Tag Archives: tea

I’m Late To The Party

Tea 11 Comments

HoopTeaWithCake

Where do I begin?  How had I not heard of Hoop Tea until this past Saturday.

HoopTea

I was supposed to go on a brewery bike tour with friends over the weekend, but the universe had other plans for me.  I enjoy the bike riding, the company that’s involved, but beer on the other hand is not my forte.  How tea and beer merge is something I’d never prepare for.

This blog is all things tea.  And that means anything tea.  So when I found out after the fact that friends of mine tasted some malt tea (and bought some to go) at Peabody Heights Brewery, I was floored.  I was excited but also dismayed at myself that I missed this opportunity.

I’ve been on previous bikes and brew tours with this same group and the tasting room is available several days a week, so my opportunity would be coming.   Thankfully it came even sooner, July 4th to be exact.

HoopTeaReady2

Fortunately, at the holiday party I attended, (hosted by the same folks who host the bike tour), the White Mango tea was in plain view for sampling and sharing.  And  this was something else.  It was so easy to drink.  With a 4.0% alcohol content it was deceptively light.  A few quick glasses of this could really do some damage.  So I limited myself to two. And I drank them very slowly.

HoopTeaCup

Upon research, the sweetness comes from the organic cane sugar, maybe more so than the mango.  But nevertheless this was incredible.  To be fair, I have nothing to compare it too so I would love to try some more flavors in the future.  And my intent is to do so and soon.

We’ve got plenty of summer left.  This is the quintessential seasonal beverage.  The fact that it’s local and even more specifically from Ocean City, MD adds to the charm.

Even before I knew more about this tea (can I still call it tea), I had the sense that there was a powerful spirit behind this operation.  To say that would be an understatement. Their story is an inspiring one.  One that I hope to be able to tell in a similar fashion, in whatever facet of life I tackle.  I won’t spoil it, but click here to read more.

I’m on the bandwagon.  This company is growing and I sense an inspired thought is going to grow exponentially and in short time.   How can it not?  Why did I not think of something like this?  There’s an unlimited amount ideas out there that are there for the taking.   This is one of the most amazing things to be a part of.  And to be in our backyard makes it all the more special.

From what I understand, Peabody Heights is the only distributor in Baltimore City proper. They’re looking to expand into more parts of downtown.  I don’t see that being a problem. I’d be happy to help and this link gives you an option to request Hoop Tea in your area.  For our pals in Maryland, you can check to see if there’s a distributor near you at the same link.

HoopTeaWithMeal

I wish I could have written a recap from Peabody itself.  That just means this is only the beginning.  This was only going to be the beginning anyways.  This is worthy of revisiting regularly.  In the mean time I’ll leave you with photos from the aforementioned party with a hearty meal and then with dessert.  I never got to try the dessert actually.  But gosh darnit doesn’t that look pretty?  Here’s more from this shindig.

HoopTeaWithCake

Finally, here is a way to contact them.

Happy Holidays,

Ideen

Mango Times Three

Tea 6 Comments

TJMangoGreenTea

It’s been several months since I’ve set foot inside a Trader Joe’s.  Oh how I’ve missed thee. And in theory, I found myself here for no reason at all.  I just had a bunch of errands piling up and needed to get some out of the way.  And lo and behold the store found me.

Once again, I sort of had an idea of what I was going to write about.  Last summer I focused on a lot of iced teas.  There were brands I’d never heard of.   Many were personal sized.  I looked back as to avoid repeating if I can do so.   Little did I know that this visit would also lead me to one of the more refreshing teas I’ve had in a while.

And after a few minutes of poking around the store, this mega display was my answer. And this week I proudly get to review the Trader Joe’s Mango Green Tea.

TJMangoDisplay

However, there are drawbacks.   The green tea and mango are not easy to taste.  The pear juice is what gives it flavor and not much else.  It makes me think are the tea and mango able to taste right simply as a duo?  That’s a question for the ages.  Well nowhere near that dramatic but it’s fun to speculate.

I love mango.  It’s a fruit that reminds us of the good times of summer, or maybe an island you’ve visited.  And to mix it with something as bitter as green tea may be the ultimate clash of universes.  So lets throw in some pear juice to shake things up a bit.

I’m a purist in many ways.  I want my teas to be as natural as possible.  There are additives, like extra sugar to make the taste for palatable.  And more palatable to the general public seems to be the goal.  I can’t disagree with that.  I also can’t be too serious.  It’s a seasonal beverage that’s meant to be enjoyed and not over-analyzed by the likes of me.

I liked it but with the understanding that the heart and soul of the tea seems to be an afterthought.

TJMangoCookies

Since this beverage is a bit out there, the pairings could fall in the same category.   But at the same display rack were the Mango Joe-Joe’s sandwich cookies that taste a mix of real and artificial that at this point it doesn’t matter.

TJMangoWhitePlate

They’re good but best in small doses.  No I didn’t eat all of these pictured, that would be absurd.

TJMangoAppleFruitBar

For a healthier alternative, the apple and (you guessed it) mango bar is a bit more up my alley, and maybe yours as well.  This is what inspired this title.  Things sometimes go in threes.

TJMangoGreenPlate

I love Summer and everything about these sweet treats screams as such.  If you’re in the mood this tea and the accompanying treats will make for quite the sugar rush.  If that’s what you’re into then I say go for it.  Otherwise, proceed with caution.

TJMangoGreenPlate2

I had one cookie and just one, I promise.  The rest I stored away for future snacking or to share with pals.   Portion control is a powerful thing.

Ah I love summer and I wish I could write that every week.  I will at least be doing so for a while.  Yay!

Kindest,

Ideen

 

 

Oh Is For Orange, Oh Wait..

Tea 9 Comments

HardBeanOrangeOutside1

I’m not sure what the title even means.  I’m not even sure how to explain the experience I had at Hard Bean Coffee and BooksellTEAers.   Yes, they have coffee and books.   But this has got to do with the tea correct?  Correct.  And this post will go to show that not everything in Annapolis, like last week, is rosy.   There’s a not so inside joke or pun there somwhere.

HardBeanFront

I’ve been going to this place for quite a number of years but the experiences tend to deteriorate each time.   Perhaps the newness and cache of being in the neighborhood was enough to overcompensate for any deficiencies.    And my tastes have evolved as well as my empathy.

HardBeanTheTeas

But my last few visits have left so much to be desired.   In a pinch I’ve grabbed coffee and/or a snack to go.   For such a colossal space I’ve seen a decrease in the amount of patrons as I’ve grown accustomed to in the past.  Maybe I’m not alone in my sentiments?

Yet my own idealism and naivete leads me to give this place another go. And because I have to be so contrarian again to get tea in a coffee shop.  But they do have loose tea, so it’s not that eccentric of me

It was a sunny  and scorching day (I’m not complaining), so something remotely sweet and light was what I was looking forward to.   I went with the blood orange. Ordinarily I would be loving this but the vibe threw everything off kilter.

Maybe it’s the universe, maybe it’s me, maybe it’s everything, but the staff was even more disorganized and lackadaisical than usual.  I should have been more specific earlier but not only has service been slow but it’s been dismissive as well.  And it’s not something I take too personally.   I figure folks may have an off day but this has been a consistent narrative with this establishment.   The wait times for my food and beverage have taken much longer than necessary.  I get a sense that it’s deliberate.   This reinforces my point in how I see less guests here and more flocking to other more welcoming establishments nearby.

HardBeanInside6

What gets lost in all this is the tea itself.  The orange with what I can only assume has orange peels and floral components would ordinarily be masterful here, but the negative energy surrounding me brings this down several notches.  It’s dispiriting.   The whole point of all is this it to enjoy a cup, your surroundings, and most importantly yourself.  I would go with none of the above here.

HardBeanOrangeInside1

In the majority of situations I’d be singing the praises of this tea, but this was as mediocre and vapid as it gets.   I was so off-kilter at first that I started sipping and taking photos inside forgetting how nice it was outside.

HardBeanOutside2

When I got my bearings together I found some solace at an outside table but it was too little too late.  I didn’t want any more.   I’ll definitely seek it out again, just somewhere else.  And if past experiences will dictate, it will be in a much more spiritual and energizing setting.

HardBeanOrangeOutside1

You might be asking about the quiche that I paired with my tea.  An unusual pairing? The irony is that this was the most normal thing about this experience.  And that’s not saying much.

There’s a whole Summer for great sips and memories.   Here’s to better ones ahead.

HardBeanMat

Best,

Ideen

One Step Up

Tea 4 Comments

HotTradersPlatter2

I’ve mentioned it before, I have love for Harris Teeter. However, this may not translate to their teas.

Over 10 years ago I first set foot in one of their stores and it felt like a magical place. Maybe it’s the thought of something new, the thought of something simple, or maybe just the free samples.  If you’ve been inside a store then you know what I’m talking about.  I just had some delicious sugar cookies the other day.  Next time you’re by the register, check out the display rack and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

This brings us to HT Traders, which they proclaim is a step up from their regular brands. I’m going to assume that means more of an organic or healthier version of some of their staples.   It doesn’t work for their Earl Grey.

For me, I want some power in my Earls.  It’s been suggested that this is a tea to add honey, lemon, and sugar, among other flavoring.  Earl Grey was the first tea my dad and other family members introduced me and led me to my love for tea.   And I’ve usually always savored it in its purest form.  And I know when there’s a good batch.   Whether it’s been in loose or bagged form, you can smell and sense when it’s going to be wonderful.

I had a sense here of none of that.  It smelled too light and I got the sense it was uninspired and there was nothing behind it.  You might be able to tell by my post that I was headed in this direction.

Maybe it’s where my head was but during the whole heating process and creation, I got the feeling this wasn’t going to be anything to write home about.  And it wasn’t.

My cup was bland, drab, and lacking any kind of passion, for lack of better words. The tint gave me some hope otherwise but that was short-lived.

So what do we do when something tastes lifeless and unimaginative?  We dress it up and try to cover up its deficiencies.   Now this is where my friends and I got carried away.

HotTradersWithSnacks

I was at a friends house when I happened to discover this tea in their cupboard. Yes, I’ll just help myself, why don’t I.  Plenty of snacks and decor have been added to make this tea party the best it can be.  Sadly, I was the only guest that wanted to attend.  But thanks so much to my friends for setting it up anyways.

HotTradersPlatter1

That mug is obviously not mine and for many friends in the Baltimore area, you understand how hilarious this truly is.   Easter has already passed but you may find some Easter eggs and hidden gems in a couple of these photos.

HotTradersPlatter3

It’s a shame that the highlight of this experience was everything but the tea.  They all can’t be winners or this wouldn’t be fun.

Until next time…

Onward and upward,

Ideen

 

 

Tropical Tuesday

Tea 2 Comments

TropicalTeaIslandDisplay3

The weather has been breaking and the teas that are coming into my life could not be more appropriate.

For this one we go back to a company that has provided some creative and inspiring flavors, The Spice & Tea Exchange.   And it’s going to be a good one.

I’m grateful that this blog has reached my friends, including ones who don’t find tea to be the most fascinating of subjects.   I had some pals recently travel to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and they thought to get me a specialty tea.  And how about it, they found themselves at their Forth Worth location.   It’s funny how life works out.

To my pleasant surprise, I was presented with their White Tropical Tea.  This is something to behold.  A lot of pictures are in this post and it may not be enough to capture this brilliance of this flavor.  Oh my goodness I’m in love.

TropicalTeaOpenPineapples, peaches, and passion fruit.  Ah you can’t make that alliteration up ladies and gentlemen.  I’m in heaven.  As soon as I saw the packet I knew I was in for something special.  Upon opening I was spot on.  

TropicalTeaSpoon

The aromas of the aforementioned fruits blindsided me, and in the best way possible.   I hope you can see the pineapple and peach pieces within the white tea. This is the equivalent of art.    I would love to see the process of how this comes together.  I’m getting goose bumps thinking about it as I write this.

TropicalTeaTovolo2

You know when it looks this good, and smells this good, it’s almost a recipe for disappointment.  Thankfully, the tea tasted and moved me in all areas.

TropicalTeaAndTovolo

As customary with all brewing parties from the Spice & Tea Exchange, the Tovolo Tea Infuser is the backbone.

Never was there any doubt I was going to love this.  The brewing and steeping process always builds anticipation and excitement, maybe even for teas I’ve had on a regular basis. There’s just something about the journey.

Four minutes was the suggested steeping time and it’s as if the infuser knew that, because it plopped down in my cup as soon as the timer stopped.  Yes I have a countdown clock. It’s just as exciting as it sounds.

TropicalTeaTovolo8

In all seriousness, the color and the flavor matched if not exceeded what I hope to get and what I saw pre-brew. This was perfection. I can’t find any flaws and why should I?  This is a tea that has so many strengths.  I think it would be perfect heated or chilled, especially as we approach the warmer months.

Speaking of which, I had a little fun and paired my cup with some coconut chips and strips. I did no research to find a potential marriage of the food and beverage, but figure and island and summer theme would suffice.

I received a card with my sample pack.  The owners wanted a mention and they’re going to get one.  Thanks so much Mr. Jerry McBrayer and Mrs. Nancy McBrayer for being the long distance new friend to this blog.  If i ever get the opportunity to visit, I’ll come by and say hello.

I find the location above these sample packs so charming.  I’ve been to a few myself but mainly locally.  And adding on to that, I see this chain is expanding rapidly.  I don’t remember this many locations even a year ago.  It’s good to see. This store is going to grow at an unstoppable and exponential rate. There is no ceiling.

For more on The Spice & Tea Exchange, to contact them, or to purchase their products, you can click here.

Here is a link to find my previous reviews of their teas.

I can’t wait to try another from this wonderful company.  As the weather gets exciting and the skies are beauteous, I believe that will be happening.

Stay awesome,

Ideen

Harney & Such

Tea 10 Comments

HarneyTeas

It’s almost Spring. I feel it took a lot longer to get here than usual.    Finally, the days are getting longer and temperatures are getting higher.   However, while we’re still in the winter I’d like to write about some teas that are custom-made for this season.

I throw it back to one of mine (along with many others) favorites, Harney & Sons. Their hot cinnamon spice is one of their most popular and beloved flavors.  I can understand why.  This one hits the spot in a multitude of ways.

Most importantly, the health benefits of cinnamon have been documented.  And there’s so much to celebrate.

Secondly, it just tastes good.  Yet I wonder if the artificial flavors are what’s adding to the amazing taste.  Was it necessary?  I’m questioning out of curiosity.   I expect this to be stellar with our without the additives.   The orange and especially the cloves add a lot to an already masterful tea.

I got the largest cup I could, so I could savor each sip by the moment.  And I took my time.   Because cinnamon is so flavorful I felt one bag was enough.  That’s how I took my  tea initially.   Yet I can’t help myself.   Common sense dictates the largest size gets you double.  So I threw in the second and felt like I got hit with a bomb.  It opened up some tastes buds and senses that may not always get exposure.

This is where the artificial flavors might be justified.  A major positive is there are no sugars.   I purposely waited till later in this post to mention that.  I wasn’t trying to be ironic.

I’ve always preferred my teas with nothing added unless it’s natural.   For me, the whole point of drinking tea has been to enjoy it with nothing else thrown it to undermine its health benefits.    Yet throwing some cinnamon, honey, or other natural joys is something I’ve down from time-to-time.

I’m grateful to try a tea that has already included the appropriate additions like so many of the tremendous brands do.

Bagel

I enjoyed my cup with a not-so-healthy bagel sandwich.  Well it was a power sandwich. Since my sandwich was loaded with vegetables, and my favorite pesto spread. I tell myself everything is fine.  It’s still winter so I still love my comfort food.  Who am I kidding? Comfort is a year-round thing.

HarneyBagels

It’s nowhere near as bad as ordering a super-sized meal with a diet cola.  Well that’s how I justify it.  Whoops.

I think I’m as crazy as this winter has been.  It’s a year with a leap month, so the goofiness ensued.  Another reason I’m thankful Spring is coming.  It’s been a season to remember but I’m ready for some sunnier skies and enjoyable outdoor activities.

The teas will represent the changes in weather and the lifting of our spirits.

For more on this amazing company, here is my inaugural recap.

Along with their site, you can go to these familiar links to procure their teas.

Happy first day of meteorological spring!

Best,

Ideen

Pomegranate Power

Tea 3 Comments

PomegranateWithOatmeal2

As I promised, I’m continuing and piggybacking on last weeks inspirational Twinings post.

I love Pomegranate and in part because my culture has always embraced this amazing fruit.  I was born in the states and my family is from Iran.  So there’s that connotation. It’s sentimental, it’s family, and it’s love.  I always equivocate it to a holiday, the upcoming Spring season, or in our case, Persian New Year.   Specialty teas for our celebration will be elaborated upon next month.

This wasn’t a life changing cup but this was another strong tea.   I need to remind myself not to have such high expectations unless it’s really called for.   I liked it but I think I wanted some more pomegranate flavor.  But what this might mean is this is a lot more natural than other ‘natural’ teas claim to be.   This is the genuine tea that we stumble upon from time-to-time when you’re not looking.  And seeing is believing or something.

Luckily I was visiting somewhere that had some remarkable Twinings teas.

Happy and healthy was the order of the day.   I paired my cup with some steel cut oat meal with raisins.   I think I just wanted an excuse to write steel cut oat meal in a blog one time. I don’t know why but that term seems funny to me.

PomegranateWithOatmeal

My stomach was settled and I felt good the rest of the day.  It was a welcome alternative to the not-so-healthy meals I’ve had in the mornings.  It’s just a matter of getting used to and being good to my stomach.  Our bodies deserve the best treatment.   I believe that’s one of the biggest reasons tea was created.  It’s good to be good to ourselves.

As I expound on this, I think I like this tea more than I realized.  It’s endeared itself to me.

It feels great.  It feels real.  I feel rejuvenated.

For more on where you can purchase this tea, you can go here, there, or maybe you’ve heard of this place.

Spring is coming! Yes!

All The Best,

Ideen

Been Too Long

Tea 5 Comments

So what does this title mean?  There are teas and brands of teas that crossed my path years ago that I want to get around to talking about.

Some of these teas are a bit more higher end than usual so it’s not always accessible. Fortunately for me, the teas don’t always need to be purchased, but can be found at hotels and places of employment.  For me both were one in the same at a moment in time.

Harney1

But that’s ancient history.  However, I’ve been way overdue in talking up Harney & Sons.

Their packages and collections are so hard to keep up with (as with many companies), that this will need multiple posts.  And this is exactly what’s going to occur.

Maybe it’s not so much that it’s arduous but it’s a lot of information. There is very valuable nuggets to any tea aficionado or newbie.  This link sheds light on what I’m referring to.

HarneyTropical

I’ve enjoyed many of their teas but for now I’ll elaborate on one I’ve enjoyed for a number of years, the Tropical Green Tea.

I purchase mine in regular bag form but as you can see, it comes in so many shapes and sizes.  That’s an understatement.    And how they recap and review may seem intimidating at first.  It’s very user friendly and explained in a relatable way that I greatly appreciate.

I love the tropical green.  It’s been challenging finding a tea from them that I don’t like or at worst even tolerate.

My cup paired wonderfully with a lemon poppy seed cake.   It was a great duo and a perfect counterbalance or sweets and a pineapple flavored green tea that’s nowhere near as tart as you might think.

The aroma is more pungent than the actual taste.  But don’t let that fool you. This is a fantastic tea and company worthy of higher prices.  I sincerely mean that. If I have to pay a few dollars more for some quality products, it’s worth the shot.

It’s going to be hard finding flaws with this group.  It won’t be my intend to do so. Yet, all I’ve found so far are positives on top of positives.

Want to know more?  Here is a link to their Fine Teas Guidebook along with contact information on the bottom of their main page.

A lot more deliciousness, warm weather, and joy to come.

 

Best,

Ideen

Lots of Fruit

Tea 2 Comments

DellaSconeAerial

It’s a new month and the weather is showing signs of life.  And I am grateful for this.   It’s not quite shorts weather but we’re getting there.  I should also appreciate everything that February has to offer.   It’s traditionally the worst month for snow but it’s also the time when we start seeing spring-like products start to show themselves.  And tea is a big part of that.

I feel it’s only right to review a tea that represents the winter well but also contains flavors right in line with the spring-time that is forthcoming.   Maybe I am getting ahead of myself.

And with the tea I’m about to discuss, maybe I was.

I take it back to one of my favorite places, Baltimore Coffee And Tea Company, which I’ve written several pieces on before.   Those links are accessible here, or maybe over here, or somewhere far far away, or maybe just right here.

This is from a recent visit to their Baltimore Area location, which is hidden but everyone knows about it.  I love the set-up and the cozy environment.  The friendly faces behind the counter also add to everything.

Della&Others

DellaWithScone

However, the Della Robia from Eastern Shore Tea was missing everything it was touting it had.  It’s a serviceable black tea but I did not find any plum, pear, orange, and apple that was supposedly in the tea.   And where was the hazelnut?  What I did  get was small samples of what might be fruit or spice, but I don’t know what those may be.

I’m a huge fan of Eastern Shore, so it makes me take a step back when I try a tea of theirs that’s lackluster.  I’m genuinely surprised by this.

My last review I echoed the same sentiments.  What’s going on here?   Otherwise I’ve been championing their products for years.

What you see in the photos is a bacon and chocolate chunk scone.  People are going to love it.  I had an arduous time finishing the pastry as it was very rich for me.  But I’m going to assume I’m in the minority.  And I hope my tea disappointed reviews from here are going to be the exception as well.

And for information on all the teas they carry, go to this link.

For folks in Maryland their store are listed here.  I’ve been to a couple of their shops and it’s always a genuinely good experience.

You can also order online.  Just click on the teas you’re interested in and go from there.

I’ll be back here soon and with all the confidence that the tea will be amazing.

 

Best,

Ideen

 

 

Almond Joy

Tea 8 Comments

CoffeeCofeeBrew

For folks in the Northeast, you know we got leveled over the weekend.  I’m not a fan of the snow.  I never will be.  I’ve learned to adapt to it in some ways.   But honestly I freak out with the best (or worst) of them.

I ski now so I have some affinity for it.   But it’s minute.  Give me warm, sunny skies all year round over what we just endured.

To my relief, I was able to leave the house yesterday.  Those little things I take for granted like going to the store, the bank, the gas station, all became so important to me yesterday. You know what else is important?  A nice cup of tea.  And I went to a place I don’t go to often enough.  It’s the taken for granted aspect in play again.

This brings me to Coffee Coffee of Bel Air, MD.    No coffee on this day.  It’s a necessary evil in my life.  However, it’s not something I love nor would dedicate to writing about.

I walked in and the energy was small-town and community feeling.  That’s always favorable and heartening.  And on day of freedom it’s enhanced to a much higher state.

I look around at their loose teas selection and what stood out immediately?  The Snowflake. I’m not sure if that was there strategically or happenstance.  But I had to chuckle.   I am giving this weather too much credit and allowing it to affect my life, where it shouldn’t.

CoffeeCofeeTea

Nevertheless, a black tea with coconut and almond sounds soothing and inspiring on this day.   I opened the jar to get a scent, and the nose tasted just like a candy bar you might have heard of.   It’s the title of this post if you weren’t sure.

CoffeeCoffeeAerial

I was eager to try it and still relieved to be out, that just about anything was going to taste wonderfully.

CoffeeCofeeScone

A cinnamon and raisin scone was ordered to go with my cup.

The sips tasted more like almond biscotti, which is not something to sniff at.  This is not a complaint.  It was fantastic.  And I took my sweet time enjoying this cup.

You might be able to see the sun shining in some of these angles.  It was bright and it was voluminous.  I was a happy guy.  I wasn’t ready to go anywhere.  I think I spent a good 30 minutes in there enjoying myself.

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Look at the bottom. Heavenly.

CoffeeCofeeSconeEaten

The scone was a bit filling so I wasn’t able to complete that part of the party. But the tea I could expound on forever.  But I’ll end it there.  It’s great and I highly recommend it.

CoffeeCofeeFront

If you’re in the vicinity, the shop is definitely worth a visit.

Here is their menu and their various products for sale in the shoppe.

I see they have a customer appreciation day coming up this Thursday, January 28th. That’s always something to look forward to.   I would like to become a regular first before partaking in an event.   Even though my visits have been a few, I am becoming a stalwart. Maybe the next one.

I need to harp on this point again.  Whenever the people are friendly they deserve to be acknowledged.  Every time I’ve stopped in, it’s been nothing but friendly faces and accommodating service.

I’ll be back soon, when the weather is even better.

Best,

Ideen