March 23, 2012

Teavana- In Toronto?

         Early February at the Tea Guild of Canada's "World in Your Teacup" event, we were discussing the rumours concerning Teavana. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this company it is American based and now they have branched out into Canada as of late. Their first location was in Alberta I believe late last year.
        I heard from a friend that this location was open and she recommended that I visit. Sadly they were not open yet and I could see that inside they still had yet to start the merchandising. Even still it is nice to have a tea shop in this area, as now I can have a decent cup of tea while studying before my Japanese class. 
        I am curious how well they will do in this part of town, perhaps it is an untapped gem for business with tea? When I shop in the area after or before going to the Japan Foundation Library with a cup of good tea, I always get asked if there is one in the area. The locations that asked were Sephora and Mendocino.
           We will see how things progress from here on in. 

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March 5, 2012

Global Tea Hut Tea of The Month- February

Tea: 2010 Mt. Ai Lao Sheng Puerh
   I have yet to read the newsletter but I am thrilled to have received this package today. With the tea and newsletter Wu De has included an art piece painted with old puerh featuring the characters for "Cha Dao". This small peice of art is now displayed above my desk till I get a frame for it. I am going to have some of the tea latter this week, check back to this page for updates!
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March 4, 2012

Haru Matsuri 2012 @ JCCC



This past Saturday I went to the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. I was invited by my chanoyu Sensei to see a temae that I have not done yet, demonstrated by the Toronto Urasenke group.
       Since I have not reached this Temae yet it was a nice glimpse at what will come. I tried my best to take note of anything that may be different between a woman and a man being the host.
    My Sensei for the course of the demonstration at the event described what was happening to all the viewers as two women students had tea.
     It was nice to see a tatami room being used for tea, as well as being a witness to the tea ceremony rather than as a student or guest, assuming almost a "god" like presence in which the audience did not exist.
      After everything I thought it was time to try out kimono dressing that was done by the Toronto Kimono Club (of which I am now a member of). It was great to talk to other that understood all the information out there about kimono. Back in Undergrad, I spent many hours studying and looking at Kimono online. I did not have money at the time for such luxuries but I did make my own kimono (which still needs a little work) for a performance piece in first year.
     After much thought I have finally ordered my first Yukata which I can wear this summer and to The Tea Guild of Canada BBQ~ I can't wait!
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March 1, 2012

Teaopia - PROSPERITEA DRAGON PACK

 
   A new set has been released from work in celebration of the Chinese New Year. As it happens to be the year of the dragon, head office has come up with this commemorative set.
     It has 100g in total split between the tins. The teas are Green Dragon (Green Oolong), Red Dragon ( Dark Oolong), Dragon Eyes (Jasmine Green Tea) and Dragon well (Green Tea).
      The company has the following description on the website:
"In celebration of Chinese New Year, Teaopia has curated a hand selected collection of our finest teas to commemorate year of the dragon. The dragon is the mightiest of the Chinese Zodiac signs. The symbol dates back to 3,000 BC ,and is admired for it’s uniqueness, beauty and auspicious powers. This beautiful set comes with 4 Dragon inspired teas including two specialty teas. "
   Over the next while I am going to do small tastings in a gaiwan of each tea. This is in preparation of my commencement of the Tea  Sommelier  Program at George Brown College in the spring. My aim is to broaden my pallet. Each tasting will be done along side with Teaopia description of the teas, which is printed on the back of the box. I hope to "look" for these notes that they have found and at the same time find my own description for them. Till then じゃね!
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