Tea Travels Lead to Philadelphia Japanese Tea House

Today found me leaving home at 8:00 a.m. EST to travel to the Morris Arboretum of the University of PA with a group organized by The Rosemary House and Sweet Remembrance (Mechanicsburg, Pa). The arboretum features a wide variety of gardens including rose gardens, a rock wall garden, Japanese gardens, herb gardens, a sculpture garden all within an hour of center Philadelphia.

We enjoyed a guided tour of many of the gardens lead by volunteers who have dedicated many hours to the upkeep and public enjoyment of the grounds. After which we enjoyed a delicious box lunch prepared by Nancy Reppert of Sweet Remembrances. As always the box lunch provided was an abundance of flavorful food, pleasingly presented, and appropriate for the most discriminating palate. 

Our next top was at the Shofuso Japanese House and  nationally-ranked garden in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park. The Japanese house reflects the history of Japanese culture in Philadelphia, from the 1876 Centennial Exposition to the installation of its contemporary paintings in 2007.

In addition to visiting the house and gardens we had the honor of observing the Japanese Tea Ceremony as taught by the Urasenke School. Drew Hanson, a Urasenke School licensed tea ceremony instructor, demonstrated the ceremonial preparation of Matcha for our tasting.

The day's finale was the enjoyment of a Scottish soup, salad, and quiche tea at the Simpson House Tea Room, Chester Springs, PA. Unfortunately, Jenny, their resident ghost did not honor us with an appearance. The Simpson House Tea Room has two resident ghosts, Jenny - a possible injury from an early 1900 train wreck and her cat, who seems to be very happy residing in a Tea Room. 

Much to my surprise I discovered the owner of the Simpson House Tea Room is a fellow STI Tea Certification Program graduate who will also be traveling to Vegas next week to attend World Tea Expo. 

As the tea world goes round, I look forward to sharing a cuppa with you. (These days I am making my cuppa a Oriental Beauty Oolong.)

The Tea And Hat Lady

East Meets West for Tea

At our recent meeting, the  Mid Atlantic Tea Business Association (MATBA) members enjoyed learning about  spirituality and tradition of the utensils used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony. MATBA member and practitioner of the Urasenke Tradition of the Japanese Tea Ceremony Drew Sodo Hanson shared his enthusiasm and knowledge of the Japanese Way of Tea.

Kogo -- Incense Container. This one is designed in celebration of the Year of the Dragon Benibachiburo -- Heat source for kettle. The picture is of a black ceramic electrically heated source.

Natsume -- A collection of Tea Containers. Where green tea is stored for the ceremony

A Kashizara with sweets to be eaten before drinking the green tea during a Japanese Tea Ceremony

A summer ChawanThe above utensils represent a sampling of what are used during preparation and drinking of the tea during a Japanese Tea Ceremony. The reverence of the ceremony brings a peace and calm to all participants that is greater than the pleasure and enjoyment one normally receives during an afternoon tea. I have found that perhaps the greatest pleasure of having a cuppa is the inner quiet one experiences when reflecting on and enjoying your tea.

From this peaceful experience we moved on to an English-style tea at Gypsy's Tearoom located in the oldest home in Westminster, Maryland. The home was built by the town's founder, William Winchester. The setting, decor and delicious food added to the enchantment of the "tea-riffic" day. Even Mother Nature could not dampen the day when she blessed us with a return of Winter.

Tea and scone with cream and jam.

Afternoon tea treats at Gypsy's Tearoom.

Until we share another cuppa, I remain . . . 

The Tea And Hat Lady

Wellness Way of Tea

Greetings Tea Enthusiast,

Wow! what a tea-riffic couple of weeks I have had . . . experienced my first official Japanese Tea Ceremony at Boukakuan Japanese Tea House in New Jersey. This was absolutely a life-enhancing experience and one that I hope to repeat. Boukakuan Tea House and Gardens are enchanting with a Japanese calming environment that sets the mood for tea. Even the coolness of Winter couldn't lessen my feeling of peace and this was even before we had entered the Tea House. The beauty of Japanese simplicity is amplified throughout the Tea House and Ceremony. From the essence of the hand-rolled incense to the sweetness of the tea, harmony and serenity surrounded us.

From this day of absolute peace I returned to The Tea and Hat Lady's facility to weigh and package 12 pounds of tea. Fortunately, my state of tranquility carried me through the eight hours needed to finish the task at hand. Now all new teas for 2012 are ready for your enjoyment. I have found the White Ginger Peach and Champagne Raspberry very refreshing while the Burgundy Oolong, Keemun Mao Feng, and Golden Yunan are reflective of bold, dark teas.

Yesterday I had the absolutely pleasure of talking with the students of the Culinary Arts Program at the Carlisle Area High School, Carlisle, PA. For a high school environment their food preparation facility is extremely professional and well maintained by the students and staff. I introduced them to true tea, it's origin, processing, as well as its potential as an ingredient, spice, or garnish. The students were enthusiastically looking forward to exploring the world of culinary teas! I am looking forward to sample their creations.

 And now, it is preparation time again for the program "The Wellness Way of Tea." This program is a collaboration between me and Linda D'Agostina, Pinnacle Health licensed acupuncturist. Linda's treatment of my lower back has successfully provided me lasting relief. It seems so perfect that we should partner to provide a program combining my tea knowledge with Linda's Chinese Medicine education and skills. Along with a detailed introduction to "true" tea attendees will have an opportunity to sample several varieties of specialty tea. [To Register for The Wellness Way of Tea call 717-231-8900.]

Preparation for these programs provides me a wonderful opportunity to read more "tea" books, sample new teas, and a chance to share my tea information.

Until we once again share a cuppa,

The Tea And Hat Lady.