Tag Archives: lemon

Tuesday Jam Session

Tea 8 Comments

BaltTeaMay2016Tea&Cake6

The sweet tooth bug has really hit me these past couple of weeks.  I have no explanation why.  Maybe it’s the sunny weather (or lack thereof), or maybe it’s some inexplicable and something that doesn’t need to be made sense of.  There I go getting all deep on you again.

I believe the choice of tea for this week is only fitting.   Oh and there’s cake too.

Random circumstances brought me back to the Timonium/Towson area and the stars aligned for me to return to a now familiar stomping grounds, Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company.

BaltTeaMay2016FarEast

With past posts I’ve been critical of their stalwart tea, Eastern Shore Tea.

BaltTeaMay2016Teas

One of the many pleasurable aspects of this thing is that I get to be random.  If I see a tea that catches my eye or even one that looks ominous, I’ll give it a whirl.  As I referenced earlier, my knack for something sweet has been permeating.  So with that resonating in my subconscious, I went with the Berry Jamboree Tea.

I’ve mentioned this before.  There is something missing with these teas. There’s been some quality ones don’t get me wrong.  But the oomph and the pizzazz is lacking.

For sure, I thought one bag would be enough.  The jammy elements of strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry should have made this black tea magnificent.  I wanted to feel cozy.  And with this horrific rain we’ve had all month, it would only be so fitting.  The irony was that it wasn’t and it was sunny.  Go figure.  Even two bags didn’t multiply the fruit.  If anything this cup plateaued.

BaltTeaMay2016Tea&Cake6

Regardless, this tea was good enough to drink but it needs a thing or two to put it over-the-top.  The touch of hibiscus was unbeknownst to me until I read the synopsis.

There may be something to be said about location.   Towson has a feel but not the shame charm I remember.  The store nestled in an office park should scream anonymity and a sense of a tight-knit community.  That might be there but I don’t see it like I used to. Maybe my energy level was not at its best on this day or in previous incarnation, but there’s something more.

The first visit or first experience is always the most unpredictable.  You have no expectations and no preconceived notions.  Well there’s exceptions but I think you know what I mean.  My original visit to the Timonium location was special.  But honestly I have no memory of when this was, what I ordered, or whether I was with anyone.   But it was special.  Some memories stay so private and internal, even with the person who created them.

Annapolis, on the other hand, has my heart.  And there’s that small town and community feel I yearn for and that I love.  Oh and there tea variety is a bit more expansive.   I just have to go back and report from there again.

BaltTeaMay2016Sign

I love local and love supporting this company.  Even though this tea was only good, but not a masterpiece, will not deter me from trying some more.  Something tells me this will be revisited this summer.

For more on their teas or to purchase, click here.

BaltTeaMay2016

To sunnier days ahead,

Ideen

P.S. That lemon cake was delicioso!

BaltTeaMay2016Tea&Cake8

Lemon Aid

Tea 10 Comments

SidamoTeaReady2

There is a bit of planning that goes into these reviews but that doesn’t mean they remain in place.   I had several ideas about what to get into for today but those can wait.  None of them made sense for a myriad of reasons.  The season has yet to fully break and certain teas and tea-related contraptions don’t feel right to be recapped, at least not yet.  Their time is coming but not now.

With that being said, I didn’t panic or freak out.  I knew a place would find me. I say place because it just felt right to venture out of the comfort of my abode and seek out something inspiring.   And this brings me to Sidamo Coffee and Tea.

SidamoFront

A chance visit to to our nation’s capital and even more specifically, the revitalized H Street, brought me to this cozy and charming shoppe.

I just knew I was in for something special.

Now the place also says coffee so that’s their bread and butter.  Oh wait.  The venue only had about a half-dozen tables which is right up my alley. There was a gentleman grinding coffee beans on sight and what a sight to behold.   It felt as authentic as DC can get.  And if you know Washington, you understand why I say that.

SidamoTeas

Behind the counter is a magnificent array of loose-leaf teas and since I’ve been on such a lemon kick lately I decided to go with King Tut Lemonade.  I had no idea what I signed up for and that’s what I love about this thing.

The lady behind the counter was on her own and demand was starting to accumulate. However, she still made my tea at a fastidious pace.  I had requested a large cup but had not realized I got the most amazing teapot and cup display.

SidamoPreTea

You see it posted at the top but this deserves multiples pictorials.   And she brought it to me.  I didn’t expect that.  It’s always the little things.  Notice how I’ve even yet to describe the tea.

SidamoTea

This tea really hit me where I needed it most.   The benefits of lemon have been documented greatly and a nice brewing pot of tea opens up other nooks and crannies of this spiritually healing fruit.

You’ll likely know it right away.  The main ingredient is lemon peel.   For sure I’ve had a plethora of cups that contained lemon peel integrated with other herbs and gems, but not like this.  The lemonade means something else entirely different and I’m grateful for that.

My stomach has had issues for a while and this is just what the doctor ordered.  It rejuvenated me from the onset.  If I could get more than four 4 cups from this, I would have taken double.  Can you have too much of a good thing?  In this scenario I’m not so sure.   I took my time savoring what I could.   And 30 minutes later I felt revitalized.

SidamoInfuserTeapot

That infuser teapot is a work of art, don’t you think?

SidamoWithTreat

I really didn’t need anything to snack on but a fruit and nut bar was a proper sweet treat to counter the bitterness of this tea.  And I mean bitterness in the best way possible.  I loved it more than these words can articulate.

SidamoTeaWithTreat

I love figuring out the ingredient before reading up on it.  And I’m blessed to be from an Iranian heritage where lemon peels have been used in some dishes.   That is the main reason I knew it was the peel.  Even as distinct as a flavor is, a sentimental memory from the past makes the discovery all the more joyous.

SidamoTeaBottom

Life is something grand.   I had a sense that this place had a familiarity about it.  It wasn’t until I looked the place up that I recall visiting their second location in Fulton, MD.  That experience was left so much to be desired.  The barista or team-member could not be a more polar opposite than the DC location.  I’m not big on being too negative so I honestly never thought to write about that experience until now.  And I may get into full details another time but for now I give major love and thank you to Sidamo, and I look forward to doing it again.

To purchase King Tut Lemonade Tea, I have posted a couple of links here and here!

Stay healthy,

Ideen

 

 

Sweet Lemon

Tea 11 Comments

BigelowILoveLemonDuck

Bigelow Tea really came through in a big way when they didn’t have to.

Two weeks ago I gave a negative review of their Lemon Lift Black Tea and they responded immediately to my post.

A fruitful and spirited discussion with Kathy, the Consumer Service Supervisor, ensued.   I was grateful that my post was read and responded to in kind.   The conversation was fantastic.  And they promised to send me a couple of teas and I just knew I had to review one of them.

Lemon Lift was sent to me, maybe for another review.  I will get to that again. But they went above and beyond to send me the I Love Lemon.  This is going to be the dichotomy of two weeks ago.  It’s a complete reversal of fortunes if you will.

The benefits of lemon are unlimited.  And this tea is an all encompassing melange of all that and then some.  I’ve had some minor health issues recently and tea has always been my vice, in this situation, or previously.  It could be the change in season, my sometimes questionable eating habits, or a lack of rest.  But a comforting tea, herbal or caffeinated, at least has been a temporary relief.

How about the clearness in my cup.  No residue or foam to be found.  This is intriguing per my previous post.

I Love Lemon is more than just a temporary relief.  It won me over instantly.   I’ll be honest here.  I’ve had this tea on more than one occasion.  Sadly I think it’s just been a cup in my repertoire like any other.  The more tea you have.  The more you might forget about some of the brands that hit a nerve.  Maybe I’ve just taken some of these for granted.

BigelowILoveLemonAerial

Lemongrass and other lemon-like flavors merge together harmoniously.  And that lingering finish is permeating.  It’s on my tongue now and doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon.   I don’t want it to.

The tannin level for me is high.  Just as the feeling may persist after a glass of wine, it resonates here.  This is fantastic.

Is it because Bigelow sent me a package that I’m fawning over this?  That’s a possibility. But good tea is good tea.  It’s one of the better ones I’ve had and reminds me why they’re such a great company.    My respect for them has grown exponentially.

Since their is a bitter taste to the tea, a more fruity and sweet treat is meant to join my cup.  So how about a raspberry danish?   This was the polarity and contrast I was looking for.  Maybe I wasn’t looking for it.  But it’s a winner.

BigelowLetter

The positive energy that exuded from the letter and complimentary teas speaks volumes. I’m grateful for the opportunity.  I’m also grateful that they thought this much of me to send me a care package.    The letter I received is too good to share.  It’s one of those things I rather keep to myself and within the universe.

Bigelow Tea, until we chat again, thank you.

Love,

Ideen

The Perfect Pairing

Tea 11 Comments

Simpson&VailWithMacarons

Just in time for Spring, I really needed this one.  This most incredible pairing of tea and sweet treats was a gift from somewhere beyond.

I found myself strolling in the beautiful and enchanting town of Havre de Grace, with some intent of a tea sipping and corresponding review.  Those reviews will I had come eventually and will be posted in time.  What I’m about to talk about is a cosmic and genuine experience that I will attempt to put into words.

LesPetitsBisousNotes

A chance visit to Les Petits Bisous not only re-introduced me to delicious macarons but also the most amazing tea from Simpson & Vail.

I had a few moments of hesitation.  I wasn’t sure I even wanted to talk into the shoppe. Have you ever had that battle with yourself?  It’s like a tennis match with the universe. There’s nothing to be afraid of.  The unknown is a good thing.  I think a lot of this has to do with getting out of my comfort zone.   Alright, enough of the dramatics.

LesPetitBisousDisplay2

Wanda could not have been nicer.  Before I could even ask what the store had available, I saw this iconic display of tea and other wonders.  I mentioned I had a blog and she allowed me to take pictures.  I’m grateful for that.

So to return the favor, I was all aboard getting some macarons and a tea to pair it with. Her suggestions were an organic lemon & white chocolate, Belgian chocolate with peppermint, among others.  Beautiful right?

Simpson&VailTeaLabel

For the tea, Lavender Lace was recommended without a second thought.  I took a sniff of the samples on display and I was floored.  The lavender and spearmint hit the nose like a ton of bricks. I was floored. I was blown away.  I was sold.

Wanda recommended I freeze the macarons if I wasn’t going to have them that day.  But 3-4 days is when they should be eaten.  Sage advice.

The experience brewing this was a joy.  After the charming visit to the shoppe, the energy is going to resonate.  I wanted this to be great.  I know it would be.  And thankfully it exceeded all my expectations. Wanda will never steer you wrong.

Upon opening the canister, I was reminded how beautiful this loose tea was. This is fine craftsmanship.    The ingredients are shown below but the pictures should tell the story.

Simpson&VailStory

The cup itself was a gem.  It rejuvenated me.  And this is a tea that contains no caffeine. I’ve been feeling blah all week and this was what I needed.  It’s an upper when necessary and at the same time, a cup to end the evening with. The lavender, cinnamon, and spearmint notes shined through during steeping as well as sipping.  The consistency throughout was remarkable.

This was life transforming.  This was a multiple step operation.  If I never set foot into Les Petits Bisous; this post may never happen, these macarons may never be nibbled on, and it may take another not-so-probable sequence of events for this to transpire.

Life is so fascinating like that.

For more on Simpson & Vail and to purchase their teas, click here.

And for more on Les Petits Bisous, go all the way over here!

This will be revisited again.  I  feel enlightened and a better person after this one.

Stay healthy,

Ideen

Life Gave Me Lemon

Tea 6 Comments

BigelowLemonSushi

I was hoping to piggyback off of my inspiring experience with a previous cup from Bigelow tea.  That post can be found here.  Unfortunately, I will not be using dramatic terms or be able to expound on how awesome this tea was.

BigelowLemon1

Instead I will explain to you how mediocre the Lemon Lift truly was.  I was flabbergasted.   There’s a big word.

BigelowLemon2

You would think that tea and lemon are the one of those quintessential combinations. Lemon is on my short list of things I will add to a black tea just to add a little pizzazz or to enhance an otherwise unimaginative black tea.   No lemon or any other addition was going to save this cup, sour or sweet.

BigelowLemonBag

Before I was trying all these fancy brands and loose-leaf teas, there was always Bigelow. I’ve been a stalwart for as long as I’ve been enjoying a brewed cup or kettle with family and friends.   But this is a major disappointment.

BigelowLemonSteep1

If you look closely, you see a residue or foam at the top of the cup while brewing. I can attribute this to one of many things.  It could be the temperature, the kettle that contained the water, the way it was heated, or the water itself.    I’ve seen it happen before with stronger and higher quality teas.

BigelowLemonSteep2

I think the issue is the tea itself.   This is not a revelation even though I’m writing it as such.  I think this is either a bad package or maybe the shelf-life isn’t as long.  Teas, like anything else, do have an expiration date.   I believe this was way past its sell-by date.  It’s more of an indictment of the tea than anything else I mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Now I’ve had this tea before and it tasted just fine. I know my palate has changed but have my expectations of what a tea should taste like gone up?  Maybe, but I really just want a tea to taste good and sooth the soul. This was pedestrian effort that was good enough to drink but I didn’t want a second helping.   The foam at the top was the most I’ve seen in any of my cups in a while.

BigelowLemonSushi

I was hoping the lemon would even at the very least, complement my sushi.  That didn’t happen. It was an ambitious undertaking on my part. This tea had no hope whatsoever. But I’m always in search of a silver lining.

This in no way will to discourage me from having a tea of theirs again.  I will give the Lemon Lift another chance.  It easily could have been a bad bag or box.

However, speaking of revelations, I read the comments below and this might be a harder package to find in stores versus others.  And you know their teas are everywhere from convenience stores, to grocery stores, to gas stations, and everything in between.   This may need to be investigated.

But as you can see, a plethora of their selections are available online for purchase.  And they got a ton of new things I would love to try.  Hopefully I’ll get to some in the near future.

Stay healthy,

Ideen

Here’s To Full Bloom

cake, fruit, social media, Tea 2 Comments

Bencheley

Despite the fact that we’re a few weeks away from peak bloom of the Cherry Blossoms, it has fortunately given me enough time to talk about another related tea.   For my recap of the Cherry Blossom Rose, click here.

The Cherry Almond from Bencheley is an absolute joy.   I am glad we grabbed that out of the stash.  It had been sitting there for a while.  But it still has legs.  And it still tastes good.   Now Bencheley is not a brand that many folks are familiar with.   They don’t have a website, Facebook, or Twitter page that I can find.   The good news is their teas can be purchased here.   I originally purchased this at my local Kitchen & Company.  Which is a very charming shoppe!

With the elements of cherry, almond, and black tea merging together, you can imagine how great this is.  And it’s decaf to boot.  So you can enjoy this at anytime without worry of staying up too late!   The flavors are easily detected, which isn’t always the case with more complex selections.   The almond taste lingers for a while and is a joy to my senses.   I can’t put into words how well it resonates.   The aftertaste is to die for.  And as I got to the bottom of the tea,  both flavors hit me with such potency.   I feel joy writing about it now.  What a perfect beverage for the season.

PinkMugMondays

In honor of the festivities, the pink mug has made it’s debut to the blog.  How pretty is that?  It makes me want to brew one right now.

I enjoyed my cup, with a piece of lemon cake and blueberries.    It’s all about the scents and flavors of Spring!   Below are some inspiring photos of my tea with dessert.

CherryComboInspiringImageEvenMoreInspiring

I wish you a Happy Spring and look forward to enjoying the Cherry Blossoms with everyone!

Best,

Ideen