Matt, JiuLou and James enjoy Fujian Oolong tea as we Tele-Conf. with collogues in Taiwan and the US.Later in the day I went to SuZhou. This is a familiar sight to family and friends: Mr. Yen brought in his engineering director to assist in trouble-shooting a problem I need to resolve by Monday ….Eight of us enjoy the evening; lobster tails and giant shrimp make an appearance amid a gastronomic event.
Friday, July 23rd. .. WuXi â SuZhou - http://chawu.blogspot.com/feeds/5708799099688077267/comments/default
[+] Matt, JiuLou and James enjoy Fujian Oolong tea as we Tele-Conf. with collogues in Taiwan and the US.Later in the day I went to SuZhou. This is a familiar sight to family and friends: Mr. Yen brought in his engineering director to assist in trouble-shooting a problem I n ... more [556728]
A family rendezvous: Recently married, Da Sha and her husband, joined her: younger sister, younger brother and his girlfriend, Matt, Robin and myself, at one of their tea shops. The family now has two shops, one in WuXi and their new shop in Chang Zhou, about 60 min drive from WuXi. The newlyweds Chang Zhou, NW of WuXi
[+] A family rendezvous: Recently married, Da Sha and her husband, joined her: younger sister, younger brother and his girlfriend, Matt, Robin and myself, at one of their tea shops. The family now has two shops, one in WuXi and their new shop in Chang Zhou, about 60 min drive fro ... more [556729]
I watched as this once young work boat moved into: Song Shan Hu, with its strange assortment of pumps and derricks. It toiled to; dredge, drill and generally help shape the lakes new features.
Now she sits all but forgotten in a quickly overgrowing inlet, accessed only by a disappearing, seldom traveled trail.
My old Lake friend sits forgotten. - http://chawu.blogspot.com/feeds/5945520154248928213/comments/default
[+] I watched as this once young work boat moved into: Song Shan Hu, with its strange assortment of pumps and derricks. It toiled to; dredge, drill and generally help shape the lakes new features. Now she sits all but forgotten in a quickly overgrowing inlet, accessed onl ... more [556730]
First stop: see Mrs. Yang and her crew (down one; Li Hong) more on that later. A “crazy fingers” Hi to Da Sha in WuXi, recently married.A quiet moment as the shop empties … a lot of regular customers stop by on Saturday afternoon.Stocks of Pu Erh old and new line the shelves A couple of new items that I’m not too crazy about. Modern 2010 year of the Tiger packaging .. to each their ownThis one is probably an extension of the “Tea Bag” the “Tea in a Cup” Su Pao Cha. A filter at the bottom holds a charge of Su Pao Tea (Pu Erh) I joke with some “Apple” friends and dub this the: “ iCup” Here is our friend Li Hong, she now works at a large tea consortium of 7 partners that have an: extremely uncharacteristic spotless tea emporium, only 10 min from Mrs. Yang shop. This table is extraordinary, a single of Slab, of beautiful wood, from HuNanMore on this next weekend when I’ll return with more than just a cell phone camera.
Saturday, (July 17th.) Tea Time - http://chawu.blogspot.com/feeds/5910494622791444465/comments/default
[+] First stop: see Mrs. Yang and her crew (down one; Li Hong) more on that later. A “crazy fingers” Hi to Da Sha in WuXi, recently married.A quiet moment as the shop empties … a lot of regular customers stop by on Saturday afternoon.Stocks of Pu Erh old and new line the shelves A coup ... more [556731]
I reach the north end of the lake, just as the longest shadows of the day are cast. Before a small rain shower, a perfect rainbow is within reach. If only I had my spade to dig for that pot of elusive Gold.
Even in China they have Leprechauns; Xiang Tong 仙童 My lucky morning, the Rainbow’s end is right outside my hotel room ….. After the rain shower clouds move in and diffuse the light. This marble statue of a rather Rubenesgue, young Chinese girl, stands much viewed and untouched.The lithe figure of a western muse, is much viewed and much molested by the local youthLooks like the lake fishermen have upgraded the fleet … as one of the old stalwarts sinks to a watery rest:….An early, silent patrol of the traps, attracts only the eyes of the “GuiLao”
Friday (July 16th.) morning on the lake side - http://chawu.blogspot.com/feeds/175117956594178322/comments/default
[+] I reach the north end of the lake, just as the longest shadows of the day are cast. Before a small rain shower, a perfect rainbow is within reach. If only I had my spade to dig for that pot of elusive Gold. Even in China they have Leprechauns; Xiang Tong 仙童 My lucky morning, the Ra ... more [556732]
Palao & Matt, order lunch in the Song Shan Hu TeahouseThe hottest (Spicy hot) dish on the menu, ordered “Da La” Palao, enjoys the very spicy soup (大辣, Da La)
Thursday July 15th. in Song Shan Hu - http://chawu.blogspot.com/feeds/6829054313293834028/comments/default
[+] Palao & Matt, order lunch in the Song Shan Hu TeahouseThe hottest (Spicy hot) dish on the menu, ordered “Da La” Palao, enjoys the very spicy soup (大辣, Da La) Thursday July 15th. in Song Shan Hu - http://chawu.blogspot.com/feeds/6829054313293834028/comments/default ... more [556733]
V8 Juice Serves up Deliciously Refreshing V8 V-Fusion +Tea Juice Beverages (from a press release)
Campbell Soup Company is expanding its innovative V8 V-Fusion line of beverages with new V8 V-Fusion +Tea juice beverages. These refreshing juice beverages provide a combined serving of vegetables and fruit in each 8-ounce glass*, along with the antioxidants and cool, crisp taste of natural green tea, all for 50 calories per serving.
V8 V-Fusion +Tea juice beverages are available in three delicious flavors: Raspberry Green Tea, Pomegranate Green Tea and Pineapple Mango Green Tea. Each meets the American Heart Association's criteria to display its heart-check mark and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Through Sept. 30, people can visit www.facebook.com/V8VFusion, where the brand will be giving away 1,000 free samples a week before the juice beverages become available nationwide in October.
V8 V-Fusion beverages are available at supermarkets, convenience, mass merchandise and club stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.99 for a 46-ounce bottle. For more information, visit www.v8juice.com and www.facebook.com/V8VFusion.
V8 V-Fusion +Tea Juice Beverages - http://www.teaguyspeaks.com/feeds/7762606577219340958/comments/default
[+] V8 Juice Serves up Deliciously Refreshing V8 V-Fusion +Tea Juice Beverages(from a press release)Campbell Soup Company is expanding its innovative V8 V-Fusion line of beverages with new V8 V-Fusion +Tea juice beverages. These refreshing juice beverages provide a combined serving of vegetables and fru ... more [556718]
[-] We may still be trapped in the sticky, endless days of July, but that doesn't mean you can spend every single one on the beach.
Well, you can try. But the city inevitably calls me back. As much as I do love a thermos of mint iced tea (and my toes) wedged in the sand, sometimes it's nice to settle into a plush chair as pots of tea and a tower of sandwiches and cakes are brought out to you, silverware cool to the touch from the air conditioning.
A glass of champagne alongside doesn't hurt, either.
For an afternoon tea a bit less traditional, the new Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby St.) seemed a good choice. And overall, it was: the tea list is fairly extensive, and while the food is not very adventurous, it is well-prepared. I particularly appreciated the whole-wheat bread in the finger sandwiches; it's unusual to see anything but soft white bread at tea services, and it played nicely with the cool filling of creme fraiche and cucumber.
The scones were excellent: just sweet and firm enough to stand up to multiple slatherings of clotted cream and cherry jam. I can't recall ever eating them while listening to Chaz Jankel, either, which added another layer of delight.
But there were a few things off. While the service was very professional and attentive- when the waiter was around- long, long stretches passed without any sign of him. It's never pleasant to be hovered over, but an occasional check-in is appreciated. Less forgivable was the preparation of the tea. I truly cannot understand why a high-end establishment (and a British-owned one at that) would bring the tea to the table with the leaves still in the pot. I could time it so the first cup of Darjeeling was perfect; but the leaves had no place to go after that, so the next few cups were sadly overbrewed.
It's not difficult to brew tea, especially in a professional kitchen. There's got to be a timer and strainer in there somewhere. And this problem isn't limited to Crosby Street- unfortunately, I've ended up with the same bitter brew at almost every other hotel tea service.
Sigh. Will they ever learn?
The Crosby Street Hotel serves afternoon tea, $34; or champagne tea, $46, all day.
The Crosby Show - http://teaspotnyc.blogspot.com/feeds/2140218041437643886/comments/default
[+] We may still be trapped in the sticky, endless days of July, but that doesn't mean you can spend every single one on the beach.Well, you can try. But the city inevitably calls me back. As much as I do love a thermos of mint iced tea (and my toes) wedged in the sand, sometimes it's nice to settle int ... more [556722]
I am always delighted when I see tea touted, referenced, or revered in books, music, TV, or film, particularly if it is done in a clever, amusing, or silly manner. So when my husband - who is a musician and is always scouring the web for unusual music-related items - sent me a link to a music video called “A Cup of Brown Joy” by Elemental, I was interested. Once I watched it, I was thrilled.
Never in a million years would I have thought an awkward British rapper in a pith helmet would express so many of the same sentiments I have about tea. I can genuinely relate when he says “So when times get hard and life is rough. You can stick the kettle on and find me a cup” and I can laughingly relate to his absurd devotion to Earl Grey in the verse “I’ve bathed in Earl Grey, I’m really that keen.”
Even though this is a particularly silly song, it has crept into my life. I find myself singing it on a daily basis while I am making a cup of tea. Most notably, the call-and-response portions of the song: “Now when I say oo- you say long. Oo (long). Oo (long).”
This song and video is a must listen for anyone who likes the absurd and is passionate about tea. But consider yourself warned; it is really hard to get the song out of your head after hearing it a few times. It almost becomes a curse.
When I say Earl Grey, you say “yes, please” - http://www.tching.com/2010/07/when-i-say-earl-grey-you-say-yes-please/
[+] I am always delighted when I see tea touted, referenced, or revered in books, music, TV, or film, particularly if it is done in a clever, amusing, or silly manner. So when my husband - who is a musician and is always scouring the web for unusual music-related items - sent me a link to a music vide ... more [556720]
