Tea by Tiffany

I just unlocked the Check-in All-Star sticker on...

Sat, 18 May 2013 22:19:19 -0400

I just unlocked the Check-in All-Star sticker on GetGlue

436220 others have also unlocked the Check-in All-Star sticker on GetGlue.com

You rock! That’s 50 check-ins!

Earlier this week I provided a tea training for barista’s...

Fri, 17 May 2013 07:08:15 -0400

Earlier this week I provided a tea training for barista’s at a swanky Upper East Side Resturant who serves Tea by Tiffany here is a photo of their beautiful, gorgeous tea pots

I’ve missed you #instagram device was #MIA I’m back...

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:31:13 -0400

I’ve missed you #instagram device was #MIA I’m back and was just thinking how challenging it is for ppl to treat me to a cup of #tea. Yes I’m picky but with a little bit of research, I’m sure you’ll do fine. #bubbletea #tenren

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working with @Agiftoftea...

Mon, 06 May 2013 15:27:46 -0400

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working with @Agiftoftea at a local event in Harlem. The event “What’s on The Table” sponsored by Councilmember Robert Jackson in partnership with New York - Presbyterian was designed to bring more attention to available CSA’s in the community with the hope of fostering a stronger, healthier community.

There were several CSA’s present, West Harlem CSA and Corbin Hill Farms for example. There were also other organizations and companies that provide needed resources and alternatives for the community. A Gift of Tea was particularly important as it highlighted healthier beverage alternatives for children. Drinking soda, and now the consuming coffee products is the ‘in thing’ to do for many young people. Furthermore, albeit erroneous to do so, many children as well as their parents are tricked into believing fruit drinks, diet drinks or bottled ice tea drinks are significantly better than the soda and coffee drinks.

A Gift of Tea is encouraging families to adopt a simpler way to incorporate thirst refreshment by making non caffeinated deliciously blended herbal teas or tisanes at home. By adopting this method as A Gift of Tea Founder, Jo Johnson educates you are saving money. It costs approximately .06 to .07 cents per 6 oz of home brewed herbal iced tea whereas its sugary store bought counterpart will be at least .30c per 6 to 7 ounces.

There were samples on hand for attendees to try. The blend of the day was a Rooibos based tisane with apple bits, coconut rasps, pink peppercorns, cardamon, corn flowers and a few other goodies. She offered two suggestions for sweeteners: crystalized honey and agave.

The adults as well as the young people loved the samples and if nothing else — attendees walked away with new ideas and ways to incorporate healthier beverages in their diets.

Not every video makes the @teabytiffany blog however...

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:46:52 -0400

Not every video makes the @teabytiffany blog however @JanelleMonae Ft. @fatbellybella - Q.U.E.E.N is a no brainer — stay inspired, stay true to your core. I would drink a lovely oolong champaign cocktail to this… #allnight in fact imma create a tea cocktail just to celebrate this song.

Janelle Monáe - Q.U.E.E.N. feat. Erykah Badu [Official Video] (by janellemonae)

#dowager #tea #snob #loveit

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:05:50 -0400

#dowager #tea #snob #loveit

#cuddle #tea

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:59:42 -0400

#cuddle #tea

In honor of our pink moon tonight…

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:11:00 -0400

In honor of our pink moon tonight…

I am undone…..

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:24:01 -0400

I am undone…..

plasticismylife: Tea and Chanel, Why not?

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:17:34 -0400

plasticismylife:

Tea and Chanel, Why not?

serene sepherene: Things Aziraphale Loves About Earth...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:40:41 -0400

serene

sepherene:

Things Aziraphale Loves About Earth #2: Spiced Tea on a Crisp Morning

Sorry about being sort of MIA these past weeks. Student Teaching is very time consuming. I should be back from semi-hiatus late April - early May. ♥ In the meantime I will probably have a giveaway to celebrate my 500th follower c:

Chocolate & Tea Pairing: Recap & Pix

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:33:00 -0400

On April 11th, I had the esteemed pleasure of entertaining a group of tea novices and a few ‘tea regulars’ with the simple delights of chocolate and tea. In a first of a myriad of pairings and other tea oriented events planned for this year, I must say, I am truly happy with the how things turned out.

Click to view slideshow for this event

It is always wonderful when you bring someone new into the space of tea and the wonderful world therein. I think I converted some newbies for sure. Here’s how the evening went.

Special note should taken for the venue itself. Nestled on E. 31st between Park Avenue South and Lexington Avenues in New York City, sits a beautiful structure that will give you the sense of China if only briefly……enchanting you with it’s charm. Chinese Garden and Buddhist Temple included. When I saw this space, I knew it would be the perfect venue.

The night would showcase 4 teas, 4 chocolates and a few extras. It would also include a special poetic presentation by Marella Eliza, a Columbus, Mississippi native who came to New York some years ago to pursue her aspirations as a Performance Artist. Marella has worked with me in the past (August 2012 - Tiffany’s Tea Party Honoring Flo Anthony) and I have worked with her on her event: Poetry and Tea (Nuyorican Poets Cafe 2012). It was also an unofficial send off gathering for fellow tea business associate, Joyce Gillens. Joyce will open and operate Joy’s Specialtea Cafe in Negril, JA West End.

Ok On to the teas…

I wanted to take my guests on a journey that would basically introduce them to the pleasures of unadulterated tea but from a non intimidating vantage point. To fulfill this goal 2 of the 4 teas were ‘blends’ one blended by me and the other a traditional Japanese Green Tea Blend (Gemiacha).

Before the guests entered the main area, I prepared the first pairing which was a new Tea by Tiffany blend: White Chocolate Lavender. I blended the ‘chocolate’ in with the tea… White Chocolate, White Peony from China, and Lavender Buds. Since white chocolate is actually the fat or butter (cocoa butter of the cocoa bean) it marries well with the tea, making certain not to overcome the delicate flavor of the tea. The lavender adds its exquisite bouquet to produce a lovely relaxing tea that can be enjoyed by most anyone.

Tiny coconut candies were added for this pairing.

While guest mingled in the front they had the pleasure of watching me brew tea for the nights festivities.

Upon entering our lovely tasting room space… calming music, beautiful scents and a lovely decorated scenery embraced guests. I was ready. This was show time… I vowed to wow them, delight them and educate them at the same time.

Second Pairing.

Now we go to Japan for Genmaicha (green tea). I love this tea because its light, with a stand out taste. The roasted nuttiness of the rice pairs nicely with Sencha (there was no Ma’cha in this blend) and the popped corn is an equalizer. I knew right away milk chocolate and a rice cake would go well. I also thought the slight spiciness of Washibi kernels would be great as the added treat.

Everyone loved this pairing. They remarked how each taste brought out the taste of the other. They contemplated providing this same treat to loved ones and friends.

Third Pairing.

Back to China for Shui Wuyi Oolong. This oolong was a medium roast with a slight floral undertone. I told my guests that oolongs are considered the connoisseurs tea and that it happens to be my favorite category of tea bar none. After they sampled the pairing they understood why.

For this pairing I decided to go with dried oranges dipped in blood orange chocolate. The crowd was going mad by this point. Ohs and ahhs, a few OMG’s were heard from the crowd, and I was happy.

My mission is being accomplished.

Finally the fourth and final pairing. For this I take my guests to Assam India where we find the single most largest tea region in the world. Producing more than 500 million kg per year covering a broad market of tea drinkers the world over. Known for its robust atmosphere, hard working and driven population, Assam’s tea is no different. This hard working tea yields a robust, strong, malty and deep chocolaty profile.

Of course we paired this with an exquisite dark chocolate over a strawberry. By this time as you can imagine the guests or aleast some of them were beginning to have “eh - hem” other thoughts (wink, wink) suited only for…… let’s just say, tea will do something to you. You can’t loose with black tea, dark chocolate and a strawberry.

For many the final pairing was the favorite, for others the oolong gave them something they never thought possible. Still for others the Gemaicha paired with milk chocolate and rice cake was the perfect snack and treat without any guilty residues. The all-in-oneness of the White Chocolate Lavender Blend was a great dessert tea.

Throughout the presentation I took questions from guests on the pairings as well as methods of steeping the teas. I forgot to mention before, I spoke about each pairing and prepared a small pot of each tea on-sight for guests. Those guests who sat in the bar stools in front of me got extra tea and extra treats. After I did this little exercise and gave my little talk, Marella and Joyce made sure each guests had their pairings to partake in. It was truly a magical night.

The evening of course could not have gone so smoothly without the assistance of a wonderful team of people from the venue, my co-hosts (Marella Eliza and Joyce) my brother the artist (Jaron) and to everyone who attended. I look forward to serving you again. It is indeed my pleasure.

The amazing chocolates were provided by FASO FOODS: Grafhoff Belgium Chocolates, and Chocolate Blocks from Trader Joes.

Tiffany

Stay tuned for the next pairing event as well as other updates from your favorite tea purveyor, Tea by Tiffany.

Yes, home is where tea is….

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:25:04 -0400

Yes, home is where tea is….

Are you going to the Cherry Blossom Festival this weekend?

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:01:26 -0400

Are you going to the Cherry Blossom Festival this weekend?

How very poignant this is…. know where you want to go and...

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:54:04 -0400

How very poignant this is…. know where you want to go and the path you choose, should be easy. I’ll drink to that :)

Did you #hug your #oolong today? #tealove is #selflove

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:16:09 -0400

Did you #hug your #oolong today? #tealove is #selflove

So far my #Friday #night #chocolate #icecream #bonbons...

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 22:15:59 -0400

So far my #Friday #night #chocolate #icecream #bonbons #strawberries #Assam #tea #Sallyhemings by Barbara Chase-Riboud what are you doing?

Over the past few days we lost some amazing women. Margaret...

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:48:46 -0400

Over the past few days we lost some amazing women. Margaret Thatcher, Lilly Pulitzer, and Annette Funicello . Another indicator that our lives are significant and our legacy even more important. May they rest in peace.

Get the #ice ready. It’s about that time ….

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:32:56 -0400

Get the #ice ready. It’s about that time ….

Would you like a #cup? It’s #Japanese #Genmaicha.

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:19:00 -0400

Would you like a #cup? It’s #Japanese #Genmaicha.