TEA
On April 4th, Blu Cafe by Tavalon, the popular e-commerce premium tea purveyor officially opened their first US tea bar (in addition to 2 cafes in South Korea). But this ain't your average tea party. Some of the unique bevvies on the menu include tea sodas, which are house made tea syrups infused into soda water, with flavors such as peachy oolong, summer fruits, crimson punch, and jasmine dream. They even offer up tea floats, comprised of tea soda and tea-flavored froyo. Other unique creations include the Upper West Side Detox (NYC breakfast tea with Korean ginger slices), Breakfast Cereal Tea (ground Job's tears grains infused into hot frothy milk), and a Roiboos or coconut mate latte for the caffeine-crazy. Iced tea options are also available, with flavors including the MoTeajo (iced green tea with lemongrass, peppermint, or lime) and can be transformed into bubble tea for an additional charge.
There isn’t much in the world that can capture the feeling of being happily lost in the world of books. The journey to worlds we may never see is one that can start at any age. Simply picking up a book opens us up to new ideas and makes us a part of stories more grand than the universe we know. It’s hard to capture the years of wonder lining our bookshelves. That, however, hasn’t stopped a brilliant Canada-based photographer from trying, and making parts of that sensation wonderful and real.
Joel Robison, also known as boywonder (a user name we’re pretty fond of), creates some wonder of his own with photos based around the world of books. He explores both the comfort of reading and the worlds books open up for their readers. Paper dragons, whales that travel through pages, and worlds imbued with the magic created by books are only a few of the sights to see in the boy wonder’s photography. His self-portraits are at once cozy and mystifying. Tea cups and books welcome the viewer into a world just ever so slightly different for our own. In some pictures, Robison is tiny and the world is big. They capture how vast and engulfing some story worlds are--how small we are when peeking into worlds that are not our own, worlds that may not exist.
With a mild winter, spring has arrived early this year and the warm weather has been welcomed with open arms --unless you are a seasonal allergy sufferer!
The buds are already starting to bloom and symptoms of sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and scratchy throats are starting to become apparent to some. Most have chosen the method of taking over-the-counter medications for temporary relief. However, in this city, who has time to feel groggy all day? Like any New Yorker, allergies can be a burden and slow down your busy day.
We live in a constantly rushed, high-paced society where we never turn off our phones and check emails the second we wake. Everyone could benefit from taking a second to breathe deeply, close our eyes, and go frolic in our happy place for a moment. Some achieve this with a glass of wine, others with a hot cup of tea, and now thanks to Raganella’s Botanical Solutions, some have taken to smoking their herbal teas.
Liz Neves, founder, has created an all-natural, ethical body care company specializing in “solutions for everyday issues” by using healing plants in over 30 plant-based products. By blending wholesome, recognizable ingredients in her Brooklyn kitchen, Liz wishes to return to the healing plant system that we evolved from that we’ve drifted from in our very busy world. Her first thought when creating a new blend is the solution for an ailment by using something from the plant world. For example, Yummy Tummy Tea Blend is a blend of ingredients known for centuries to heal an upset stomach, such as ginger, licorice, and chamomile.
Though tea has long enjoyed an understated popularity, it appears that it's now getting its righteous props. In that spirit, tea preens and postures with its pinkies up, and much like any good debutante, can be found these days making steady appearances as an A-lister at formal tables and local Main Streets.
There is nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug or in the warmer months, hearing the clunking of crystal ice cubes piled high in a tall glass of the iced variety. It seems like around every corner there’s a new tea coming to market. How does one choose between Earl Grey and English Breakfast? Chamomile or Mango Crème? White tea or green tea?
If you happen to be walking down 19th Street on any given day, you’ll probably pass right by Chamalyn without ever noticing it was there. That would be quite a shame. This hole-in-the-wall establishment offers not only an amazing selection of Japanese candy, but it's bubble tea is unlike any you can find in the Mission District. Bubble tea (aka Boba tea), a flavorful drink featuring tapioca/boba pearls, has become more and more popular in the United States; with one taste of Chamalyn's tea, you'll understand why.
All teas are $3.50 and a variety of specials are available daily. Try some of the popular teas such as apple tea, lychee tea, guava, rainforest iced tea, passion fruit tea or mango. The owner, May, is another reason this place cannot be missed. She has amazing enthusiasm and is extremely helpful with helping you choose a tea you will like. Plus, she is willing to customize your selection to make sure you get exactly what you want!
Last Saturday, Joonbug's cup runneth over with coffee, tea, and juices; our hands and tummies filled with salted chocolate and flavored honey samples. It was a very good day.
Featuring such esteemed companies as Aroma, Tavalon, Peet's Coffee & Tea, and Honest Tea, this year's festival attracted hordes of people, all reaching for that tantalizing taste of some of the top beverage brands nationwide.
Competition brewed in the next room at the Ultimate Barista Challenge; before a panel of judges and an audience, contestants attempted to beat the clock while creating and stirring caffeinated concoctions. Two rooms over, lecturers discussed the origins of various teas, the tradition of Afternoon Tea, and the art of home roasting.
On February 19th and 20th, the "buzz"-worthy Coffee and Tea Festival is steaming up Manhattan!
Demonstrations, tastings and contests abound at this action-packed event where attendees can witness the art of making the creamiests lattè and espressos from industry professionals and pioneers, and learn the origins of exotic teas and coffees from around the world.
Competition brews as some of the top baristas and cafès go cup-to-cup and a panel of judges taste and critique.
For a taste and a ticket, visit http://www.coffeeandteafestival.com/index.html.
The Sixth Annual Coffee and Tea Festival. February 19th and 20th, 11am-5pm, Tickets starting at $20. 7 W. 34th Street. New York, NY.
Drinking tea, to some, is not just an action, but an experience. The boiling of water, the brewing of the tea, the sipping, the biscuits, and so on. There are even entire times of the day in parts of the world completely dedicated to this beverage. One brand of tea that adds to this whole experience is Kusmi. Packaged as loose leaf tea in tins or tea bags with descriptions like "Blend of Chinese and Ceylon black teas flavored with natural essences of bergamot, lemon, and orange blossom" or "Chinese green tea furled in rose blooms and thus has a delicious fine rose flavor."
With no sign to detect its identity (other than the letters OTD on its glass door) and tucked away from the busy boutiques and bistros on Fillmore, one has to wonder how Out The Door manages to keep its customers smiling and bellies full. Two guesses why this restaurant draws in loyal diners every day: quality and word of mouth.
Executive Chef Charles Phan opened OTD as his offspring to his nationally acclaimed The Slanted Door. OTD is a solution to all the vexed reservation-less customers at its mother restaurant. With the delicacies Chef Phan has perfected but at the fraction of the price, OTD is a more laid-back setting.
What you'll find when you walk through the door is a mixed crowd of hip working professionals and families. You'll find it a great spot for catching up with a friend or a casual date. There is a standing bar section where the hip crowd may congregate for wine before a beautiful Vietnamese meal. The open counter, where couples or single diners often sit, carries the sizzling sounds and glowing heat to the sleek tables. (Note: The counter for dining is highly suggested.)
Healing food, tea and wine. It is all a treat.
OTD
2232 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 923-9575
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