Monday, October 26, 2009

Spooky Live Concert on Halloween


Come and join us on 10/31 (12noon) for a Spooky Family Concert at The Hill Tea Bar. Michael Mabry will entertain with a special Halloween selection. Michael has been performing in Philadelphia for over 15 years and is an accomplished singer and songwriter. We will also have lots of treats for the little ghosts and goblins!!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

White Tea

I am asked about white tea more often than any other tea variety. While it has become popular in the United States its popularity is still small compared to black and green tea. The first export of White Peony to Europe wasn't until 1922. While white tea is a relatively new product to us it has a long history in China- it is traced back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is so revered in China that during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD)they developed the "9 Forbidden Rules" for harvesting white tea (the rules are still used today).

No plucking is permitted when:
- Raining
- Early morning when the dew is too wet
- Buds too thin (premature)
- Purple buds (post-mature)
- Buds damaged by wind, insects or human-mishandling
- Opened mature buds
- Hollow buds
- De-shaped buds
- Buds with more than two leaves

An interesting fact for all of the Silver Needles lovers is that it takes more than 3,000 buds to make up 1 pound of tea.

Friday, October 9, 2009

October Family Events at The Hill Tea Bar!


We have two spectacular family events planned for October.

October 24th at 1pm- Kid's Fall Fun Day at The Hill Tea Bar!
Kids Tea Party and Craft Hour hosted by renowned watercolor artist Ginny Lang. Kids of all ages are welcome to enjoy the tea party and then create some magical crafts with Ginny. Ginny is the creator of "watercolor quilt art" and her works have been shown in numerous East Coast galleries and museums. She has put together an exciting agenda of autumn glitter leaves, abstract paper art and tissue paper flowers....plus she will be bringing her face painting kit! Cost is $12.50 per child. Reservations are required 215-381-2226.

October 31st- Family Halloween Concert with Michael Mabry. Michael is an accomplished singer and songwriter who has been entertaining Philadelphia audiences for over 15-years. Join Michael as he sings some spooky tunes!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Annual Chestnut Hill Fall Festival- This Sunday 10/4


They are calling for beautiful weather on Sunday for the annual Chestnut Hill Fall Festival (11am-5pm on Germantown Avenue). Stop by our tent for a taste of our hand-blended green pina colada tea. At 1:45 there will be a demonstration of Laughter Yoga (by Laugh Yourself Philly)in the garden of The Hill Tea Bar. Come enjoy an afternoon in Historic Chestnut Hill!