moment

2016-06-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

There are few things better than tea and a good book. Whether it's in the cold winter months, curled up on the couch with a contemplative cup of oolong and a character-rich novel or lounging poolside with a tall, cold apricot-infused iced tea and a light-hearted whodunnit. Whatever the occasion, tea and reading are like peas and carrots.

That's why I am so in love with The Arbor Teas Summer Reading Series! With a nod to the popular serial novels in decades past, Arbor Teas has enlisted author Lauren Doyle Owens to write an original novel, The Wintree Waltz, that is being released one chapter at a time, week after week over the course of the summer. It began June 2nd and will continue through August 4th. (Chapter 2 is released tomorrow!!!) Subscribers can receive notification of the release of each chapter.

Over the summer, we'll be getting to know the Wintree family just two months before Jean Wintree is to be married to John Birnbauer. When her younger sister Erin, John’s mother Nancy, and a surprising interloper start to meddle in the couple’s plans, a happy ending is far from certain.

As a voracious reader, I'm on the edge of my seat to see what Jean, and for that matter, Erin, is going to do next! I love that the story is set in Ann Arbor (home of Arbor Teas!), and that while the story line itself is not about tea, the tradition and comfort of teas is seamlessly interwoven into the Wintree family's daily lives.

Join me as I get to know the Wintrees and Arbor Teas. The first taste definitely leaves me wanting another.

A Moment with Queen Charlotte

2016-05-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

In honor of Queen Charlotte's birthday on May 19th, 1744, it's only fitting I write about a place that is her namesake. But first, we must start with the hero of the story. His name was Roger, and he made my day.

A speaking engagement found me in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, and as luck would have it, I was able to take advantage of a break in the agenda to seek out afternoon tea. J threw her lot in with me, and we showed up at the Queen Charlotte Tea Room on the off chance we'd be able to get a table. When we first arrived, Roger greeted us apologetically with the news that there was no room at the inn. And indeed, the place was hopping! We were about to say thank you and be on our way, when he asked us to just wait one more moment.

Magically, he conjured a small table out of thin air, and with that our afternoon tea began. A pot of Scottish Breakfast Tea later, and then the real decisions began. This was no ordinary tea room. This was Queen Charlotte's Tea Room, an English Tea Room complete with Shepherd's Pie and Fish and Chips on the menu. The aromas were heavenly. The Shepherd's Pie was exactly what I needed. My compliments to Chef Linda!

Afternoon tea for me is always a good thing, but afternoon tea with great company is the best. I have only spent a little bit of time with J in the past year, but she's the type of person who feels like an old friend. No topic is off limits, stories are lively and sincere, and every person who interacts with her falls head over heels in love. It's as fun to watch others enjoy her attention as it is to be the object of it.

And to be in this particular tea room. Cozy, warm, and so very British, Roger and the rest of the staff made us feel as though we were the visiting long-lost relatives. It was clear why they had a full house. I have a feeling this was the norm, rather than the exception.

Most people visit Niagara Falls for the waterfall, and I'll tell you, that's definitely a magnificent attraction. But this tea room should definitely be on your itinerary. When you need a place in which to slow down, relax and be fed, you'll find no better option than right here.

And as I told J on our way to the airport, "We'll always have Roger."

To Visit Queen Charlotte Tea Room:

Location:

5689 Main Street
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2E5

Phone: (905)-371-1350

Hours:

Mon: Closed

Tue - Thur: 11AM - 7PM

Fri: 11AM - 8PM

Sat - Sun: 11AM - 7PM

Reservations recommended (and please tell Roger and Linda hello from me)!

A Moment of Descendants

2016-05-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

It's official. I no longer know how to relax. Or maybe my version of relaxing is just a satisfying level of 'doing.' In any case, I was supposed to be taking it easy as I recovered from an umbilical hernia repair. Minor outpatient surgery, but recovery must occur.

I'm extremely fortunate that my parents were here to help with the girls while I attempted to rest and recover. But what does one do on a mid-Friday morning when the girls are at school and one is not allowed to work? Bring out the gong fu, of course.

In general, my parents have only been subjected to my tea hobby when I send them teas I think they would like or I bring teas with me when we come for a visit. This is the first time I got to get super nerdy about it with them.

I found it rather fitting that the tea of choice was from Tea Descendants, a family company whose roots are south of the Fujian province of China, best known for Oolong tea. One part of the family immigrated to Singapore in the early 1900's while the rest of the family stayed behind to continue the family trade of tea farming. Some of the Singapore descendants made a journey to their homeland to explore their family history, and this is where the company was born.

They sent me a gift of their Oolong No. 2 Smooth Floral Touch (talk about a descriptive name!). And that is where we began my parents' introduction to gong fu tea.

While it is fairly well known that I am a tea nerd, I am also a bit of a process nerd. In fact, my entire higher education focused on process improvement. So, it warmed the cockles of my heart to find that step-by-step instructions on how to brew the tea properly were included in the tea tin. When you steep tea in the gong fu manner, you steep it for seconds, not minutes, which goes against all of my instincts. But it makes you more mindful, more observant, more engaged in the process, the flavors, the aromas.

It was fun to hear my parents' observations of what they smelled and tasted. (We even pulled out Linda Gaylard's flavor wheel from her latest book, The Tea Book, to help us describe what we were experiencing).

The First Steep: light, spring vegetables, with a reserved floral scent.
The Second Steep: lightly roasted vegetables with green hay
The Third Steep: toasted rice, faintly similar to genmaicha
The Fourth Steep: an intensifying floral aroma, grassier notes appearing
The Fifth Steep: lessening scent, but tasting more of what we had been smelling
The Sixth Steep (which sounds like it should be a movie title): bright, slightly astringent, with a sunnier green flavor

As we steeped, we talked. It occurred to me that this was the first time in as long as I could remember that it was just me and my parents sitting and having a conversation. No siblings, no grandkids, not even a dog in sight. Just the three of us. It was so nice. It was so comfortable. That's what family is, isn't it? Or what it's supposed to be. And maybe that's part of the "secret sauce" of Tea Descendants. When family comes together in such a harmonious way, beautiful things happen.

A Moment Where it All Began

2016-04-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

"It all began when my Aunt Jane took me to Lisa’s Tea Treasures somewhere near San Jose, CA when I was entering my senior year of high school..."

For those of you who have read the "My Tea Journey" section of my blog may recognize that sentence. I had never been to an actual Tea Room until my Aunt Jane took me to this one. It was one of those experiences that shaped my aspirations and future endeavors. Yes, it was a cup of tea and a presentation of tea sandwiches and scones. But it was more. It was a moment of infinite possibilities.

Since that time, I've visited countless venues for tea around the world, but I have never returned to that very first one. Until last week. I was in Santa Clara, California to speak at a conference, and before my flight home, I decided to look up Lisa's Tea Treasures to see if it was nearby. There is now more than one location, so I decided to visit their newly opened tea room in the up and coming Santana Row.

It was a Monday afternoon and the tea room was bustling. I was ushered to a table and handed the menu, and that was where the memories came flooding back. Since my first visit, I've drafted out what my own tea house would be like. There would be a few small dining rooms, each themed in a different country. The Russian Room. The Fleur de Lis. The English Fireside Room. And here was why. Lisa's menu was deliciously themed with options of afternoon teas that reflect a variety of international tea traditions.

Unlike my afternoon tea experience with Aunt Jane, I started this tea service with a celebratory glass of sparkling wine. And then a pot of their English Breakfast tea. I noticed right away their bowl of sugar cubes and little tongs, which made me laugh as I realized that must be why I am so adamant about the necessity of cubes at afternoon tea rather than granules! I saw it there first!

Megan, my server, was a multi-tasking genius. Despite a full house, she was warm and hospitable, going out of her way to make sure each table had the best experience possible. I was able to sit back, relax and enjoy each delicious morsel of food in a cozy, beautiful tea room.

How I miss my Aunt Jane. As I sat at my table, I reminisced about the family trips we took when I was young. My parents, two brothers and I would drive from Idaho to California and run wild with my cousins, laughing and singing and eating like crazy. Aunt Jane would play her beautiful grand piano, singing a few favorite hymns or some silly children's songs. And of course, my mom and her sister would perform the German beer-drinking songs they had learned in their high school German class, which always cracked all of us up. Those vacations always felt too short. When I got my first job in California, I would have to fly up to the Bay Area every few months, and would often drive to her house for dinner with my aunt, uncle and whatever cousins happened to be home. Then I would stay an extra hour or two and talk and talk with Aunt Jane in the wood paneled living room, the familiar grand piano in one corner, shelves of books in every direction. She was so much like my mom, it was almost as good as being home. Those visits with her kept my homesickness at bay. And when we lost her too soon, I treasured those moments even more.

In the 20-some years since my first afternoon tea experience at Lisa's Tea Treasures, I am amazed at where so many tea moments have led me. New people, new places, new flavors and fragrances. It was so fun to visit where it all began. Let's see where the next 20 years lead.

A Moment with The Queen's Teapothecary

2016-04-02T15:39:00.001-07:00

The utter gall of the email to the team left me speechless. I had not approved this next step. I had not even seen it. After letting it gnaw at me for a good part of the afternoon on the last day of my vacation, I crafted my response. It was succinct, pointed and specific. I would not be bulldozed. My authority in this arena would not be usurped!

Damage control was swift and complete. There were apologies and declarations that no harm was intended. An immediate update of all upcoming communications was sent to me and a promise of weekly such updates.

And then discovery. There, in my inbox, untouched, unnoticed from the previous week, was the email that documented from top to bottom the communication that would be going out to the team. The communication that had set off my (what could now only be called) temper tantrum.

*facepalm*

In such moments as these, there can only be one course of action. As my colleague, Lia, always says, "When you mess up, 'fess up." So I crafted another email. This one took more time, more measure, much more responsibility, and even more courage to hit 'send.'

What tea pairs best whilst eating crow and a slice of humble pie?

This newly deflated princess turned to a recent gift of The Queen's Teapothecary to soothe a bruised and battered ego.

Isn't it interesting how viewing a thing of beauty can instantly make the world seem a little brighter? As I opened the beautiful box, I was presented with an herbal blend for every occasion. Did I need a touch of The King's Charm (a refreshing citrus mint blend) or to be wrapped up with the warm and soothing Queen Mother's Blend (with lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon and clove)? The escapist in me considered The Sleepy Princess Blend with thoughts of a nap, but in the end, I retreated with the The Queen's Favorite, a lavender and lemon verbena blend. Calming, with a bright ending, just what today's saga needed.

There has been a lot of change in the past few months in my workplace. The founder, president (and my long-time friend) said farewell to the company at the end of the year to begin a new adventure. At the same time, our parent company ramped up dedicated resources, and suddenly things on my wish list that used to take months or years to become reality are now taking weeks. There is suddenly more staff, which means I'm wearing fewer hats, which also means less involvement/knowledge in certain activities. I'm now able to focus on things that are the 'best use of my time,' and these are exciting and important changes. But even good change is change, and I'm realizing I'm not as flexible or resilient or ready to evolve as I thought I was.

What doesn't change is the comfort and consistency of a nice cup of tea. And what could be better than my own Teapothecary?

The Queen's Teapothecary is the creation of Mandalyn King, who has developed a beautiful line of herbal infusions and floral tisanes.

www.thequeensteapothecary.com

A Moment at the Global Tea Hut

2016-03-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

As with many young adults, I had a window of time when I got to explore the world a little bit. I lived in Pau, France for a semester during college and took every opportunity to experience the sights and cities within my reach. One adventure led me and a couple of friends to Barcelona, Spain, where we had 2 encounters with the local police. The first was when we arrived by rental car in the city at 2 a.m. and couldn't find our hostel. We flagged down an officer and attempted to ask for directions. In return, we received a police escort to the hostel's front door. The second was when we awoke in the morning and discovered that our rental car, a cute little red Clio Renault, had been towed at some point during the night. We flagged down another officer to ask for directions on where to reclaim our car and got a ride in the back of his squad car. Quel service.

"This will go down on your permanent record"

Besides making good friends with the local authorities, we also saw some amazing things. Park Guell, Sagrada Familia cathedral, Las Ramblas. And, because I was travelling with P, it was no surprise to run into someone she knew: our next door neighbor at the hostel. (That girl knows Everyone. Literally Everyone.) Our limited budgets and humble accommodations didn't get in the way of the experience, the moments of connecting with our surroundings, and soaking it all in irrevocably.

Barthelona, Espana

My adventures these days involve fewer squad cars and nicer hotels, but there's a magic to being in a place and soaking the moment into your soul, whatever the locale may be. Perhaps that's why I was completely captivated with the Global Tea Hut, Tea and Tao Magazine.

While many tea magazines focus on traditional British afternoon tea and the associated decor and recipes (which I love, mind you), I've seen fewer publications that immerse you in the world of tea itself. This is where Global Tea Hut fills that void for those who might take a more academic or purist approach to their own tea experience.

The magazine, courtesy of the Global Tea Hut Team, arrived with a sample of Old Man Dong Ding, the highlighted tea of the month. I granted myself a half hour to sit in the morning sun, brew the Dong Ding, and be transported to Taiwan where this tea was grown, processed and finished in a time honored tradition.

Using a gaiwan, I infused the tea several times, steeping for seconds, as opposed to minutes - gong-fu style. There's an art to Gong Fu, and I'm very much a novice, but I enjoyed as each steeping took me on a journey. The flavors started deep, roasted, and nutty. As the steepings went on, the edges were worn down, the nuttiness smoothing out to a brighter tone, as though I was walking through a deep, dense forest that slowly opened up into a bright, grassy meadow.

As I sipped my tea, I journeyed through the magazine and was taken in by the stories of oolong (which means Black Dragon), and how culture and popularity nearly erased the old techniques and textures that make a true Dong Ding Oolong. One article laid out the chance meeting and a shared memory over tea, which led to the opportunity to breathe new life into an old methodology. And so, the introduction of Old Man Dong Ding, which was then in my cup. Art brought into life. My life. A beautiful moment.

Travel is meant to expand your world, and it's nice to know that I don't always have to hop in a plane (or a rented Clio Renault) to explore new people, places and things.

*Side note - If you do want to hop in a plane and physically immerse yourself in The Global Tea Hut's world, you can visit Tea Sage Hut in Taiwan, a tea and zen center that operates purely on donations.

A Moment on Who to Love

2016-02-08T14:20:00.001-08:00

Comment here or on Instagram with whom you'd like to share a Valentine's Day cup of tea, and you'll be entered into a drawing to win The des Amants, courtesy of Palais des Thes! The drawing will take place at 5 p.m. PST, Tuesday, February 9th.

New York City Moments

2016-02-04T16:53:00.000-08:00

New York, New York. It's a wonderful town. And it's even better when you have friends to meet you there and show you what you'd most likely never find on your own.

I was in the city for just one day and one night at the end of a pilgrimage to see one of my dearest friends who had just had her second daughter and who lives in Upstate New York. Spending a few days with P, her husband, 2 scrumptious little girls and a 5-month-old puppy was already the best Thanksgiving weekend I could have asked for. Stopping in the city was the cherry on top.

Reaching out to the Underground Tea Syndicate NYC, I was able to secure 2 rendezvous with some of my favorite tea enthusiasts. Stop number one was with Rachel Safko, a gifted writer who I've really enjoyed getting to know over the past year. There's her Scents and Sensibiliteas blog, also known as "These Foolish Things... for the Urban Romantic." She had just been doing some research and tastings for this blog post on scented teas when we met at a cafe called Fika - apropos, as my maiden name is Swedish and I'm always interested in finding a little Swedish culture where I can.

She shared fun information on the research she had been doing on scented teas, we talked about family, of mutual tea friends, and I asked for her thoughts on a research project I was thinking of. Once again, I was struck at the reality of our times. I know Rachel through her writing, through her Twitter posts, through a couple of email exchanges, and one conversation at the World Tea Expo last spring. And yet, here we met, chatting like old friends.

Now, you may well ask what two tea lovers were doing meeting at a Swedish coffee bar. But here is where I appreciate Rachel's "sensibiliteas." Whether she knew of my Swedish descent previously or not, she introduced my not only to the cafe known as Fika, but the Swedish tradition of Fika.

Here is how the cafe defines it:

The word FIKA [fee:kah] translates into taking a coffee break to indulge in the ritual of conversation, often accompanied by something sweet or savory. Having a daily FIKA is a way of life in Sweden and an important part of the culture. It offers a way of both relaxing and staying connected. - See more at: http://www.fikanyc.com/pages/about-fika#sthash.HeQ3qDTY.dpuf

I love this concept. And so, we indulged in the practice, though with tea rather than coffee (of course!).

We bid each other farewell, and off I went to Rendezvous no. 2. After a few missteps, I finally found myself in front of Chalait. And as the sun began to sink behind the New York City skyline and I stepped inside, there sat Jo. And a mug of matcha.

It had been just over 4 years earlier that I had met Jo Johnson of A Gift of Tea in New York City in a tiny tea shop called In Pursuit of Tea, which unfortunately has closed its brick and mortar shop. As I greeted her with a hug and sat down, she pointed at a shelf above her.

Tea by In Pursuit of Tea

Perfect.

What to drink? Well, Jo's mug looked very interesting, so I asked to have what she was having. A Matcha Cortado, matcha shot cut with a little steamed milk. It was fun to watch the drink being crafted. Such precision. Such care.

And guess what. This was my first real matcha drink. At least my first that was prepared by someone who knew what they were doing (namely, not me!). For the first time, I began to see what the fuss might be all about. This was good. This was very good.

Of course, the best was being in the company of a friend such as this. I loved hearing about the projects she was working on, the dance exhibition her daughter was planning, holiday ideas, news about mutual friends. I picked her brain about some ideas, and enjoyed each wonderful moment.

Jo demonstrating the proper "Don't bother me," NYC subway face.
I, however, am demonstrating the "I'm not from around here!" NYC subway face.

New York, New York. It truly is a wonderful town, but my moments were about the people, this time. Not the places. The stories, not the statues. I look forward to my next adventure there and the people I'll see.

A Moment to Discover the Secrets of the Best Chai

2016-01-25T13:03:00.000-08:00

It's my birthday today, and I've been sitting here, enjoying a cup of my favorite Assam, thinking about tea. And chai, as it turns out.

Assam by Joseph Wesley Black Tea

Chai. I see and hear about it everywhere. The thing is, I most often hear about it terms of "chai lattes," which is kind of chai, but not quite.

What makes a good chai? What's the secret to making the Best Chai? I turned to my friend, Joe Uhl, founder of Joseph Wesley Black Tea, and here are the secrets that he shared:

My wife is Indian, so whenever I go to India I take note of my wife’s aunts' various techniques and have my cousins take me to their favorite chai wallahs where I make everyone laugh with embarrassment as I ask a lot of questions and show much too much interest in process. I learned a few important lessons about masala chai (secrets that are not in my recipe) this last trip and during previous trips:

(1) The best chai wallahs always simmer their milk for hours to reduce the water content and increase the fat content. This is important to create a heavier and more silky “mouthfeel” as the kids like to say.

(2) The best chai wallahs almost invariably boil their milk. This is important because boiling the milk will actually brown the sugar. I’ve found it easiest to boil the milk before simmering (I boil it three times. Let it come to a rapid boil, take it off the heat, let it come to a rapid boil, take it off the heat, let it come to a boil and then take it off the heat. When you return the milk the fourth time, reduce the milk to simmer and let it simmer for as long as you can.)

(3) Although the chai wallahs rarely do this, I’ve found that it’s best to infuse your milk with your spices and then add your pre-made chai/tea concentrate with a 1 to 1 ratio — instead of infusing the actual tea and adding milk. This provides you a much longer time to allow the spices to develop as you allow the milk to thicken.

(4) Actual milk is rarely used by the best chai wallahs. Almost all chai wallahs use evaporated milk instead of whole milk, although I’ve had occasion to have goat’s milk masala chai (in southeast asia everyone uses sweetened condensed milk). I know it’s not fashionable with the youth, but evaporated milk creates the je ne sais quoi almost always missing in North American masala chai attempts. — Sweetened condenses milk has a lot to offer too, but in my old age it’s just too sweet for me.

(5) Black peppercorns are not essential but really important — much more than fresh ginger (although ginger can add something nice to a masala chai) — with that in mind, I like to add a pinch of salt to enhance some of the spices lurking in the background.

Recipe and Image by Joseph Wesley Tea

In honor of Joe's willingness to share his Chai Secrets, and because it's my birthday, I'm giving away a free copy of Joe's amazing book. The Art and Craft of Tea.

To be entered into a drawing to win a copy of this book, please vote on which chapter you would read first in his book. You may vote in the comments here, or Twitter, or Facebook or Instagram. Tag me (@teamoment). You may enter once per social media platform. The drawing will take place this Friday. January 29th at 12 p.m. Pacific Time. So, which chapter would you read first?

A Moment with Snowmen

2016-01-20T17:22:00.001-08:00

My aunt is the type of person who creates beauty wherever she goes. From painting to woodworking, to quilling, to gardening, to sewing... you name it, she can create it. In the years after I acquired my driver's license, her house would be a regular stop to say hello. There would always be snacks and fun stories, a sympathetic ear, and a new project to see. There would also be the seasonal decor.

Nearly every month, there is a new theme, reflective of the appropriate upcoming holiday or season. While we were home for the holidays, it was with great pleasure that we stopped in to see said aunt a couple of days after Christmas. January decor was in full force, which of course means... Snowmen.

Even though we had promised we were coming by just for a very short visit, there was a pot of tea and a tray of treats. And, of course, no detail was overlooked. Milk and sugar cubes - with tongs even!

It was a quick visit, a needed visit, a hearkening-back-to-old-times visit. And I'm so glad that Edie could be there to experience a glimpse of the magic that is Aunt S. Tea and cookies, some moments to play with her cousin, soaking in the beauty created by this relative that we only see a couple of times per year. It's important. It's part of who I am, of who she is, and I look forward to more of these precious moments each time we go home.

And while I can never seem to stay on top of the changing seasons in my own household, and certainly not seasonal decor, this visit has inspired me to get out the few snowmen I have. Funnily enough, 2 out of the 3 were gifts from her~

A Moment With New Eyes

2016-01-12T09:31:00.001-08:00

I've heard so many people describe that first morning. And now it was my turn. I woke up. I opened my eyes. I could see the detail of the drawer pulls on my dresser across the room. I turned to look at the clock on my husband's night stand. I could read what time it was. It was 4:07 a.m.

I could see.

For people who have been near-sighted for any length of time, you understand that extra step that is necessary to begin any real functionality every morning. Whether it is reaching for the glasses on the night stand or going into the bathroom to put in contacts. There's an extra step just to be able to do anything. Sometimes, due to laziness or necessity, you do things blindly - navigating through the room or the house without running into walls or furniture, distinguishing by touch toothpaste tubes from lotions or ointments that might also be laying on the counter. I identify approaching people by their walk rather than their faces. Even my kids knew the routine. My youngest had been waking me up by laying my glasses on my chest in the morning.

And thank goodness for this extra step. The fact that there are such aids available is amazing and necessary and not to be taken for granted. But not being able to see more than 1 foot in front of me without these aids, is a bit scary.

Modern technology is amazing. It's been 1 month since my LASIK procedure, and I am seeing the world with new eyes. There's a sense of awe every time I wake up and can just... begin. No extra steps. Just open my eyes and go. Trees are more beautiful, flowers are more intricate, clouds are fluffier, my girls' eyes are brighter. Not because I can see better, but because I am constantly amazed that I can see with just my eyes alone. It's life-changing.

Some might think I'm being over-dramatic in my exuberance in this now-common surgery. But for me, having worn glasses for nearly 30 years and contacts for nearly 20, this is magical.

In the midst of my gratitude for this miracle (in my mind) and gift of sight, I'm aware that ultimately nothing around me has changed. It's how I'm absorbing those things that has changed. I am in the moment. I am soaking in my surroundings as they appear, rather than thinking 5 or 10 or 60 minutes ahead to where I need to be next, what needs to happen next.

How do I keep this current state of awe? How do I nurture this sense of gratitude for the things that I can see? I suppose that is something that a morning cup of tea can be, and often is, for me. The ritual of being present, of seeing what is in front of me, right here, right now.

In this New Year, what are you looking at with new eyes or new awareness? And how will you keep that newness alive. I'd love to learn from you.

A Moment of Wishes

2015-12-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

It rained all of last night - a Christmas wish coming true for much of Southern California. As I stole a couple of quiet minutes on the front patio soaking in the foreign sight and sound and smell of rain, I began thinking of how the holiday season is a rather magical time when wishes large and small can indeed come true.

It's three days until Christmas, and not all the Christmas cards have been sent. It's a piecemeal Christmas season with the traditional CookieFest being spread out over 3 evenings rather than 1 full day. Get-togethers have been a hodge-podge of last minute and last second "Hey, if I bring a bottle of wine over, can the kids play for awhile?" to attending Disney's Frozen On Ice - which has been on the calendar since August, to the annual tamale-making with my friend's family, and anything and everything in-between.

And you know something? It's been really nice. Whether a quick afternoon tea at home with a friend or a large gathering of families, for whatever reason, the chaos and community of it all has been refreshing. It's all a bit of a blur, but a warm, fuzzy, wonderful blur.

There's a lot that needs to get done between now and Friday. And the reality is that it may or may not get done. But I'm rolling with that, this year. I think my friend, Lisa, of Chambre de Sucre got it right. She sent out several parcels to her friends that was filled with sweetness and the hope of wishes coming true. A set of pink mini heart-shaped sugars to make any day a little sweeter, and a tiny glass jar of wishes, ready to be set free whenever we need that extra push of hope or whimsy. That is exactly what this season is all about. Making each other's days a little sweeter, and remaining full of hope - and maybe creating hope for others as well.

If I don't write again before the end of the year, I wish you all peace, joy, and hope. Take care of the people around you, and enjoy the moments (rather than the things) that fill this Christmas season.

The 2015 Tea Moment Holiday Gift Guide

2015-11-25T08:44:00.005-08:00

Isn't it fun to find the absolutely perfect gift for that friend, co-worker, family member, or special someone? If you know someone who enjoys tea, here are some of my favorite tea-inspired gift ideas for 2015.

For the Tea and Book Lover

The Tea Book, by Linda Gaylard, a.k.a. The Tea Stylist
A tea primer that masterfully unfolds the story of the tea plant, complete with a flavor wheel and the most comprehensive recipes for mixed tea beverages (both alcoholic and alcohol-free) that I've ever seen! Linda makes the world of tea beautiful, accessible and relevant in today's fast-paced society.

The Art and Craft of Tea, by Joseph Wesley Uhl
An enthusiast's guide to selecting, brewing and serving exquisite tea. Like everything Mr. Uhl creates, this book is masterful in telling the story of tea, revealing the simplicity and complexity of the world's favorite beverage, with many practical tips, recipes and brewing methods to take your personal tea experience to the next level.

Myths and Legends of Tea, by Gary Robson
Gary has a gift for making history come to life, and this book has become a fast favorite of mine. His tales span centuries and continents, and you'll find it hard to come up for air once you dive in. I'm relieved to see that this book is noted as Volume 1, because I can't wait to see what he'll write about next. (It also has the best "Forward" I've ever read, courtesy of Geoffrey Norman, a.k.a. The Lazy Literatus.

The Ultimate Tea Mugs

Flying Tea Gourd Stainless Steel Tea Infuser Bottle
This 16 oz. Travel Tea Infuser has made me a believer. Not only is the stainless steel tea infuser basket deep enough to allow for proper steeping, this thing keeps your hot tea HOT and your cold tea COLD!!! If your tea lover is always on the go, this is the perfect gift that says, "Have tea, will travel." To receive $5 off, enter discount code TEAMOM15 at checkout.

American Tea Room Glass Tea Infuser Mug
Sheer elegance. Whether at home or in the office, this 16 oz. clear glass tea mug and its stainless steel infuser basket create an instant zen moment. Use the glass trivet to enclose the tea's aroma as it steeps and then place below the tea infuser once the infusion is complete. Give a gift that says, "I like what I see."

Tea Exploration

Tea of the Month by The Devotea
Choose a size, choose a frequency and get a package. It's as simple as that. This is a fun way to be introduced to a wider range of teas, whether single origin teas or club-only blends. Each tea has a story, each blend - a rich history. Give a gift that says, "Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours." To receive 20% off of your purchase, enter MOMENT at checkout.

Tea Blending Kit by A Gift of Tea
We each have a little bit if artist, a little bit of scientist in us, and this kit allows you to create your own custom masterpiece to be shared with loved ones or enjoyed on your own. Choose between Black Tea, Green Tea or Herbals. (If you're in the NYC area, you can register for tea blending classes too! Give a gift that says, "Choose your own adventure."

Four Seasons Tea Tan Yang Gong Fu Jin Xi Yu Tang -
Red Label Series
A relatively new tea company based in Toronto, this is a tea company that you'll want to keep on your radar. Not only is their website a guaranteed way to induce calm and relaxation, their tea is exquisite. Let Four Seasons Tea be your mentor in Chinese teas. Give a gift that says, "You're ready to take tea to the next level."

Joseph Wesley Tea For Two
A canister of the most incredible Chinese or Indian black tea and two cups nestled in a beautiful gift box, well, frankly, I'm hoping Santa delivers one of these to me! Whether a tea novice or connoisseur, these teas are among the best I've ever had, hands down. Perfection. Sophistication. No detail is left to chance. Give a gift that says, "Baby, you're worth it." To receive 20% off your purchase, enter 2015holidays at checkout.

Tea for the Animal Lover

Williamson Tea Christmas Special Gift Set
I love elephants, and I love tea, not necessarily in that order. But if your loved one is an animal lover and tea drinker, there is no better gift than this one for the holidays. A snowflake elephant tea caddy, Kenya Earth Tea (one of the best breakfast blends I've ever tasted), and a #KeepOnWandering enamel mug that will make you feel like you're on the set of "Out of Africa." All this, and with every purchase, £1 ($1.50 USD) will be donated to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust that helps protect endangered African elephants and rhinos against poachers. Give a gift that says,"Let's address the elephant (caddy) in the room."

Enjoy this holiday season. Tell your family and friends how much you love and appreciate them. Invite them to join you for a cup of tea and share a Tea Moment together, be it silly or serious. It's not all about the gifts, though gift-giving can be so much fun. It's about being together, appreciating each other for who we truly are, and being grateful for the time we have with each other. I wish you joy, peace and contentment during this festive season.

A Moment for Scottish Tea Growers

2015-11-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

My mother being a Cunningham, I can't help but love all things Scottish. So when I heard that there was to be a gathering of Scottish Tea Growers, I was more than happy to share the news!

Scottish Tea Plantation. Photo courtesy of Wee Tea Plantation

Scotland’s Growing Wee Tea Gardens

Perthshire tea plantation has helped create ten more in Scotland due to high demand for iconic hotels!

A newly formed Scottish TeaGrowers’ Association has staged its first AGM on November 20, 2015 with the country now boasting ten gardens growing to the tipple. Wee Tea Plantation owner Tam O’Braan has been working alongside others in all corners of Scotland to develop a double figured number of growers.

Tea Garden on the roof of The Dorchester.
Photo courtesy of Wee Tea Plantation

Some of the gardens are already attracting elite customers such as The Dorchester hotel in Mayfair who were so inspired they installed their own roof top tea garden while serving Dumfries & Galloway’s own grey tea- Garrocher Grey. Garrocher Tea Garden owner Angela Hurrell went down to close an exclusive agreement with the iconic London hotel.

“I have to admit I have never ordered Afternoon Tea before and The Dorchester Hotel gave me the confidence of knowing that with our tea every possible modern convenience was at hand but still there was time to rest and enjoy in very comfortable surroundings”

Terraced Tea Garden. Photo courtesy of Wee Tea Plantation

O’Braan stated that “It’s been our stated aim to grow an industry, not just one business and

while most of the members won’t have a commercial quantity until 2018 they’ve taken the first steps to grow a new drinks industry”. While traditionally no one would have considered Scotland a natural location the variety of tea plant used by all the Scottish growers (Cameliia sinensis sinensis) stems from the Himalayas already grows at minus 15 degrees centigrade.

Due to the slower growth of the Scottish leaf all of the resulting teas develop superior flavours. “A happy coincidence as to make this sustainable we have only supplied teas of the highest quality commanding a premium price. If one’s supplying The Dorchester then it’s no surprise when a call comes in from the Rtiz or one of their many comparable global rivals.

Turning down Harrods the prestigious retailer Fortnum & Mason were preferred by Dalreoch to launch Scottish teas in 2014 and were followed this year by their rivals Mariage Frères- the premium Salon du Thé au Paris. The Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh was the first hotel in Scotland to serve the tea early in 2015. All of those names and the many more +5 Star establishments are queuing up to work with the other Scottish Gardens in the coming years.

Scottish Tea Growers

Agronomist Tam O’Braan has worked in crop research in extreme heat or cold before returning to Scotland and starting his idea for Scottish tea in 2010. The Wee Tea Plantation uses cutting edge methods for growing tea. The teas are sold through his friends business The Wee Tea Company and given as gifts during UK trade and diplomatic visits.

Unique teas are being grown and developed in Aberdeenshire, The Isle of Mull, Lismore, Orkney, Peebles, Perthshire and Dumfries & Galloway. A processing centre for freshly picked tea leaf is under construction at Perth & Kinross. New jobs and program of high-end tea training not known to exist outside of Asia is presently underway for the two first ever young British Tea Sommelier.- both local young people with appropriately sensitive palates.

The Scottish Tea Growers.
Photo courtesy of Wee Tea Plantation

A Moment Among the Elephants

2015-11-19T11:41:00.001-08:00

I must have been Edie's age, around 7 years old, the year my Grandma took me to the Circus. I remember two things: eating popcorn and riding an elephant. My Grandma could not believe that her quiet, shy granddaughter was truly determined to sit atop a pachyderm, but there it was. There would be no stopping me. Much to the chagrin of my older brother, an elephant ride for me meant an elephant ride for him. I could hardly contain my excitement as I climbed up into the carrier on top of that amazing creature. I don't know how many children were packed up there, but I made sure I was in front. I imagined I was alone, on an African savanna, just me and my elephant. I remember the deep, grey wrinkles and being surprised by the rough sprouts of hair on its skin. It was thrilling.

Elephants were always interesting to me. One of my favorite chapters in the book, "The Secret Garden," was when Mary discovered the room with the cabinet of carved elephants. I read that chapter again and again.

That's one of the reasons I was so excited to receive a beautiful elephant tea caddy gift set from Williamson Tea, Tea Farmers in Kenya since 1869. And with it, an enamel mug. Visions of sitting outside my safari tent near an open fire, my fingers curled around the mug, the trumpeting of elephants in the distance... it was nearly tangible.

I wasted no time in brewing a cup of Kenyan Earth, their English Breakfast blend, made with Kenyan tea. I'll admit I was hoping beyond hope that it would be good. I've had challenges with Kenyan teas in the past. This one had to be good. It just HAD to be.

And it was! The first sip, the first wonderful sip was everything an English Breakfast blend should be. Bold, malty, and smooth. Absolutely perfect. So perfect, in fact, it has been my morning cup of tea all week long. And the caddy? It sits atop my wall-of-tea that is a work-in-progress. I can look up from my desk and I can happily be aware of the elephant in the room.

These days, we're more aware of the treatment of animals in captivity, and even Ringling Brothers has said they will be retiring their 13 travelling elephants by 2018 in response to the changing attitudes of its customers. The focus has shifted to conservation, and rightly so. The elephant population continues to dwindle due to poachers (100,000 were killed in just 3 years according to one report). Which is another reason I am quickly becoming an uber-fan of Williamson Tea. They partner with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which is the most successful orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world and one of pioneering conservation organizations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa. For every elephant caddy sold, Williamson Tea donates £1 to the Wildlife Trust.

Thank you, Williamson Tea. #KeepOnWandering

A Moment in Tina's Traditional Old English Kitchen

2015-11-16T15:32:00.002-08:00

Just outside the hustle and bustle of Indianapolis, lies a beautiful gem of a town called Carmel, Indiana. It was in this small town of boutiques and cafes that I found Tina's Traditional Old English Kitchen.

In true British style, this tea room has corners dedicated to the Royals,

as well as whimsy.

But most important of all, it has traditional English Afternoon Tea.

I always enjoy seeing who visits local tea rooms, and at Tina's there was a bridal shower taking place in one corner, with family and friends enjoying their special time together, a couple of small tables of guests, and then a couple who obviously visited the tea room regularly, as they chatted with Aaron, the server, and exchanged news about mutual acquaintances.

As I was given the menu, Aaron also offered the opportunity to learn a little history about the tradition of afternoon tea, which of course I accepted. And I was so glad I did! It was refreshing to hear the distinction of "High Tea" and "Afternoon Tea" and to understand that what I would be indulging in was Afternoon Tea.

High tea refers to an early evening meal that typically consists of tea, a hot dish, bread and cake. It was traditionally the after work meal of the working class (now more often referred to as supper), and served at the kitchen table (as opposed to low tables next to comfy chairs in the parlor). Afternoon tea was more of an upper class refreshment with dainty sandwiches, scones and clotted cream. It was more of a social event than a meal.

I ordered a pot of Prince of Wales, a black tea blend consisting of Kenyan and Assam teas, and I knew I had chosen the right venue when I saw there was a sugar bowl of sugar cubes (not packets) on the table.

When the 3-tiered tray was delivered, all was right with the world. Traditional tea sandwiches (cucumber, ham and mustard, coronation chicken), scones with imported clotted cream, and just the right amount of sweet treats to cap it all off.

Someone asked me today to describe what the 'draw' of afternoon tea is for me. I think a big part of it is a sense of tradition, of being part of something more than just a moment in today's world. We all have a need for heritage of some sort. This is one of the few instances where we can re-create a time and tableaux of the days of yore. There is a romantic notion surrounding tea with friends and family. Even tea all by myself. It comes down to a feeling of being taken care of or taking care of others. Some people might enjoy it because they can show off their culinary or decorating skills. Some might be drawn to the effect it has on a crowd, however intimate or large: conversation flows easily over afternoon tea, similar to (and yet more refined than) gathering at a bar with friends. It's relaxing, it's elevating, it's fancy (and yes, sometimes a gal just needs to feel fancy).

Maybe that's why I enjoy visiting tea rooms across the country and around the world. I admire the environment these proprietors create so that people can enjoy a simple, yet elegant, pleasure. They are all so distinct and different, but there are basic elements that are the same.

If you're ever passing through Indiana, and you are in need of a moment with tea, look for the exit for Carmel, and stop by Tina's Traditional Old English Kitchen. Use all of your senses and drink it all in. And enjoy.

To visit:
Tina's Traditional Old English Kitchen
30 N Rangeline Rd,
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 565 9716

Open from 11am - 4pm DAILY for lunch and afternoon tea
Brunch is served weekdays 9.30am - 11am
Full English Breakfast is available on Sundays from 11am

A Moment of Subtle-Teas

2015-11-10T14:54:00.001-08:00

As November rolls in quickly after the hype and fanfare of Halloween, there is a subtle shift in the air. If you aren't paying attention, you'll wake up one day and wonder where the early morning chill came from or realize you suddenly need to switch the climate control to 'heat.'

But if you've been paying attention, you'll notice the temperatures dip a little lower, a little colder each evening. You'll pull on PJ pants one night rather than PJ shorts, then reach for an extra throw for the bed the next night, and then for an extra blanket the next. Mornings have that delicious chill. The kind that invites you to sit outside on the patio with that hot cup of tea, because the juxtaposition of hot hands and cold feet is suddenly perfectly balanced.

I enjoy those subtleties, and maybe that's why I enjoyed The Devotea's Ali Shan Oolong during these increasingly cool mornings. Oolongs in general, I find, are floral and perfume-y, usually in a good way. But this Ali Shan, which is one of the more refined oolongs, holds back and is rich in subtleties.

The steeped liquid is pale yellow and is as smooth as the fog that envelopes the tea plants in the Central Mountain range of Taiwan. The floral quality is exceptionally light, and there is a mild sweetness that lingers. It is not a bold or brash tea, nor is it meant to be. Steeping it longer will intensify the flavor but not the astringency, which is always a good thing in my book (and because I tend to oversteep everything!)

This Ali Shan is a perfect and gentle introduction to Oolongs for the reluctant explorer. And as the holidays approach, it could be the perfect gift for that special someone who enjoys tea. Go ahead - indulge in something subtle and sublime.