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.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hong Kong Tea in NYC
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.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Tea in the office
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?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Gifted Tea and Tea Blogging News
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.
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.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
How Does Tea Make You Feel?
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?
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The best of the best...so far
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.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Return to Radiance Tea House
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!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tea Deal from Harney & Sons
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/
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.)
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,
Friday, April 1, 2011
I Love Coffee!!!
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!
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