Calling All Italian Wine Lovers!

September 18, 2009 - 7:30pm The Lost Regions of Italy Wine Class
Join us as we discuss the forgotten (...and some of the most spectacular) wine regions of Italy. Enjoy 8 wines from Sardinia, Veneto, Emilia Romagna and other less known regions. Wine will be accompanies by perfectly paired cheese. This class will be facilitated by a professional wine instructor. Cost is $40 per person and reservations are required.

A Tea-Coffee Obsession

Last week my family took a short vacation at the New Jersey shore and I got to visit a few tea shops. My 14-year old son was not thrilled about this, he says that "everything does not need to be about tea", so he declined to accompany me on my tea shop excursion but my husband agreed if I promised to spend no more than 15 minutes in each place. What a guy!! Anyway, at one location they had a special blend of coffee, tea and chocolate. It sounded kind of weird but I wanted to try something different. It was so delicious! I have spent the last two days, a bit obsessively, trying to duplicate the blend. I think I came pretty close. I have been drinking it black but my husband likes it with milk and sugar. The fact that my husband likes it so much is amazing. Here is my recipe to blend it at home (trust me, give it a try!)

To make approx. 4 ounces of tea (about 40 8ounce cups)

2.5 ounces Assam
1 ounce Dark Coffee Beans (the whole beans- I used Sumatra)
.5 ounce Dark Chocolate Nibs

Mix together in a glass jar and let sit for a day or two. Use 1 tsp per cup when steeping. Steep for 4-5minutes.

Tea Tango

A fellow tea lover (and her husband) wrote these fabulous tea songs. Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOmoshHoQU0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4VFblIDgNI

A New Wine Class for August!

You asked for more California Wine Classes- so this is for you!
California Wine Intensive Class
August 21st (7:30pm-9:30pm)
Very few wine regions have attained distinction as quickly as California. The state covers immense territory and its wines have become a driving force in shaping wine making methods around the world. Through tastings we will explore California's many interpretations of classic varieties such as Zinfandel, Cabernet and Pinot Noir. Four reds and four whites will be served with perfectly paired cheese selections. This class will be facilitated by a professional wine instructor. Cost is $40 per person/ reservations are required. Call 215.381.2226.

Taste World Famous Darjeeling Tea on August 15th!

August 15, 2009 - 1pm-3pm at our shop in Philadelphia, PA.
Experience two of the finest 2nd flush darjeeling teas in the world! Stop by for a special complimentary tea tasting.

*An special 2nd Flush from the Chamong tea estate has natural nuances of peach flavor that delight the tea connoisseurs refined palate. The flavor grows as you savour every sip due to special characteristics in the soil. This 100% organic tippy golden tea will elevate your senses.

*Lingia 2nd Flush is uniquely saturated with the essence of wild rose. The teas from Lingia estate are a tea connoisseurs delight. Lingia tea is known for its distinct wild floral notes. (I cannot get enough of this tea. It is absolutely amazing!)

Fresh Mint- Interesting Benefits!

My friend Annie has a "thing" for sprouts. She grows her own and uses different types (and there is a whole list of different varieties) to accent her meals- and I am pretty sure she eats them with more than one meal each day. This summer I am having a similar love affair with mint. I am growing licorice mint, orange mint, peppermint, cinnamon mint and chocolate mint- on my front porch in individual pots. All were found at the local garden center in my neighborhood. I cannot believe how delicious the fresh mint makes my frozen tea smoothies. I started reading about mint and was surprised by the number of health benefits of "Mentha". Here are just a few: helps with digestion, nausea, provides relief for bronchial problems like asthma and colds, germicidal, breath freshener and rheumatism. Crush it and make a poultice for acne, skin irritations and bug bites. Of course, it is also delicious in hot and iced tea! For a great summer smoothie recipe with mint check out my Twitter posting from today.