Tea Party!

WolfyOne · 06-08-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

I know we have several folks here who love tea as much as I do so I thought it might be fun to share tips, favorite brands, etc.

WolfyOne came this weekend and brought a huge sampling of her favorite teas. Needless to say, we sat around sampling and sipping several times this weekend and I have now become a full-blown tea addict!
She left several bags lined up in a neat row for me to try and had hand-written the instructions on how long to steep them for each one. I thought it was pretty fucking thoughtful

I had discovered www.teavana.com a while back and went nuts getting some wonderful teas there. My favorite is "Snow Geisha" and also their version of "Sleepytime".

Wolfy brought about 30 teas from http://www.todd-holland.com/ and I fell in LOVE with several of them (so much so that I had to go order a bunch)

I am having a cup of "Summer Peach" right now. I believe it is a Tisane?

Let's talk!

I laughed out loud when I saw the title of this thread. I thought for sure we'd all be sharing tea in Little Rock in August. I think it's a great idea for those that drink tea to bring a few of their favorites to share. Medusa and I could bring tea sacs and measuring spoons. I suppose we'd have to figure out how to get enough cups though because no one should drink good tea in those throw away cups. I have an electric teapot to boil water in and would also bring it along.

None of the teas I left behind for you are Tisanes, but with the flavor of them they should be, lol.

The book I left behind on purpose and finally told R last night I did, is filled with explanations on some things about tea. If you flip through the pages, you can tell some of the people here that have never been tea addicts, some little tidbits or just the facts. Like Merrick said, the Tisanes have no tea in them at all, but steep like tea. I know the page with the Tisanes tells what is actually put in it. The other interesting thing we read was about the different types of tea leaves, but I can't remember it all to write about them.

Arwen, if you remember, you had the double mint tea in Cali with R and I because we had it with us when I left from Vegas. Yes, I know, twas a long time ago.

SF, for you, I would bring whatever you asked me for......even a sleeping bag or 3 for the slumber party you want

So, getting back to LR, I'm willing to help plan some kind of tea tasting event if others will pitch in and bring something along. If we make it a group effort, we may just find a few more tea merchants teas we could enjoy that we wouldn't have tried before had it not been there for the simple pleasure of sharing.

PapaC · 06-08-2010, 10:13 AM

Well, one can't live in Victoria, BC and NOT post in this thread.

If you ever visit the island, one thing to do is Afternoon Tea. Now, I've heard that typically people will go to the Empress Hotel by the harbour for that, but if you want a cheaper tip, get a chance to go to Butchart Gardens and have their afternoon tea there. It's just as elegant and in a more beautiful natural setting if you're into gardens of all types.

I enjoyed afternoon tea there with my wife and mother-in-law 4.5 years ago and it was lovely (ok, admittedly I liked what comes WITH the tea.

)

Another moment of tea bliss oddly came at the airport where we had lunch, and asked for Iced Tea. There isn't unsweetened iced tea readily available in Canada (odd that). But the server was clever and brought us hot tea and a pitcher of nothing but ice cubes and lemon wedges. For us diabetics it was pure heaven!

I'm a coffee drinker on average but to reduce my caffeine addiction, I'll welcome the change to tea when i'm around my wife or other tea drinkers. Specifically I'm into Jasmine and Green tea the most but I also enjoy others.

Good times.

Arwen · 06-08-2010, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toofrufru

I love a good cup of tea. Jasmine is my always my first choice. I found a wonderful tea shop. I have tried a milk tea, smoke tea, and the flowers teas. I lean toward a naturally sweet tea. I am a regular iced sweet tea drinker and moving to where they do not serve it in any restaurant. Being from the south not serving sweet tea at restaurant for this girl is like serving soup with no spoon! Why its just uncivilized LOL[

Too true, Fru--on the sweet tea. One of my most horrific eating experiences involved a restaurant in Ohio. I ordered a glass of sweet tea and was told they didn't have it. I sucked it up and ordered a glass of regular tea.

AND IT WAS INSTANT!

I asked for water. Nasty, nasty, nasty thing to do in a restaurant. I mean, I'll drink instant tea if I must but I'm sure the heck not paying for it. LOL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cane

I only drink one kind of tea, African Rooibos, hot or iced doesn't matter. Love it!

Cane, I adore Rooibos. I toured the Celestial Seasoning factory once (it was an easy drive when I lived in Colorado) and bought this amazing Moroccan tea that was hibiscus, rooibos and something else. Too die for good and I can't find it any more. SOB

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsMerrick

If you want a $5 gift certificate, drop me a note with an email address, and I can send you one

( Free to me.. )
I spend hours there sometimes, just searching thru the recipes..and the Tea lore..

Dang tea pusher! LOL But thank you. I found some neat places to try here in Austin. This one I've heard a lot about.

W00t! Thanks, Merrick. They have a TeaMap app.

Downloading it now. Definitely going to call a few friends to go check out some tea rooms with me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfyOne

Arwen, if you remember, you had the double mint tea in Cali with R and I because we had it with us when I left from Vegas. Yes, I know, twas a long time ago.

C, I do remember that. Yumminess!

One of the things I dearly want is a tetsubin. One day.

julieisafemme · 06-08-2010, 02:48 PM

I am a tea addict. I love love love love tea.

Grey cracks up at me all the time because if we travel I have to take my "kit". I also drive Him crazy because I won't drink tea out of those plastic travel cups. I only like them in mugs so I am forever spilling all over His nice clean car or on myself.

I only like loose leaf tea. I love Peet's Irish breakfast. Wolfy I have an electric tea kettle at work too. Most of my day is spent trying to achieve that perfect cup of tea. It can't be too hot or lukewarm. It has to be strong but not too strong. I like all my tea black. No sugar or cream. I love Jasmine Pearls too. Mighty Leaf tea is a great bagged tea company. I also like this decaffeinated Peach Green tea that I was obsessed with when I was pregnant.

My daughter knows not to interrupt Mom at tea time.

Awesome thread Medusa!!! I am excited to check out the links. My favorite tea place here is Imperial Tea Garden in Berkeley. They have a traditional tea service and the people that work there are very knowledgeable.

Ok I am going to make a cup of tea!!

Diva · 06-08-2010, 05:14 PM

Here's my little tea place....and the neat thing about it? You can order from them and they are SO Austin......

> > Linkalicious < <

blush · 06-08-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diva

Here's my little tea place....and the neat thing about it? You can order from them and they are SO Austin......

> > Linkalicious < <

We should go there sometime for afternoon tea!

I used to drink more tea than I do now. I love Constant Comment, Earl Gray, Sleepytime, ginger, mint...

Pretty standard fare, but tea always calms me down.

Diva · 06-08-2010, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blush

We should go there sometime for afternoon tea!

I used to drink more tea than I do now. I love Constant Comment, Earl Gray, Sleepytime, ginger, mint...

Pretty standard fare, but tea always calms me down.

Just say when! It's not too far from us!
I love all those teas, too! Esp. the Constant Comment!

MsMerrick · 06-08-2010, 06:27 PM

My First Tea.. was Constant Comment

I adore it..
You can only get it loose these days, directly from Bigelow ... ! Loose is .. such a difference !
Loose Tea btw, is cut differently from Tea Bag Tea ( in general although these days.. Theres a lot of.. change in that area.. )
Wolfy, if you are ever here, you will go out to Tea with me thank you very much

Tea & Sympathy, was a favorite spot of mine, many years back, but over the years it got a tad expensive for a pot of Tea, although they do still have the most fascinating British fare..
Pu Erh is wonderful, I like it with Chrysanthemum blossoms
On eo fmy favorite Scented Black Teas, btw is Lychee Black Tea ( 0r Litchi or ..probably a couple other spellings.. ) . Rose Congu, is darn good too

Greyson · 06-09-2010, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julieisafemme

I am a tea addict. I love love love love tea.

Grey cracks up at me all the time because if we travel I have to take my "kit". I also drive Him crazy because I won't drink tea out of those plastic travel cups. I only like them in mugs so I am forever spilling all over His nice clean car or on myself.

So very true. She is the first "Tea Addict" I have experienced up close and personal. Regarding the "kit"... correction. I call the kit her "rig." Previously, I did not realize all the paraphernalia it takes to make the perfect cup of tea. Who knew there is more to it than hot water and a tea bag?

Arwen · 06-09-2010, 11:03 AM

My mother told me that my father liked hot tea with milk and sugar and lemon. He was dead by then (died dramatically in a car crash on my 10th b'day) so I glommed on to anything that made me feel closer to him.

You will be allowed a full 15 minutes of laughter as I tell you that it took me several tries to figure out how to make that without having the lemon curdle the milk.

Now I like black tea with just cream/milk and something sweet. These days that's Splenda. And no, I don't want to hear about how bad that is, thanks for asking before preaching.

Fancy · 06-09-2010, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arwen

My mother told me that my father liked hot tea with milk and sugar and lemon. He was dead by then (died dramatically in a car crash on my 10th b'day) so I glommed on to anything that made me feel closer to him.

You will be allowed a full 15 minutes of laughter as I tell you that it took me several tries to figure out how to make that without having the lemon curdle the milk.

Now I like black tea with just cream/milk and something sweet. These days that's Splenda. And no, I don't want to hear about how bad that is, thanks for asking before preaching.

I've always wondered how to do the lemon and milk sans curdling. I'm all ears....

Arwen · 06-09-2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freckle-K

I've always wondered how to do the lemon and milk sans curdling. I'm all ears....

I honestly have to sit down and do it again. I'm sure I'll have to figure it out again. LOL I'll let you know when I do.

MsMerrick · 06-09-2010, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freckle-K

I've always wondered how to do the lemon and milk sans curdling. I'm all ears....

Me too

I've never been able to do that.. Ok, I never spent a lot of time trying but.. Is it possible ???
I've had problems adding milk to Flavored Teas with high concentrations of citrus : )

julieisafemme · 06-09-2010, 01:00 PM

I love the tea at Indian restaurants with lots of sugar. I don't know how they make it but it is so good. I also like Thai Iced Tea. Does anyone know how to make the Indian hot tea?

PG Tips is good strong black tea. I love it.

I only use mugs. I have some fancy tea cups that were my Grandma's but they are too fragile to use. I would love to have a nice tea set and cups. Some day I want to have a tea party with my daughter. Is 8 too young for tea?

06-08-2010, 10:13 AM	#2
PapaC Member How Do You Identify?: FTM-Queer Preferred Pronoun?: He Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: west coast Posts: 214 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 412 Thanked 486 Times in 111 Posts Rep Power: 1281637	Favorite tea moments... Well, one can't live in Victoria, BC and NOT post in this thread. If you ever visit the island, one thing to do is Afternoon Tea. Now, I've heard that typically people will go to the Empress Hotel by the harbour for that, but if you want a cheaper tip, get a chance to go to Butchart Gardens and have their afternoon tea there. It's just as elegant and in a more beautiful natural setting if you're into gardens of all types. I enjoyed afternoon tea there with my wife and mother-in-law 4.5 years ago and it was lovely (ok, admittedly I liked what comes WITH the tea. ) Another moment of tea bliss oddly came at the airport where we had lunch, and asked for Iced Tea. There isn't unsweetened iced tea readily available in Canada (odd that). But the server was clever and brought us hot tea and a pitcher of nothing but ice cubes and lemon wedges. For us diabetics it was pure heaven! I'm a coffee drinker on average but to reduce my caffeine addiction, I'll welcome the change to tea when i'm around my wife or other tea drinkers. Specifically I'm into Jasmine and Green tea the most but I also enjoy others. Good times. __________________ -PapaC aka bootstraptechguy

06-08-2010, 02:48 PM	#4
julieisafemme Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Woman Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Married to Greyson Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: In the present Posts: 828 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,156 Thanked 3,434 Times in 660 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	TEA!!!!!!!!!!! I am a tea addict. I love love love love tea. Grey cracks up at me all the time because if we travel I have to take my "kit". I also drive Him crazy because I won't drink tea out of those plastic travel cups. I only like them in mugs so I am forever spilling all over His nice clean car or on myself. I only like loose leaf tea. I love Peet's Irish breakfast. Wolfy I have an electric tea kettle at work too. Most of my day is spent trying to achieve that perfect cup of tea. It can't be too hot or lukewarm. It has to be strong but not too strong. I like all my tea black. No sugar or cream. I love Jasmine Pearls too. Mighty Leaf tea is a great bagged tea company. I also like this decaffeinated Peach Green tea that I was obsessed with when I was pregnant. My daughter knows not to interrupt Mom at tea time. Awesome thread Medusa!!! I am excited to check out the links. My favorite tea place here is Imperial Tea Garden in Berkeley. They have a traditional tea service and the people that work there are very knowledgeable. Ok I am going to make a cup of tea!!

06-09-2010, 11:03 AM	#10
Arwen Joy Seeker How Do You Identify?: Smartly-Flavored Preferred Pronoun?: Goddess Relationship Status: Mrs. Syzygy 1/9/14 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Joyville, NM (aka Land of Enchantment) Posts: 10,140 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,636 Thanked 28,119 Times in 6,414 Posts Rep Power: 21474862	My mother told me that my father liked hot tea with milk and sugar and lemon. He was dead by then (died dramatically in a car crash on my 10th b'day) so I glommed on to anything that made me feel closer to him. You will be allowed a full 15 minutes of laughter as I tell you that it took me several tries to figure out how to make that without having the lemon curdle the milk. Now I like black tea with just cream/milk and something sweet. These days that's Splenda. And no, I don't want to hear about how bad that is, thanks for asking before preaching. __________________ I wrote a book, y'all! *FREE* Tarotscopes Seek Joy, y'all. Eschew hate. 9Words: A Poetry Challenge \| Do you like me?

06-08-2010, 05:14 PM	#5
Diva Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Diva Preferred Pronoun?: Diva Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chez Diva Posts: 11,879 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,263 Thanked 17,174 Times in 5,239 Posts Rep Power: 0	Here's my little tea place....and the neat thing about it? You can order from them and they are SO Austin...... > > Linkalicious < <

06-08-2010, 06:27 PM	#8
MsMerrick Member How Do You Identify?: Queer Feminist Femme.... Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Single and Singular.... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: New York City.... Posts: 277 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 855 Thanked 646 Times in 166 Posts Rep Power: 4638166	My First Tea.. was Constant Comment I adore it.. You can only get it loose these days, directly from Bigelow ... ! Loose is .. such a difference ! Loose Tea btw, is cut differently from Tea Bag Tea ( in general although these days.. Theres a lot of.. change in that area.. ) Wolfy, if you are ever here, you will go out to Tea with me thank you very much Tea & Sympathy, was a favorite spot of mine, many years back, but over the years it got a tad expensive for a pot of Tea, although they do still have the most fascinating British fare.. Pu Erh is wonderful, I like it with Chrysanthemum blossoms On eo fmy favorite Scented Black Teas, btw is Lychee Black Tea ( 0r Litchi or ..probably a couple other spellings.. ) . Rose Congu, is darn good too

06-09-2010, 01:00 PM	#14
julieisafemme Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Woman Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Married to Greyson Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: In the present Posts: 828 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,156 Thanked 3,434 Times in 660 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	I love the tea at Indian restaurants with lots of sugar. I don't know how they make it but it is so good. I also like Thai Iced Tea. Does anyone know how to make the Indian hot tea? PG Tips is good strong black tea. I love it. I only use mugs. I have some fancy tea cups that were my Grandma's but they are too fragile to use. I would love to have a nice tea set and cups. Some day I want to have a tea party with my daughter. Is 8 too young for tea?